DoubleTree By Hilton M Square Hotel & Residences, Dubai

The 23-storey hotel features 327 uniquely styled hotel rooms and suites that will cater to both business and leisure travelers, as well as 131 serviced residences for short, extended-stays and serviced-living options. The contemporary design is inspired by the “Industrial Chic” concept, demonstrated by an awe-inspiring feature wall, the first-of-its-kind in the UAE, commissioned by London-based Giles Miller Studio.

TWO Art Consultants were appointed to curate, produce and style the artwork and accessories for the DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square in Bur Dubai. The 23-storey hotel features 458 uniquely styled hotel rooms and suites that cater to both business and leisure travelers, as well as 131 serviced residences.

Inspired by the properties 360-degree view of the Dubai skyline and historical areas, TWO took inspiration from the surrounding souks and old architecture to take guests on a cultural journey that incorporates historical elements such as heritage, architecture, modes of transport, navigation tools and local street scenes into the art and accessories package – bridging history with modernity to offer guests an authentic insight into Dubai.

While the hotel exterior gives little away, upon entering the main the lobby, guests are engulfed by an awe-inspiring 15m long feature wall made up of over 29,000 identical pixel-like elements placed at varying angles to enable a visually stunning installation of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. On the opposing wall, the collection feels very New York, with bicycles protruding from the walls in abstract formations to give a more literal interpretation of the curated theme.

The Branded Residences lobby tells the story of UAE’s history as a trading post and destination for voyagers of the past, the artworks depict maps of ancient routes and scenery of traditional ships at sea.

The main lobby lounge and circulation spaces are a treasure trove of art and objects, with several large wall-based art installations complemented by a quirky collection of decorative items, large and small. The wooden shelving units throughout the property are filled up to the ceiling with the most unexpected objects; antique sun compasses, sand timers, magnify glasses, vintage boat propellers and dated binoculars feature alongside antique analog radios, old telephones and vintage looking globes. A collection of books covering topics from art and design through to encyclopaedias and history adorn the shelves of the business centre.

Curated artworks in the hotel’s specialty restaurant are inspired by Islamic geometric patterns and ornament, TWO reinterpreted traditional techniques to develop a series of bold and contemporary artworks that add bold texture and colour to the design.

The artwork in the hotel guest rooms and branded apartments blend modern day icons alongside heritage imagery to further bridge modernity with history.

It was paramount that the art created for the property would relate to both Dubai and the hotel’s local neighbourhood. TWO’s curation and selection at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences resulted in the property being recognized as one of only 9 Hilton properties across the globe to visit for their art alone. More than 2000 artworks and over 4000 decorative accessories contribute to the collection.