The welcome
The minute I step out of the taxi in the Elysian's courtyard entrance, I know I am in for a refreshingly different hotel experience: a doorwoman in a black suit whisks my suitcases out of the car and says "Welcome, Ms Gannon." (Clever - she must have checked my baggage tags.) At reception, Nadim, who checks me in, tells me he was born in Dubai. He walks me through the restaurant and spa options and suggests the Chicago Tribune for my newspaper. He then shows me to my room, and when another woman arrives with my suitcases, she politely turns down my tip: "It's not necessary," she says. "It's our service."
I later find out that everyone in the hotel refuses tips, although service charges are included in the spa and restaurants. What a revelation: how relaxing it is not to fumble around for bills in a foreign currency every five minutes. Similarly, wireless and local calls are free.
______________________
• For more hotel reviews from around the world, visit Hotel Insider.
______________________
The neighbourhood
The Elysian is in the well-heeled Gold Coast neighbourhood at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, aka Michigan Avenue. Most of the Magnificent Mile's shopping destinations are within walking distance: Marc Jacobs is located in the hotel, while stores such as Barneys New York and Prada are a block away. And while you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, Millennium Park, the new heart of Chicago, is a short taxi ride away.
The service
Everyone I encounter at the Elysian, from the people opening doors to the reception staff, from the IT fixers to the waiters, from the concierge to the spa attendants, are chatty and familiar. "Got it," is an expression I hear a lot over the phone. "Yay!" the concierge claps. But they are all also very serious about service. Everything is executed with clockwork precision. Room service arrives precisely when promised (25 minutes); a technician shows up with a spare laptop when I can't get wireless on my iPad just in case he can't fix the problem (he does); and not only does the front desk call local grocery stores to track down Vienna beef wieners, a Chicago staple, a gift for my friend, but the hotel's courtesy Lexus also whisks me away to buy them.
The room
The decor is modern yet classically elegant, with taupe walls and white and black furnishings, and a bed with 460-thread-count Italian linen so comfortable I forget I exist when I fall asleep. My executive suite has a terrace and a gas fireplace, although I'm told most of the 188 rooms do. There's a large flatscreen television in the living room and bedroom, as well as another backlit one behind the bathroom mirror. The fancy all-on/off switches actually work. A Bowers & Wilkins iPod dock provides higher-than-usual sound quality in the bedroom.
The food
For breakfast in my room I order a granola parfait with organic whole milk yogurt and home-made fruit preserves (US$10; Dh37), freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ($7; Dh26) and French press coffee ($7; Dh26). Unexpectedly for a "healthy" breakfast, the granola is freshly crunchy and the fruit is bursting with flavour. Again, I opt for room service for dinner in front of my gas fireplace, choosing a thin-crusted, rich, cheesy pizza called tarte flambée ($19; Dh70). Balsan, the main restaurant, offers a three-course "Sunday supper" ($29; Dh107). On the Sunday I'm there, the menu consists of wood-oven roasted beets and hiramasa crudo (sashimi) for an appetiser; chicken fricassee, potato risotto, creamed spinach and paella, all served in little pots, for the main, and Meyer lemon sorbet cups with poppy-seed shortbread for dessert. RIA, the seafood restaurant, just received two Michelin gold stars; unfortunately it's closed on Sunday.
The scene
Although the bar and restaurants at the weekend are packed with well-dressed revellers engaged in exuberant banter, most of the guests who quietly come and go are stylish yet discreet: think dot-com business travellers, mothers/daughters out shopping and beautiful couples.
Loved
The little details are a delight: the room has a freshly stocked ice drawer, magazines such as Vanity Fair and smart stationery cards labelled "Before I forget". And then there is the hotel's decor, by the Chicago firm Simeone Deary. The lobby feels like an art gallery, all white marble punctuated by modern Grecian busts and a painting that bursts with jade green behind the front desk, lit by a chandelier inspired by a Chanel brooch. Lastly, the cosy gas fireplace on a cold Chicago day makes it hard to ever leave.
Hated
The Elysian makes itself bulletproof when it comes to criticism. My only regret was not being able to get a private Pilates session at the last minute on the weekend.
The verdict
The brains and money behind this brand hope to expand; I'll follow the Elysian around the world, if it stays true to its artistic design and simple-yet-efficient service philosophy.
The bottom line
Double rooms cost from $456 (Dh1,675) per night, including taxes.The Elysian, 11 East Walton, Chicago (www.elysianhotels.com; 800 500 8511).
mgannon@thenational.ae
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
England ODI squad
Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eco%20Way%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Kroshnyi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electric%20vehicles%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bootstrapped%20with%20undisclosed%20funding.%20Looking%20to%20raise%20funds%20from%20outside%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Light of the Moon
Director: Jessica M Thompson
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, Michael Stahl-David
Three stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hoopla%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jacqueline%20Perrottet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20required%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
The biog
Nickname: Mama Nadia to children, staff and parents
Education: Bachelors degree in English Literature with Social work from UAE University
As a child: Kept sweets on the window sill for workers, set aside money to pay for education of needy families
Holidays: Spends most of her days off at Senses often with her family who describe the centre as part of their life too
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
Opening day UAE Premiership fixtures, Friday, September 22:
- Dubai Sports City Eagles v Dubai Exiles
- Dubai Hurricanes v Abu Dhabi Saracens
- Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The%20Continental%3A%20From%20the%20World%20of%20John%20Wick%20
%3Cp%3ECreated%20by%3A%20Greg%20Coolidge%2C%20Shawn%20Simmons%2C%20Kirk%20Ward%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Mel%20Gibson%2C%20Colin%20Woodell%2C%20Mishel%20Prada%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
