Anantara Eastern Mangroves – Abu Dhabi

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Hotelchain: Anantara
Location:
Abu Dhabi– UAE
Classification:
5 star hotel 
Official websiteabu-dhabi.anantara.com

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The Anantara Eastern Mangroves is beautifully located near the only National Park of Abu Dhabi, the Mangroves. I read good things about this hotel and was excited to experience this hotel. This five star palace truly has the most stunning views all over the mangroves and Abu Dhabi. The views all over the hotel are just amazing and the service they provide is of a very high level. They made it quite personal and attention to details was appreciated.

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Check-in went smoothly and we were welcomed with tea and cold towels. What a great start! The check-in staff was very professional and kind. You actually ‘feel’ the Thai hospitality all over the place making this hotel one of the best in the area! We checked in pretty early and our room wasn’t ready yet, so we were immediately escorted to the Kasara executive lounge where we could still enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee and tea while looking outside… enjoying the stunning views! The staff at the lounge was very nice and told us all the things we needed to know about the lounge and other facilities of the hotel. Complimentary (soft) drinks and hot drinks are offered here all day long, at night from 5pm-7pm alcoholic drinks and pre-dinner snacks are included.

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The room we stayed in was very nicely appointed and had the amenities I expect from a 5 star hotel. It was spacious enough and beds are heavenly! Bathroom has separate bath tub and (rain) shower and separate toilet. The room was very clean and well maintained. The thing I liked most about the room was the balcony overlooking the mangroves and Abu Dhabi. I could have sit on that balcony all day long. I still had some work to do and appreciated the oversized desk. A small thing I appreciated were the typical orchid flowers on the bed.

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Getting bored here would be very difficult. There are so many things to do. First of all, the swimming pool (an infinity pool) is gorgeous offering direct views of the mangroves. The surrounding tanning areas are great and loungers were comfortable. The outdoor bar has been beautifully integrated. To me it was a very relaxing place without the hectic city center of Abu Dhabi. I could hear to sound of birds… loved it! I also saw some small boat floating near the Mangroves. It looked like a lot of fun…

The Anantara Eastern Mangroves has a full spa center and I thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Turkish Hammam experience… and let me tell you … an experience it was! One of the very best I have ever had in any spa area. This 60 minute signature treatment of the Anantara Eastern Mangroves is amazing and made me feel reborn. Highly recommended! I should also mention that the interior of the spa area is stunning. It was so nice to relax after the treatment and enjoy a cup of ginger tea and Turkish sweets.

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There are several restaurants at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves and we had dinner at Pachalyen, a Thai restaurant with excellent food and top service! The food was delicious… we enjoyed a three course menu and enjoyed the experience! As a starter we tried the Deep fried prawns cake with a sweet chili dip. The wok fried beef tenderloin fllet with leeks and black pepper sauce and spicy chicken was delicious as was the homemade water chestnuts cooked and boiled with tapioca flour with coconut ice cream. It actually was the best meal we had while we were in Abu Dhabi so thumbs up for the chef and staff! The other restaurant is Ingredients, the all-day dining buffet with specialities all over the world.

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I highly recommend staying at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves when you are looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi! This hotel is a true jewel and I love the attention to detail and overall level of service. There’s an eastern vibe around the place and although this was my first experience at an Anantara property, I am keened to experience more.

InterContinental – Abu Dhabi

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Hotelchain: Intercontinental
Location:
Abu Dhabi– UAE
Classification:
5 star hotel 
Official websiteihg.com/…l/nl/abu-dhabi/auhha/hoteldetail

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As you know, I am a fan of InterContinental hotels and after having stayed at several, I was excited to explore the InterContinental Abu Dhabi! Actually, this hotel was one of the first hotels in Abu Dhabi build back in the 90’s. Of course, the hotel has undergone several renovations after years and now has all the facilities you would expect of a five star hotel.

