WHAT’S IT LIKE? The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina opened in May last year and is set in spacious grounds. The reception is on the first floor, while the ground floor offers access to the pools and beach. Check-in was swift, although my room was not ready as I had arrived early. I had a drink in the lobby and was then shown to my room, with my luggage arriving almost immediately. Opening soon is a courtesy lounge for guests who arrive early or depart late in the day.
WHERE IS IT? On Jumeirah Beach, opposite Dubai Media City and near the marina with views of the Palm.
ROOM FACILITIES Most of the rooms have sea views and are of a good size, starting from 52 sqm. I was staying in a suite which consisted of a spacious lobby and a lounge area with comfy chairs, a desk and dining table, and a large flatscreen TV and DVD player. The bedroom featured one of Westin’s trademark Heavenly beds, a flatscreen TV and DVD player, a minibar, a walk-in wardrobe, an iron and ironing board, and a safe. The marble bathroom had a rainshower, a separate bath, two sinks and Aigner toiletries. Toiletries in lower-category rooms are Westin branded. The Deluxe and Executive rooms are fitted in a similar style with either one large king-size bed or two queen beds.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS There are plenty of eateries to choose from. Hunters Room and Grill is open from 6pm-11pm and has a huge selection of steaks from around the world. My Australian fillet with pepper sauce was superb. The Spice Emporium is an Asian restaurant, also open only for dinner, offering a fusion of flavours from different regions. I had a Thai-style green beef curry which was very tasty.
Bussola is an Italian restaurant in a building in front of the hotel with beautiful sea views. It is open for lunch and dinner and offers a selection of meat, fish, pasta and risotto dishes. It also has a deck upstairs where pizza is served. Blue Orange was closed during my visit but is normally open 24 hours and serves food buffet-style or à la carte.
Other than the pool bars, there is Oeno Wine Bar, situated to the right of the lobby and open from 4pm. It has a superb wine list and a fabulous room with cheeses from around the world. There is also live music and the chance to organise private tutored tastings of the wine and cheese. The second bar, Senyar, is open from lunchtime and is a modern, lively venue across two floors. Tapas are available and there are semi-private areas that are ideal for groups. The Atrium lobby lounge bar serves snacks, drinks and afternoon tea. Room service is available 24 hours and guests can also use the seven bars and restaurants at the Westin’s sister hotel, the Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, next door.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The Westin Executive Club on the eighth floor is available to residents of suites and Executive rooms, and is open from 6am-2am. The meetings facilities are all on the lobby level. In a wing to the left, with its own entrance, is the Serdaal ballroom, which can cater for 1,200 delegates theatre-style. In the opposite wing, to the right of the lobby, is a purpose-built facility consisting of seven meeting rooms that can cater for board meetings of up to 12, to receptions for over 100 people. This is a fabulous, well thought-out area benefiting from the latest technology and stylish furniture with plenty of space to circulate. Some rooms also have an outside terrace. The business centre is likewise on the lobby level and is open 24 hours. Wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel for Dhs50 (£9.50) for one hour or Dhs80 (£15) for one day.
LEISURE FACILITIES There are pools, tennis courts, a watersports centre and lots of sailing and fishing opportunities at the adjacent marina. The hotel also owns two racing yachts that can be used for team activities. On the second floor there is a large gym with cardiovascular equipment and weights, plus a sauna and a steam room. If you want to relax, the Heavenly Spa by Westin is next door.
VERDICT An elegant hotel, conveniently located for business and leisure, with first-class facilities and service.
Fact file
HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 294, including 180 Deluxe, 88 Executive and 26 suites.
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The amount of space, the sea views, the modern technology and the comfortable Westin Heavenly bed.
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in April started from Dhs1,380 (£263) for a Deluxe room.
CONTACT Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Al Sufouh Road; tel +971 4399 4141; starwoodhotels.com.
Julian Gregory
