Staying in Dubai:
Dubai Hotels near Jumeirah Beach
Burj Al Arab - Naturally enough the Jumeirah Beach is famous for what has become recognised as one of the best, if not the most stunning hotel in the world - the 321 metre high Burj Al Arab Hotel (translated to ‘The Tower of the Arabs’).
Two word sum this hotel up - ’unique experience’. The design features two ’wings’ spread in a ’V’ shape to form a vast mast, enclosing the world’s tallest atrium measured at a massive 180 metres (590 feet) tall. It has become for Dubai what Big Ben is to London and the Opera House is to Sydney - an international icon. Even the helicopter pad at the top of the hotel has developed a personality of its own, with Andre Agassi playing a game there and Tiger Woods driving golf balls from it.
Accommodation within the hotel is a fusion of luxury, where east meets west. Not content with almost 25,000 square metres of 30 different types of marble, 8,000 metres of 22-carat gold leaf has been used. While all this luxury does mean the Burj Al Arab is also one of the most expensive hotels in the world, there are only 28 ‘double’ floors containing just 202 bedroom suites. A stay at the hotel therefore means that you are not just simply an anonymous guest.
The suites feature designs that contrast eastern and western styles - Tuscan classic and art nouveau to Arabian-influenced tiled patterns throughout. One of the hotel’s three restaurants, the Al Muntaha, located 200 metres above the ground is supported by a cantilever extending 27 metres from either side of the hotel and offers unrivalled panoramas of Dubai. Another, the Al Mahara is accessed by a simulated underwater voyage featuring a large seawater aquarium as its most prominent feature.
If you want to eat at the Burj Al Arab, I’d advise booking a restaurant well in advance. They’re all in high demand and will require you to observe smart casual dress code. Visitors can take pictures/videos in the public areas (e.g. lobby and 1st floor) but there are signs to indicate where photography is not permitted (meeting areas etc). Photography is also not allowed at the restaurants although I saw some diners who couldn’t resist to get a sneaky snap of themselves! If you just want to visit then check with your concierge as to the times you’re allowed to do so, we were told by ours that there were 3 timeslots in the day when visitors were welcome to look around and one of those was around midnight! On the evening of our meal there we asked one of the staff at the entrance of the Al Qasr Hotel how to get the Burj Al Arab and he directed us to a waiting shuttlebus nearby. It took us into the grounds of the hotel from where we transferred into a golf buggy which took us the rest of the way on the raised driveway, past the water fountain and to the entrance.
The food we ate there was no different to that at the Al Qasr Hotel but it was more to do with the experience of it all. If you manage your expectations in that respect, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. If you decide to visit the washrooms then be prepared for an attendant who’ll greet you courteously and hand you a towel after you’ve washed your hands (at least on the 1st floor)! Our way back from the Burj Al Arab was a little different to the way there, our buggy driver picked us up from the entrance, drove past the fountain and veered of the main raised driveway taking a few quick turns and before we knew it, we’d stopped a quick hop away from a waiting abra back in the grounds of the Madinat Jumeirah.
Every evening the Burj Al Arab stands out like a beacon, inevitably catching the eye, its intricate details highlighted with the mix of evening shadow and light draped over it. In the fading glow of an Arabian sun it seems much more than just another Dubai hotel. At around 7pm, its curves come to life with a dance of lights along the edges spreading to the vertical spine where they flash upward to the very tip. The curved front of the Burj Al Arab then erupts in a surge of different colours, reds, yellows, blues ... one after the other accompanied by surges of flame and water in front of the entrance … the display eventually settles to an unchanging mix of colours adorning the hotel’s front, with the image of the UAE flag at its centre.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel - Adjacent to the Burj Al Arab is the glimmering ‘rising wave’ that has become a Dubai landmark in its own right, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Situated on the Jumeirah Beach, it’s set in stunning beachfront grounds with landscaped gardens and al fresco bars and restaurants, adjacent to the Wild Wadi Water Park. It offers 598 rooms and suites and 19 villas.
Despite its larger size, it’s nevertheless an innovation in contemporary design, ensuring every suite and room has an unhindered view over the ocean through floor to ceiling windows and as expected from a hotel of this reputation, each room features high quality fabrics, hand-crafted furniture and a level of fittings and fixtures in keeping with expectations. There is also internet access, satellite TV and “Sinbad’s”, a club for kids to give the adults in family parties a break.