The lobby area is stunning and I loved the interior designs. From the crystal chandeliers to the comfortable seating areas, it is just gorgeous and has the five star look. Bell staf were very friendly upon arrival and check-in was efficient. We were escorted to the elevators in just minutes. Although it just takes a few seconds for the staff, it does make a difference to me when they guide you to the elevators. Very nice touch!

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Rooms at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi are nice. We stayed in a queen bedroom and although not overly large, it had all the amenities we needed for a comfortable stay. The bathroom had a separate bath tub and shower, separate toilet and single sink.

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The best thing I like about the InterContinental is the beach area. It actually is one of the few hotels in Abu Dhabi center with a private beach area. The whole place is large and besides the private beach, there’s a large outdoor pool and full fitness center. The surrounding views of the Etihad Towers are spectacular and together with the palm trees, I experienced the ultimate holiday feeling! Another pool area is directly connected to the hotel. The beach area is just a 5 minute walk through the marina. Be sure to check it out when you’re there, you will love it too! I worked out at the fitness center and appreciated the latest technology equipment.

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The surrounding areas of the InterContinental Abu Dhabi are very nice and clean. It is so nice to walk around and explore the marina before heading to bed. When we got back to the hotel after our walk, I was surprised by how large this hotel is. There are several restaurants and bars so no need to leave the hotel to have a bite. We had breakfast at Selections. The buffet style breakfast was of a good quality and there was a good variety of several hot and cold dishes.

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The InterContinental is a great five star property in a very interesting area of Abu Dhabi! The surrounding views are amazing and the proximity of the small harbor will give you the feeling of total relaxation! The beach area is one of the nicest I have seen throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai!

The Oberoi – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Oberoi Hotels
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official websitehttp://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-dubai/

The Oberoi Dubai is one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed at in Dubai! It was the first time I stayed at an Oberoi hotel and was truly blown away by the service and overall quality of the property! Located in the business bay area, it is very conveniently located for both business and leisure guests.

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As soon as you enter the hotel, they make you feel welcome! I actually felt “home” after the first night and that means a lot. Every single staff member greeted us with a smile and were happy to fulfill every request we had with a smile. It was really impressive and unseen in any other 5 star property.

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Every room in this Oberoi hotel is spacious. We stayed in a superior deluxe room and at 52 m² it definitely is one of the largest rooms one could find in Dubai. Every guest will be escorted to the room and they explain everything you need to know about the in-room facilities. We liked the small sitting area with comfortable couch and oversized working desk. The bathroom was to die for, so beautiful and oh-so-clean! There’s a butler-service here which is very convenient as you just have to take the phone and make the requests you might have.

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You could never get bored at the Oberoi Dubai, there is so much going on here. The pool is the nicest I have seen in Dubai and it never felt crowded. As soon as you enter the stunning pool area they will bring cold face towels and sun cream for your convenience. It are those small things that make the Oberoi Dubai so unique. Another great feature: the spa area. I thoroughly enjoyed my spa treatment… They take good care of you here and make sure you feel most comfortable and relaxed. Every treatment room even has its own steam shower, very impressive! After the treatment I enjoyed my cup of ginger tea. Do make sure you book a treatment while you’re here, you won’t be sorry!

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There are a few restaurants at the Oberoi Dubai. All looked very different, but always very stylish. As for their signature restaurants, there are 2 options: either Indian food or Japanese/Chinese food. We had dinner at Ananta, the Indian food restaurant. We felt like being in India while seated in this beautiful restaurant. It is one of the top rated restaurants in Dubai and definitely one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. Our menu came with whisky pairing, kind of different and very special. Something you should experience. And once again, the service was top notch.

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After dinner we went off to bed and appreciated the best turn-down service ever experienced! They even unpacked our suitcases and hung up most of our clothes. The room was cleaned (again) and the good night message made it very personal. They are doing such a great job by making the whole Oberoi experience a unique one with a personal approach!

