As a GM, Victor Chalfoun is refreshingly different. Currently heading up the achingly swish Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, Cairo-born Victor’s path to hospitality greatness serves as an example and an inspiration to anyone hoping to work their way to the top. From the moment that he joined the Hilton group as part of its management training ‘Elevator Program’ in 2001, an initiative designed to recognise and nurture potential, he’s remained loyal to the company as he’s ascended all the way up — and it all began in Dubai.
“The Elevator Program was a pivotal moment for me, as it gave me the opportunity to experience all aspects of the business while accelerating my growth within the industry,” says Victor. “In 2002, I had my first management training experience in Dubai at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, which I remember vividly. It was a bustling property, and the city was rapidly growing as a global destination. This was my first real exposure to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of Dubai, and it taught me so much about adaptability and leadership in a multicultural environment.”
Subsequently working his way through properties in Bahrain, Canada, the UAE and South Africa, Victor has made excellence, leadership and fostering growth in his teams his priority. He came back to Dubai once again in 2018 to steer a pre-opening Waldorf Astoria DIFC to dazzling success — and he certainly delivered. Here we get to know both the property and the man behind it a little better, in all its lush, indulgent glory.
GMT GCC: Waldorf Astoria DIFC is a hotel that doesn’t shy away from the finer things in life — so what does the concept of indulgence mean to you?
Victor Chalfoun: To me, indulgence is about crafting experiences that go beyond the ordinary — it’s about creating moments of pure luxury that leave lasting impressions. At Waldorf Astoria DIFC, indulgence means personalising every detail to ensure that our guests feel truly cared for and immersed in comfort. Every team member across the hotel is dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience, ensuring that every interaction feels effortless and extraordinary. It’s not just about opulence; it’s about understanding our guests on a deeper level and anticipating their needs, allowing them to fully disconnect from their daily routines and enjoy the refined, yet welcoming atmosphere we’ve created.
Since its opening in 2019, the Waldorf Astoria DIFC has been an outpost of New York City chic in Dubai. Can you tell us about the property’s character and personality?
It’s truly a blend of New York City sophistication and Dubai’s vibrant energy, offering a unique take on modern luxury. We embrace this dual identity, creating a space that feels both timeless and cosmopolitan. The property is designed with the elegance and grandeur that Waldorf Astoria is known for, but with a contemporary twist that reflects the dynamic spirit of the heart of the city, DIFC.
Our interiors echo the glamour of 1960s New York — elegance, rich textures, and subtle art decorative elements — but what really defines our personality is the balance between refinement and warmth. While we offer all the sophistication you’d expect from a luxury hotel, there’s also a strong sense of intimacy and approachability, whether you’re dining at Bull & Bear or enjoying the sunset at St. Trop. Being located in the heart of DIFC, the hotel naturally draws inspiration from the business district’s fast-paced energy, yet it remains a sanctuary of calm amid the hustle and bustle. It’s a place where international business travellers and leisure guests alike can feel at home, with personalised service and experiences that are tailored to their needs.
You’re an experienced GM who’s spent your entire career within Hilton properties — but your journey has been somewhat different from other GMs, and you’ve really worked your way up in a spectacular way. Tell us more about your beginnings and why Dubai is such an important place for you.
My career in hospitality has been a life-changing journey. Looking back, that early experience in Dubai was foundational. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the hospitality industry and the importance of creating meaningful connections with guests and colleagues. From a young age, I always prioritised the quality of my growth over the speed of it. One philosophy that has been key to my development is Kaizen, the Japanese concept of continuous improvement. I’ve embraced this mindset throughout my career, striving to learn, grow and refine my approach every day. From those early days to leading Waldorf Astoria DIFC today, each step in my career has been a building block towards where I am, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a global and enriching journey. The Kaizen approach has allowed me to focus on constant evolution, ensuring that I bring fresh perspectives and innovations to every role I’ve held.
