Set to open in October 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall.

Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus.

For centuries, the Creek has been the city’s epicentre of trade. Visitors to the area can still see the hustle and bustle of this fascinating tradition, where the Dhows and Abras (wooden boats) are docked on the banks of the Creek. Boats still ferry throngs of people across the waterway, just like they did during the pearl boom of centuries ago.

As the Creek winds its way through Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, vintage gives way to vogue, connecting the trading posts of old with modern architectural exuberance. In the distance sits D3, a nexus of art, design and innovation.

The Creek’s journey is a story of the transformation of Dubai from a trading post to the city of the future that it is today, and this has influenced the hotel’s overall architectural and interior design approach.

“We are excited to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the GCC, India and Africa.” said Laura Eggleton, general manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown combines the city’s heritage with the new, fresh buzz of the ever-evolving landscape through local collaborations. We’re looking forward to sharing our neighbourhood story with you.”

Each of the 269 rooms are inspired by the story of Dubai Creek– whether that’s through the surrealist wallpaper exclusively created by local artists, bespoke shisha lamps or the wardrobes with carved wooden doors, hand-crafted in Mashrabiya style with a modern twist.

The spa inspired mother-of-pearl bathrooms pay homage to the country’s proud heritage of pearl diving, while eye-catching vibrant Moroso designer furniture adds a contemporary touch to the interior. Floor to ceiling windows overlook envy-inducing views; be it over the Dubai Canal or the Dubai Skyline.

As part of the Hotel Indigo brand ethos, the hotel has supported local creatives through their close associations with the Alserkal Cultural Foundation, Tashkeel and XVA gallery. The hotel boasts over 200 pieces of art and local design as well as intricately designed carpet on the lobby floor, created through a partnership with the Fatima Bint Mohammed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI).

IHG have built its reputation on a long-standing commitment to guests’ and colleagues’ health and safety and now more than ever has this been a key focus in the opening of Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. IHG have launched the initiative, IHG Clean Promise, using new science-led protocols and service measures that go above and beyond to ensure it exceeds government guidelines.

IHG Clean Promise has partnered with industry leading experts and specialists including Dr Jim Merlino, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at The Cleveland Clinic to define solutions and implement safety and hygiene processes including deep cleaning procedures using hospital-grade disinfectants. Guests can expect to see evolved cleaning procedures in every area of the hotel including; contactless payments, social distancing protocols, clear visual guidelines and expectations, staff protective equipment and visible sanitiser stations.