The next morning after a wonderful night, we had breakfast at Nice7One. Again, very classy and stylish and one of the best breakfast ever. It is a buffet style breakfast with several à la carte options, all presented in a very nice way. Not just one of those ordinary breakfasts, having breakfast here is pleasant and relaxing. Do try their cappuccinos, they are delicious!

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I truly am very impressed with the Oberoi Dubai! It is all about perfection here, from the fresh flowers all over the hotel to the most personal approach one could wish for! Our stay at the Oberoi Dubai will be a memory that will last forever! Highly recommended when you are looking for a top luxury hotel in Dubai!

The Grosvenor House – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Luxury Collection
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official websitehttp://www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com/

The Grosvenor House is rated as one of the best hotels in Dubai… So I definitely had to experience this hotel myself and was impressed! Entering the Grosvenor House Dubai is entering a world full of luxury and perfection.

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The main reception area is very large and luxurious decorated. I appreciated the fresh flowers all over the place and the most friendly staff one could wish for! The location is great, I love the Dubai Marina area. It is so relaxing here, I like the lay down and leisure atmosphere. Oh, and the twisted tower next to the hotel is impressive! Check-in went smoothly and the reception staff explained us everything we needed to know about the hotel.

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The Grosvenor House has 2 large hotel towers and guests can choose from many different room categories. We stayed in one of their very large 2 bedroom residence apartments. The room was huge (105 m²) and had all the amenities of a 5 star hotel! There even was a spacious kitchen with washing machine, dish washer, etc. The living area had 2 of the most comfortable couches and a dining area. The 2 bedrooms were amazing with very comfortable beds and plenty of pillows. Every bedroom has its own bathroom. Actually, the 2 bedrooms were both full hotel rooms each with television, safe, bath robes, etc.  The rooms were very well maintained. I did had a few requests and every time I took the phone and dialed “0”, someone answered the phone within a second, very impressive. Fun thing you should know is that they offer complimentary shoe shine service. Just drop your shoes in the shoe bag, dial “0” and within 15 minutes your shoes will be returned to your room, clean. It seemed like I had a new pair of shoes J

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There are a lot of facilities at the Grosvenor House and do know that they offer free shuttle service to either their sister property “Royal Meridien” or the “Mall of the Emirates”. Guests staying here can enjoy the facilities at the Royal Meridien Hotel which is located only 5 minutes from the Grosvenor House, especially the complimentary use of the beach is interesting. The Grosvenor House itself has a lot to offer as well: 2 large swimming pools, a full fitness center and the most beautiful spa area I have ever seen in a hotel. Their spa area B’attitude is located on the 4th floor and I was blown away when the elevator opened. It is so large and beautifully decorated. Even if you are over stressed, you will relax here. The staff was very accommodating and will made me feel at ease in seconds. This is the place to unwind and enjoy a treatment. I thoroughly enjoyed my 60 min massage here. First I was asked to fill in a small form asking me which parts of my body the therapist should (not) focus on and some questions about my health conditions. The 60 minutes that followed were pure relaxation. The therapist I had, did a great job and fulfilled the requests I filled in before. He even gave me some personal advice after the treatment since he felt some stiffness in my neck and shoulders.

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There are several dining options. From a buffet style restaurant to gastronomic à la carte restaurants, the Grosvenor House Dubai has it all. We had dinner at Toro Toro, a South American restaurant with mainly meat dishes. There was a cool and young vibe around the place which I liked very much. The menu was outstanding and there are many dishes to choose from. I had an Australian steak and it truly was the best steak I have ever eaten, I loved every single bite. The dessert was delicious as well… I did visit other restaurants as well, all I can say is that every single place in this hotel looks stunning! Especially the Siddharta bar by Buddha Bar at the pool was to die for! The drinks and food they serve here are of a very high standard as well and again the service top notch. You really don’t have to leave the Grosvenor House if you are hungry or thirsty, there’s something for everyone here!