The facilities at the Pavilion Marina and Sports Club are second to none, with an extensive range of water sports, deep sea fishing, tennis, squash, a health club and golf practice facilities. For those wanting an undersea view, the Pavilion Dive centre is the only PADI certified dive centre in the UAE and guests of Club Executive, Premium Leisure Club, Suites and Beit Al Bahar villas all have exclusive use of the Executive Pool.
The dining options at The Jumeirah Beach Hotel will satisfy all tastes – the are twenty restaurants, bars and cafés each serving cuisine from around the world including Lebanese / Arabic (at Al Khayal), Italian (at Carnevale), Argentinean (at La Parilla), seafood (at the Marina Seafood Market offshore at the edge of the breakwater) and for those with a craving for something more ‘instant’, there’s no problem with arranging a humble burger and fries.
Madinat Jumeirah - It can only be described as a modern tribute to Dubai’s heritage. It has been built with the concept of recreating an ancient Arabian historic citadel meeting modern luxury. Although opulent and ornate, it nevertheless intertwines an overwhelming sense of Arabian tradition throughout. Madinat Jumeirah is very much a city of contrasts - you can simply relax or infuse yourself in the vibrant and exotic.There is 3.7 km of meandering waterways (with fully operational "abras" - traditional water taxis - to transport guests from their rooms to the restaurants and beach) and there are wide open seascapes - all in all, it’s an oasis in which to relax, experience and interact.
There are two grand boutique hotels (Al Qasr Hotel and Mina A’ Salam), 29 Traditional Courtyard Summer Houses - 867 rooms and suites - and a traditional souk with 75 shops and 23 bars, cafes and restaurants. There is the Talise Spa, providing the ultimate in Asian and European relaxation therapies, the Quay Healthclub (all 3,000 square metres of it), unlimited recreational facilities and a wide choice of international cuisine available from the 45 restaurants, cafés and bars.
Madinet Jumeirah also plays host to the region’s leading conference and banqueting centre facilities including the Madinat Arena (a multi-purpose venue for up to 4550 people), the Madinat Theatre, the stunning 1000 seat outdoor Souk Amphitheatre, Fort Island (an outdoor function venue) and the Madinat Conference Hall; by combining all these attributes (and more), leisure and business visitors alike are left under no illusion that Madinat Jumeirah is a fascinating resort.
Mina A’ Salam - Translated to ’harbour of peace’, the Mina A’ Salam is a 5 Star Deluxe grand boutique hotel of subtle style and lies at the gateway to Madinat Jumeirah. It offers a unique escape into a world rich in culture and faithful to time-honoured values.
Mina A’ Salam is as sanctuary of Arabian essence, offering warm welcomes combined with sincere hospitality and provides endless fascination for families and business travellers alike. It affords the opportunity for small groups to retreat in sun-drenched splendour. Visitors can choose to either dine alfresco around the harbour or take in the views of the neighbouring Burj Al Arab. There are 280 rooms and 12 suites, all with private balconies and sea-facing aspects.
The ’Arabian rooms’ offer eye catching views of the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotels, while the Ocean rooms and suites feature views across the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. Each guest room provides the ultimate in comfort, with locally inspired designs complemented by fine fabrics ensuring a truly authentic Arabian experience.
For those seeking a higher level of luxury combined with extra space, there are 12 suites offering capacious style. Whatever you choose, Mina A’ Salam is committed to providing a stay that will dwell long in the memory.
The Al Qasr Hotel - As the ’palace’ at the heart of Madinat Jumeirah, the Al Qasr Hotel is the second of the area’s two 5 Star Deluxe (grand boutique) hotels. It’s a hotel for those seeking a stately ambience and a little regal splendour.
Surrounded by water, the hotel forms a virtual island and is approached via a ’ceremonial’ causeway. This majestic mansion style hotel rises up as an authentic recreation of ’old Arabia’. There are ancient wind-towers, pools, meandering waterways and a superb two kilometre wide private beach. The Al Qasr Hotel transports you back to times past - a time of palatial opulence, it has 292 rooms and suites with private balconies featuring traditional decor and all the best facilities.
Both the Mina A’ Salam and Al Qasr Hotel offer access to the Quay Healthclub, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Talise Spa, Madinat Theatre and Souk Amphitheatre.
