BACKGROUND Swiss hotel group Movenpick has big expansion plans in the Middle East, aiming to open 17 new properties in the next three years. In Dubai, the Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach launched in March, and four more are set to open in the emirate by the end of the year.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The Movenpick Jumeirah Beach is a five-star property the company prefers to call “upscale” rather than “luxury”. A new-build with 23 storeys, it’s one of the 40 towers that comprise the Jumeirah Beach Residence complex – Movenpick terms it an “urban resort”, though the beach is minutes away.
The designers have gone for a relaxed, Miami-style feel, and this is immediately evident when you walk into the double-height lobby – it’s bright and airy with lots of light wood, palm trees, and aquamarine vases and cushions. There’s barely a straight line to be seen, with curving sofas, irregular shaped bowls and oval mosaics in the marble floor.
Reception is to your left, ahead is the West Beach Bistro, to the right is a patisserie, and in the corner, floor cushions and shisha pipes give a nod to the destination. I was impressed by the warm welcome I received from the doormen and reception staff, and the hot towel and fresh apple juice I was offered as I checked in.
WHERE IS IT? On the Walk, a lively shopping and dining promenade in Jumeirah Beach Residence, the 1.7km-long waterfront development by Dubai Marina. The Palm, Media City and Internet City are close by, the centre is about 20 minutes’ drive away and Dubai International airport about 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
ROOM FACILITIES The 294 rooms are a mixture of Superior, Deluxe and Executive rooms (all 35 sqm in size) and Junior and Royal suites. All have Arabian Gulf views and a balcony. Amenities that come as standard include a separate shower and bath, wired/wifi internet (costing Dhs 100/£19 per 24 hours – access is free in Executive rooms and suites), a flatscreen TV, air conditioning, a safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, robes and slippers, and an iron and ironing board.
I stayed in an Executive room on the top floor. It had a fresh, natural feel, with a cream, green and yellow colour scheme and a big abstract plant canvas above the bed. Having arrived at night, it was nice to step on to the balcony the next morning and see the sea. There was a comfy king-size bed, a chaise longue, coffee table and a good-sized workdesk with two UK sockets. A wired internet cable was provided – I opted for the wifi but found the connection a little slow.
The bathroom had a walk-in shower and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. The water out of the cold tap was warm, which wasn’t too pleasant when brushing my teeth. Maid service was twice a day and I was given free mineral water, fruit and a daily copy of The Gulf Today.
As an Executive guest I had access to the 21st-floor lounge – it was bright and peaceful and had a big balcony with plenty of seating and a view of the Palm. A good breakfast buffet was served here with eggs cooked to order. Staff were friendly and helpful, and there were two TVs and two laptops with free wifi. The facility is open 6.30am-12am, and also serves afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and snacks and drinks throughout the day.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS On the third floor is The Talk (open 6.30am-2am), a big open-plan space that is three outlets in one – a bar-lounge that opens to a large poolside terrace, a sushi bar open mainly for lunch and dinner, and a “food emporium” with an open kitchen and pizza and tandoori ovens, offering buffet and à la carte options.
There’s also a private dining room for 12 people and a glass-walled wine cellar. On the ground floor, West Beach Bistro was about to open when I stayed in May. Preliminarily open for dinner, it may open for lunch after the summer. Room service is 24 hours.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES These are located on the first floor. There is a ballroom that divides into three and holds 500 people for a reception, along with a pre-function area and two boardrooms. None has daylight but all are stylish decorated with plenty of purple. The Talk and the vast terrace and garden it opens on to can be used for events of up to 1,500 people.
LEISURE FACILITIES On the third floor is Body Talk spa and fitness centre. It has a large gym with Technogym equipment and sea views, two treatment rooms, and male and female saunas and steam rooms. The spa is open 8am-10pm and the fitness centre open 24 hours. Steps lead down to the outdoor infinity pool on the second floor, from where there is direct access to the beach.
VERDICT An excellent new choice for Dubai with a relaxed atmosphere, well-equipped rooms, good dining and leisure facilities, and a lively location.
Michelle Mannion
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 294 in total – 189 Superior, 55 Deluxe, 34 Executive, 14 Junior suites and two Royal suites.
- ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The comfy bed, large workdesk and lounge access.
- PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in September started from Dhs 918 (£172) for a Superior room.
- CONTACT Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence; tel +971 4449 8888; moevenpick-jumeirahbeach.com