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After all the eating and drinking, I went to gym which is located on a spa floor. Again, very beautiful located with a view out of the palm. I could see the Atlantis hotel while I was working out. The quality of the fitness equipment was outstanding with the most up to date features you could wish for.

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The next morning we had breakfast and I am not lying when I am telling you that this was one of the best and most complete breakfasts I have ever had! The choices are endless and the quality of the food is outstanding! They offer sushi, several south Asian, north American and eastern dishes. There even is a sweet station with different kinds of pancakes, pies, etc.

The Grosvenor House definitely deserves its good reputation! It is a classy 5 star hotel with the most professional staff. Very impressive and highly recommended when in Dubai!

Sheraton Creek – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Sheraton
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official websitehttp://www.sheratondubaicreek.com/

The Sheraton Creek Dubai is located in the Deira area of dubai and is known as one of the best hotels in the area so I was pretty excited to get the chance to experience the hotel myself. The hotel is actually the first 5 star hotel in Dubai making it pretty unique and you wouldn’t tell when you enter this Sheraton as it looked brand new! It has one of the nicest lobby areas I have seen, very large and ultra-luxurious decorated! It has that grand feeling which I like very much!

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Check-in staff made us feel very welcome and was down to earth, not over the top which sometimes is the case at other 5 star properties but still acting very professional. You feel at ease here, which is worth a lot…

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The room we stayed in was large and of a true 5 star level. It had 2 comfy couches, 2 lovely beds and a large working desk. The marble bathroom was luxurious featuring separate bath tub and oversized (rain) shower. Once again, you wouldn’t tell that this is Dubai’s very first 5 star hotel! The room was totally up to date and decorated in a very nice way. On plus we had the most amazing view!

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The Sheraton Creek hotel has a full spa center with nice swimming pool and several treatment rooms. There are also steam showers and saunas which guests can use at no additional charge. The treatment I had was one of the best massages I have had in Dubai. The therapist did an amazing job and I felt like walking on clouds throughout the treatment. It was so relaxing… Definitely book a treatment when you are there as you will be pampered and relaxed as never before! The outdoor swimming pool offer great views over the creek and Dubai’s skyline. This area may be a little bit out of the center of Dubai, but I liked it. We did see a lot of the locals here which made it quite interesting. Also at night, be sure to check out the view, it is amazing and makes this place pretty special.

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The Sheraton Creek Dubai has several restaurants. The Vivaldi by Afredo Russo is their signature restaurant. I didn’t eat here, but I did take some pictures since the decoration was just stunning! I’m sure that food there is just delicious as Alfredo Russo is a Michelin rated chef.

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We started the next day with an excellent breakfast. The restaurant is located on the lower floor with views of the pool area. The buffet is large and the quality of the food is outstanding! It will please everyone!

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we were staying in a room with club lounge access, we had the choice whether to have breakfast in the restaurant downstairs or in the lounge. I checked out both and have to say that both options are great! Also, during the day you will appreciate the complimentary drinks and snacks in the lounge. From 3 – 5pm guests can enjoy an afternoon tea with small sandwiches. At night, from 6.30 – 8.30pm they serve complimentary alcoholic drinks and small bites. It is a small buffet and after experiencing several executive lounges in different hotels, the quality of the food and drinks are above average! Definitely worth the extra money to upgrade and enjoy the extras this lounge has to offer! They even remember your name which makes you feel very welcome. The personal approach is amazing and makes this hotel one of the better in Dubai!

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The Sheraton Creek Dubai is definitely a good option for your next Dubai getaway! From the stunning views of the Dubai’s skyline to the attention of details throughout the hotel, you will be amazed by this Sheraton hotel!