In a nutshell
We ask general manager Victor Chalfoun to share his top Waldorf Astoria DIFC tips
Favourite dish: My favourite would have to be everything on the new tasting menu at Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman. The Omnivore tasting menu features exquisite selections, including the exceptional crab, tender beef and succulent lobster. I highly recommend indulging in this culinary experience — it’s truly exceptional!
Best spa treatment: The signature massage, known as the Voya Marine Vitality.
Most luxurious suite: Undoubtedly the presidential suite. Its elegant design and stunning views make it a truly exceptional experience.
Favourite coffee moment: Anytime spent in Peacock Alley, surrounded by the venue’s stunning beauty and elegant ambiance.
The patisserie’s most delicious creation: The pistachio and apricot pastry from Peacock Alley.
At Waldorf Astoria, heritage is a big deal — what historical touches can guests find throughout the DIFC property?
There are subtle touches that reflect the legacy of the original Waldorf Astoria in New York throughout the property, creating a timeless atmosphere of elegance. One of the most notable historical elements is our use of art deco design: from the grand chandeliers in the lobby and exquisite mosaic flooring to the intricate details in our furniture and fixtures, the décor is inspired by the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York, offering a sense of classic luxury.
Our restaurant venues also pay homage to the originals, with Bull & Bear taking its name from the famous restaurant in the original Waldorf Astoria, where it was a hub for business leaders and socialites alike, and luxurious afternoon tea venue Peacock Alley is also inspired by the original property in New York. Now we’re taking this legacy to the next level by introducing Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman, led by the renowned chef from the UK. With Marc’s innovative culinary expertise, we’re rebranding the restaurant to offer a fresh, modern take on fine dining, while preserving the timeless essence of the Waldorf Astoria experience.
What would you cite as Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s most indulgent experiences? Maybe walk us through what could be a perfectly indulgent day at the property?
It might begin with a relaxing morning by the rooftop pool at St. Trop, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere surrounded by the stunning Dubai skyline. As the afternoon approaches, step into Peacock Alley for our signature afternoon tea. We recently launched the ‘Meet Me At The Clock: Ballet Edition’ afternoon tea, where a beautiful ballerina dances gracefully across the floor of the venue. I highly recommend experiencing this limited edition offering, as it adds an extra touch of magic to your visit. For those who appreciate fine cigars, an evening visit to our Cigar Lounge offers an exclusive Louis XIII serve, featuring selections from the Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s Louis XIII cabinet. This rich and refined experience embodies the essence of true luxury.
For those wishing to stay the night, our Presidential Suite is the pinnacle of indulgence. With its 180-degree views of the city, the suite offers an expansive living space, a separate dining room for up to 12 guests, and a fully equipped media room. One of the highlights is the luxurious bathtub with a skyline view, allowing you to unwind while soaking in the stunning vistas of the city. It also includes a dedicated butler and a professional-grade catering kitchen with a separate entrance to ensure seamless service.
Tell us more about this dedicated butler!
Waldorf Astoria DIFC has a Personal Concierge service, dedicated to curating an ultra-luxurious experience tailored to each guest’s unique preferences. From the moment you book, our team ensures every detail is in place, from your bedding type to room category, ensuring that your stay is perfectly comfortable. Whether you have a preferred pillow from our Pillow Menu, a specific view you’d like to see from your room, or any other personal touches, your Personal Concierge is there to make it happen.
The concept of the personal concierge serves as a one-stop shop, streamlining the process for all guests. Rather than speaking to various individuals across departments, our Personal Concierge acts as your dedicated point of contact, ensuring a seamless experience. Working closely with our main concierge department, the two teams collaborate to not only ensure comfort inside your suite but also handle all other aspects of your stay, including arranging exclusive dining experiences, transportation and personalised activities. Whether it’s luxury car service, helicopter transfers or tailored itineraries, our concierge is on hand to craft every moment of your visit. From spa bookings and personal shopping to bespoke experiences like yacht charters or desert safaris, we aim to deliver an unforgettable stay where every detail is flawlessly executed.
