JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai review

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This was published 7 years ago

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai review

By Kylie McLaughlin
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The Location

The hotel is in central Dubai. Walking is not really an option in the oppressive heat, but with the constant stream of taxis, one can whisk you away to tourist hot spots such as the Dubai Mall (with the aquarium) and the Burj.

The Space

The hotel restaurants include Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar.

The hotel restaurants include Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar.

Boasting the world's tallest hotel, the four-year-old, 1600-room, 72-floor Marriott is everything you would expect from a five-star luxury resort hotel in Dubai that relies more on an understated elegance than the opulence of some of its better known seven-star competitors. Split into two enormous towers, the lower levels share facilities such as the restaurants, pool, spa and a state-of-the-art gym. All are large, impressively designed spaces (with particular nod to the restaurants), with some open 24 hours. The rooftop pool looks inviting – quiet with a large bar, shady palm trees and frangipanis and great views across this hazy city.

The Room

Spacious with neutral tones, huge windows and killer views, it feels like a sanctuary from the desert heat. It houses a king-sized bed, plenty of desk and storage space and enough room to throw a few belongings without it feeling cluttered. The luxury marble bathroom is probably the size of a Hong Kong hotel room, with a modern bathtub, double shower and bidet, and loads of toiletries. There are also coffee and tea facilities (but no milk!).

The rooftop pool.

The rooftop pool.

The Food

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There are an incredible 14 world-class restaurants here, and you'll never get to try them all, but you'll want to – which may prevent you from venturing into the outside world. Restaurants include Michelin starred Indian Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar where deconstructed Indian street food sets taste buds tingling. Similarly, the cavernous Thai Thong does not disappoint, with an excellent menu and well-balanced flavours. The Peruvian Garden is similarly fantastic, right up to the top floor's steakhouse American Prime68 where you can skip to dessert with some traditional old-school US treats such as banana Foster, flambed at your table. You could stay at this hotel just for the food. It's amazing. And it doesn't stop there – the breakfast buffet is similarly overwhelming, divided into sections that are repeated, with Indian, Asian, European and Middle Eastern options. I came across foods I'd never seen before. They also make decent coffee and the service is friendly and prompt.

Stepping Out...Or not

Zipping around town from the hotel is easy, as taxis are readily available from the front. You're no more than 30 minutes away from the main tourist hot spots.

However, there are two more features that may tempt you to stay in. First, the hotel houses a popular nightclub, which has young people streaming in and out of the building when we arrive late on a Saturday night. Second, there is a phenomenal spa where I had what was possibly the best massage of my life from a Thai masseuse. The impressive Saray Spa spans the entire third floor of both towers and specialises in Middle Eastern scrubs, baths and massages, such as their signature "Dead Sea Journey".

The Verdict

The Marriott is an excellent choice for those looking for high-end comforts stopping over in Dubai. With top-notch rooms and service throughout, the experience is faultless.

Highlight

The magnificent space and food of the Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar, Marriott's Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, changed my opinion of Indian food.

Lowlight

We were charged $20 a night for Wi-Fi.

Essential

Phone: +971 4 414 0000; jwmarriottmarquisdubai@marriott.com, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

From $530 a night

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