BACKGROUND At a height of 355 metres, the 72-storey twin-tower skyscraper complex is the world’s tallest hotel. It is also the flagship property of the Emirates Airlines’ Hotels division, but managed by Marriott International. It opened its doors to guests in February 2013.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The driveway in front of the lobby is crowded for most part of the day. It kind of prepares you for a busy lobby when you enter through its glass doors. Friendly staff guide you to the reception desks that face the entrance. There isn’t much seating available in the lobby. I had arrived in the morning and already had two people before me in queue. The line moved quickly though. The receptionist offered to give me information on the emirate if it was my first time in Dubai. Having visited twice before, I politely declined. I was handed a baggage tag and directed to Tower A. On my way I passed by La Farine, a restaurant known for its delicious breakfast, which I would try later during my two-day stay.

WHERE IS IT? It is on Sheikh Zayed Road that runs through Dubai’s main business district. The Business Bay Metro Station is walking distance from the hotel. Dubai International Airport is a 20-minute drive from here.

ROOM FACILITIES I stayed in the Deluxe room, which is the base category. The spacious 44 sqm room has two large sofa chairs with a small coffee table. These are placed by the window that forms one wall of the room. Entrance to the carpeted room is through a short passage that has two single cupboards, between which is a luggage rack. Adjoining this is the minibar with an espresso machine and free water bottles. Beside it is a large work desk with a media connectivity panel that can charge multiple devices at a time. Unfortunately there aren’t enough bedside sockets. However, the iPod dock beside the bedside control panel can charge an iPhone. The desk is along the room’s full-length mirror that covers an entire wall opposite the bed. In addition to the television, there is a DVD player. The marble bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower, as well as a bidet. Bath amenities are by the luxury brand, Aromatherapy Associates.

I had arrived on a Saturday, and did not feel the need to venture down for a suitable area to work. The in-room wifi is fast, and the phone is conveniently placed on the work desk, with an additional one by the bed.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS One can spend an entire weekend at JW Marriott Marquis, sampling its many F&B options. These include the popular Rang Mahal (Indian cuisine) by celebrity chef Atul Kochhar. There are Japanese, South American and Italian restaurants too. On the 71st and 72nd floors is Vault from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Dubai skyline, while puffing on a premium cigar from the collection sold here. A more casual atmosphere can be found at Bridgewater Tavern, the gastro pub.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The meeting space here is impressive with over 8,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor venues. The largest event space — Dubai Ballroom — can accommodate 1,548 guests. Large venues can be further divided into smaller rooms on request. There is also a business centre with secretarial assistance on the fourth floor.

LEISURE FACILiTIES Saray Spa has a menu of “traditional and contemporary restorative treatments”. There is also a steam room, therapy baths and a lap pool here, as well as a couples suite. The outdoor swimming pool is temperature-controlled and and overlooks Burj Khalifa. The gym has cardio equipment with free weights.

VERDICT It is a perfect place for a business traveller who has enough options to keep him occupied at the property after working hours.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in November started from AED 1,333/23,254 for a Guest room.

CONTACT JW Marriott Marquis, Sheikh Zayed Road; tel: +971 4 414 0000; marriott.com.