Every week we’ll introduce you to a talented concierge from one of our hotel partners to give you their top 10 insider tips.
This week we meet Mr. Devaand Pareva, Chief Concierge, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, who is sharing his travel tips to Dubai.
One of my favourite things about the Sofitel Dubai Downtown is:
The team at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown and their fantastic team spirit.
One of the things I love most about my job is:
I like the challenges that my job provides. My role is all about how to deal with new and different challenges. This is what keeps me interested and motivated. Being a chief concierge gives me a sense of value and importance of person, because what matters most is behavior and good attitude.
One of my favourite memories as a concierge is:
One of the guest flights to London was cancelled and she wanted to fly immediately otherwise she would have incurred a significant loss. I took a lot of time and effort to search, until finally I was able to arrange a flight. She was so happy and it was an honor to help in such difficult times when bad weather conditions prevailed and flights were difficult to confirm.
The question I’m most regularly asked is:
I am always asked about visiting Burj Al Arab. As there is no tour as such of this iconic hotel, we recommend guests to visit for a dinning or high tea experience.
The most common item people leave behind at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown is:
Items of clothing are always left behind.
One of the strangest questions I’ve ever been asked is:
The strange questions I get are usually requests for breakfast at late hours after 3AM. Luckily at Sofitel Dubai Downtown we have a 24 hour restaurant with a wonderful selection of international cuisine.
The activity/attraction/tour I encourage all our guests to do while here in Dubai:
Desert Safari, Dubai City Tour, Helicopter tour and Hot Air Balloon adventures in the dessert. Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai historical tours including The Dubai Museum & the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural
Don’t leave the hotel or Dubai without eating or drinking:
Don’t leave the hotel without eating at the exclusive and private dining experience at Chef’s Table at The Red Grill within Sofitel Dubai Downtown.
On my days off you would find me:
Usually either in one of Dubai’s amazing shopping malls as they are a destination in themselves or exploring new restaurants that I can recommend to our guests. It is important I keep updated at the diverse choices the city has to offer.
I recommend that keen shoppers visit:
1. The Dubai Mall 2. Mall of the Emirates 3. Bastakiya 4. All three Souks: Gold Souk, Spice Souk & Textile Souk.
5. ‘At the Top’ experience located on level 124 of the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa. This amazing viewing platform provides a unique experience of stunning panoramic views of the entire city and beyond.
Length of time you’ve worked at the hotel or lived in Dubai:
For the last 16 years.