Dusit Thani – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Dusit Thani
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official websitehttp://www.dusit.com/dusitthani/dubai/

The Dusit Thani hotel is an iconic hotel in Dubai, conveniently located on the Sheikh Zayed Road. Dusit Thani is a Thai hotel brand and this one was the first for me to discover. The building itself is shaped to resemble the Wai, pretty impressive. The Dusit Thani is strategically located just a few minutes from Dubai’s main attractions such as the Burj Khalifa , Dubai Mall, etc. The metro station is within walking distance. We hired a car at the airport and within 15 minutes we arrived at the beautiful Dusit Thani. Good to know: the hotel offers complimentary scheduled pick-up and drop-offs to either the Dubai Mall and/or Mall of the Emirates.

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We arrived pretty late at the hotel, but the staff was very accommodating and made us feel at home right away! We really appreciated the known Thai hospitality! The lobby area is spacious and beautifully decorated. There are several sitting areas with the most comfortable couches.

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We stayed in a very spacious 2 bedroom suite. The suite was very comfortable and well maintained. The beds were very soft and we both had a great night’s sleep. The furniture was totally up to date and the room seemed recently renovated. It was one of the largest rooms I have seen in Dubai. The view we had of the Burj Khalifa was great!

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It would be hard to get bored at the Dusit Thani Dubai. The swimming pool is located on the top floor. Pretty impressive pool area with lovely views over the surrounding Dubai areas. The fitness area is located on this floor too… How cool is it to work out while enjoying a view of the Burj Khalifa?

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The Dusit Thani has several restaurants, I can not comment on the food as I didn’t eat here but they all looked stunning.

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A stay at the Dusit Thani won’t disappoint you, I recommend staying here due the good location and Thai hospitality!

Armani hotel – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Armani hotels
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: http://dubai.armanihotels.com/

We all know Armani, the great designer… but did you know there are 2 Armani hotels? One in Milan and one in Dubai. I visited the one in Dubai and was very impressed! Located in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the Armani hotel is a very exclusive 5 star hotel with great facilities.

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As soon as you enter the hotel, you will actually “feel” the luxury: one style, simple but oh so elegant! One of the nicest hotel design I have ever seen! It feels so serene and exclusive. Everywhere you go, you will be very welcome by the friendliest staff you could ever wish for. They used dark wood and marble all over the place and everything was immaculately clean.

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The hallways are special! I first couldn’t find the doors, but once you know where they are you will appreciate that they are “hidden”. The rooms are elegantly decorated with modern touches and features. There is an iPad in every room which guests can use when they need information about the hotel or want to make reservations for one of their fabulous restaurants. You can even see what’s going on in the hallway on your personal iPad via door camera and doors can be opened with one touch. Very convenient! Bathroom is spacious and has a bathtub and separate (rainhead) shower.

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The Armani hotel in Dubai has 7 restaurants with different kinds of food. I had dinner at Deli (Italian cuisine) and thoroughly enjoyed the food on the large terrace with a fantastic view of the fountains. Service was great too! We never had to wait too long before we got our courses. The food was of a very good quality! The beef carpaccio was to die for! Oh… and the desserts… especially the ice cream, was just perfect. Do save some space for that, you won’t be sorry! After dinner my mother got a nice “Armani rose” which was appreciated very much and is a great touch!

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Armani is a great designer and now I know not only for clothes… This hotel is a high class 5 star hotel and without doubt one of the best Dubai has to offer!

The Address Dubai Marina

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Hotelchain: The Address hotels
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: http://www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-address-dubai-marina/

I got the chance to experience one of The Address hotels in Dubai. First I was wondering why they would call their hotels “The Address” but after staying there I now definitely know why… Is there such a thing as perfection? The Address Dubai Marina comes close… First of all, they have their own The Address Lounge at the international airport of Dubai. It was great after a 6 hour flight to get a refreshment towel and water before we were taken to the hotel. It took only 20 minutes before we arrived at the hotel.  Situated in one of the most relaxing and impressive areas in Dubai, The Address enjoys a fantastic location overlooking the Dubai Marina. When you reach The Address Dubai Marina you will notice the beautiful building. It looks brand new and I loved the elegant shape of the building.

