WHAT’S IT LIKE? It’s two lobbies flood with natural light during the day. Guestrooms look into a picturesque courtyard dominated by a grand circular skylight.
WHERE IS IT? In the Deira area, close to major attractions such as the Golf Souk, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and adjacent to Hamarain Shopping Mall, which can be accessed from inside the hotel.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 351 guestrooms and suites, including the Royal Suite with its own indoor circular plunge pool.
ROOM FACILITIES: Executive Suites are extremely spacious at 83sq m. Instead of the usual placement against a wall, the TV cabinet is located in the middle of the room, delineating the sleeping area and the work area, which features a plump sofa and armchairs and the desk.
Roomy closets and the bathroom – boasting an extra sink outside the wash area – are found by the entrance. Accessing the internet was swift and I was happily emailing away 15 minutes after I had settled down.
RESTAURANTS: You needn’t step out of the hotel as the onsite F&B options are truly extensive: American steak, Italian, pub grub, Lebanese (with belly dancing by Zeina twice nightly), Asian, a Bavarian beerhouse and more Middle East choices. Shisha pipes can be enjoyed at Awafi rooftop café.
BAR: The Piano Lounge and Atrium Café provide the chill-out option.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: Wi-Fi is available in public spaces such as the Atrium Café and Vienna Café; two column-free ballrooms, the Amal, which is equipped with a hydraulic stage, can accommodate 1,200 guests theatre style and is divisible into seven sections and the Deira taking up to 700 guests theatre style and divisible into two. There are also 11 meeting rooms and a business centre. Overseeing activities is an “events concierge”.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Temperature controlled, roof-top swimming pool, health club with fully equipped cardio training room, separate male and female Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna and two squash courts.
VERDICT: Its central location, well-known standards of service and wide range of F&B options make this a well-patronised property.
PRICE: Internet rates start from US$422 for a three-night stay in early February.
CONTACT: Hamarain Centre, Abu Baker El Siddique Road, PO Box 16590, Dubai, UAE, tel 914 262 4444, www.jwmarriottdubai.com
Margie T Logarta