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And then we entered the hotel … First thing we noticed: the scent… I don’t know how they do it, but every single place in this hotel smells sooooo good! The lobby area is a beautiful place to hang out and relax after a busy day in Dubai. The couches felt so soft, I could spend hours in them! Every single spot in this hotel is immaculately clean…

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A very friendly lady welcomed us and checked us in. This is the kind of approach and service I like the most: friendly, not too formal but very professional! She then showed us the room. As soon as she opened the door we were very impressed by how unbelievably luxurious and clean those rooms were. It was like this room had never been used before. The Premier Suites at The Address Dubai Marina have an average size of 70 m². They all have a most comfortable sitting area, separate spacious bedroom with super kingsized bed and an oversized marble bathroom with separate tub and shower. I also visited the deluxe rooms and I can assure you that every room in this hotel is of a true 5 star level! All guestrooms have their own iPads which is very convenient as you have access to all the menus of their restaurants. You can make reservations on it or simply surf the Net. Most rooms face the poolside and I do recommend booking one of these as the views over the Marina are spectacular, especially at night when all the lights are on. This is such a beautiful area of Dubai and one of the world’s largest and most luxurious waterfront communities.

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It is impossible to get bored at The Address Dubai Marina as there is so much to do. First of all, the pool is one of the nicest and largest I have ever seen in Dubai! The views are just spectacular and it looks like the water is never ending… I guess that’s why they call it an “infinity pool”. Once again, very clean! They seem to clean this place all day long. A large fitness center is available 24/7. I enjoyed my work out on the treadmill while admiring the stunning marina views! There are personal trainers on duty as well.

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If working out is not something you like doing on vacation, maybe a spa treatment is something you would enjoy? I certainly did! The Address Dubai Marina has a full spa center with several treatment rooms, saunas, relaxing areas, etc. You literally escape to a world of serenity, tranquility and gracious hospitality. I thoroughly enjoyed my Balinese massage, actually it was one of the best massages I have ever had. My mother had the Age Support Facial and loved every single minute of it! A visit to The Spa is a must-do when you’re staying at The Address Dubai Marina!

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Feeling hungry after working out or the spa treatment? No problem, the hotel has 4 restaurants including the award winning Shades where we had dinner. The international cuisine of Shades offers a unique outdoor dining experience. The restaurant is located at the infinity pool and has one of the best views over Dubai Marina. During the weekend, a DJ is there to entertain the guests. The food was of a very good quality and the service was top notch! They have this huge barbecue on which most of the meat and fish is prepared. Oh, and do try the desserts! I had a classic banana split which was soooo yummy! Even if you are not staying at the hotel, non guests can enjoy lunch or dinner here. Highly recommended! Breakfast at Mazina was great, by the way! Freshly made food (both hot and cold items), I loved every bite!

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The Address Dubai Marina is well known for its service and details and I can understand why. Every single staff member I saw during my entire stay greeted me with a smile and most even remembered my name, which left me very impressed! Every high class 5 star hotel should be like this. It is rated as one of the top hotels of Dubai and I can easily see why. I would return to this place in a heartbeat and will never forget the experience.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers – Dubai

Hotelchain: Jumeirah
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/jumeirah-emirates-towers/

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The Jumeirah hotel group has a lot of hotels in the Dubai area and is renowned for its high level service and accommodation. The Jumeirah Emirates Towers recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and is a famous hotel located near the Sheikh zayed road on a very convenient location when you are in Dubai for business. There are 2 large towers which are truly beautiful architectural buildings. Wherever you are in Dubai, most of the time you will notice those 2 magnificent towers.

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The reception area is spacious and luxurious with nice seating areas all over the place. Check-in was fast but professional. They told us all we needed to know about this 5 star hotel.

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We had a room on the 32th floor so we knew the view was going to be awesome! All 400 rooms are very comfortable. We appreciated the comfy couch and large desk in our room. I could work here for hours! The rooms were very up to date and had a great design and all the facilities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. It had a decent size and a very impressive view of Dubai. I loved the fact that we didn’t had to log in every time we wanted to use the internet. Bathroom was clean and the rubber bath duck is a great touch! J Also, great toiletries!

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The outdoor pool was ok, although not too large it had all we needed to relax. In the separate tower there is a full service fitness center which guests can use 24/7. The Talise Spa looked very nice too!

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Since this hotel is located in the business part of Dubai, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers offer free access to the beach. Guests can enjoy the beaches of the Jumeirah Area and even have free access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark (once per person/stay). There is a shuttle service from/to the beach and I found this a great asset and service from the hotel. Even if you want to go shopping, the shuttle bus will take you to the Dubai Mall (a must-do when in Dubai!).

Recommended for a stay in the business part of Dubai! Make sure you get a room facing the Burj Khalifa… You will be impressed with the view!

Shangri-La – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Shangri-La
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: http://www.shangri-la.com/dubai/shangrila/

I have just returned from a trip to Dubai with my father, for which we chose the Shangri-La as our ‘home’ base to complete a heavily packed itinerary across this beautiful city. The Shangri-La hotel chain offers luxury hotels all over the world and they are known for their superior quality and service. The location of the Shangri-La is very convenient and close to the main attractions of Dubai. You can just walk from the hotel to so many key locations in the city. These include the Dubai Maill, the fountains (a must-see!), Burj Khalifa, and many more. If you are not into walking (or if the weather is too hot) the Dubai Metro is only a few steps away.

Where should I start? As soon as you enter the Shangri-La Dubai, you will notice the sense of luxury and details. The reception area is large and we were welcomed with a big smile!

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We stayed in a Horizon Deluxe room which gave us access to the Horizon Club. Oh, and I do recommend the upgrade to those rooms. They are all located on the top floors of the hotel offering breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Guests staying there, are offered a private check-in. Very convenient! The people of the Shangri-La will ensure that everything is taken care of. From the welcoming and efficient arrival process where the staff remembered our names, I knew that our 2 night stay at the Shangri-La Dubai would be flawless.

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The most friendly lady showed us around the hotel and showed us our room. A big comfortable room and plenty of space to fully unpack and get the baggage out of the way gave a real sense of being at home in Dubai. I loved the decoration and attention for detail, from the little bedside clock to the fresh flowers. One thing I never had in a hotel: a desk equipped with scissors, stapler, etc. Very nice! The bathroom was very large offering a separate bathtub, large rain shower and separate toilet and bidet. Everything in the room was immaculately clean and of a true 5 star quality.

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The staff nearly indulged us throughout the stay, which I appreciated and am thankful for. They will do anything to make your stay at the hotel unforgettable.

Another big advantage of the Horizon club is the private lounge with free drinks throughout the day. Afternoon tea is offered in the afternoon and from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. evening cocktails, spirits, canapés and light snacks are available at no additional charge. The food and drinks were of a very good quality! For a quiet breakfast, the buffet at the Horizon Club definitely is the best choice however the breakfast buffet downstairs (where all the guests have breakfast) is larger and offers more variety. It truly is an excellent breakfast, the food was delicious!

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A stay at the Shangri-La Dubai must include a dinner at Shang Palace with an extensive a la carte listing of several dishes. We had a 7 course dinner and loved every single dish. Such a great restaurant and probably one of the better Chinese restaurants in Dubai. A real highlight and something that I look forward to every time I stay at a Shangri-La hotel.

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The spa area offers several treatment rooms, a relaxation area, a whirlpool and dipping pool, herbal steam showers and a sauna. The fitness area is well equipped and pretty large. I loved the outside pool with a great view of Burj Khalifa! There was a “cool vibe” around the pool with excellent staff. Guests staying at the Horizon Club have access to a private spa area with indoor pool and a small fitness area. This private spa area is located on the top floor of the hotel offering the most spectacular view of Dubai I have ever seen!

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The Shangri-La Dubai is one of the best hotels of the city which made this a holiday that I will remember for a very long time