One thing you’ll quickly learn from a trip to Dubai is that it’s all about location. Hotels are generally cheaper in the relatively undiscovered area of Dubai Creek and you can get a lot of luxury for your money. Dubai Marina offers a western boozy affair with most establishments serving wine and happy hours are in abundance. But quite frankly the best location in Dubai is The JBR Beach. It’s modern, cosmopolitan and is the home to a perfectly situated hotel – Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach Residence.
As you walk in through the front doors of the hotel your greeted with a grand and opulent entrance, adorned with artworks, lush furnishings, shimmers of gold and fresh orchids in every corner. There’s a lovely seating area to the left as you walk in too which is perfect for sipping on freshly poured teas and light snacks from the adjoining Atrium Lobby Lounge.
After a speedy check-in and quick tour of the hotel, we took the lift up to our room on the 14th floor. Amwaj Rotana has a total of 301 rooms and boasts the largest suites along JBR, each spoilt with their own large balcony facing the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. Thew views are magnificent. Complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms and from all of the hotels we spent our time in, Amwaj Rotana the best and strongest signal, no matter what part of the hotel you’re in. It’s something that always makes a big difference to my stay as a social media addict.
After missing breakfast the morning of us checking in, we popped to the lobby for a coffee and to explore everything the Atrium Lobby Lounge had to offer. With Dubai nationals mostly abiding to the strict alcohol laws, they have developed a real cafe culture and so coffee and cakes are big business – they’re on another level in terms of quality. From the chain cafes, right through to this hotel lobby – you’ll never have a bad experience. Freshly baked fruit pies, chocolate brownies, chewy macaroons and caramel meringue pies.
Having explored the surrounding areas of the hotel such as The Beach and Dubai Marina, we decided to spend the afternoon besides our hotels’ outdoor pool and pool bar. Expect seating areas galore, delicious cocktails and service so good you’ll never have an empty glass. The water is heated to a comfortable warm bath-like temperature in the cooler months and as the sun sets the whole place is deserted and left all to yourself, not closing until the early evening at 8pm. The outdoor seating from Italian restaurant Rosso, is the perfect place for a light bite after a swim.
Night time is when Dubai really comes into its own. You would even believe if someone told to you it was built in complete darkness, given how the neon lights which illuminate this city are so well placed. No matter where you look, inside or outside – you can’t help but always be impressed by Dubai.
Changed and ready for dinner we went to the best place for a pre-dinner drink, the delectable bar at Rosso. A red themed Italian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, large wine list, endless supply of cocktails and a mean whiskey sour. The bar stays open till 3am, for those looking to continue an evening under the twinkling stars and warm air.
Home to a total of four great restaurants, for those looking to inject a little fun into their stay can dine at the world-famous Benihana. A theatrical Japanese dining experience which genuinely surprised me given what a large chain this restaurant group was. With a pre-dinner ceremony, flames, seafood galore and perfectly cooked rib-eye steaks – Read all about my dinner at Benihana.
For those looking for a more casual experience, but equally as delicious food – then JB’s Gastropub is the place for you. It’s so much more than a gastropub, with food good enough to rival its higher end locals. The spinach and halloumi croquetas are a must, as was my rather legendary bourbon black bottom pie. One of the most satisfying desserts from my trip in Dubai. Find out all about my meal at JB’s Gastropub.
We had such a lovely time at Amwaj Rotana and after two nights here, we really didn’t want to leave. Cosy rooms, a perfect beachfront location, views across the ocean and a melting pot of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained from morning till night. While the hotel may be a little more expensive than other nearby Dubai hotels, you really won’t find another location like it. Would we come back? Yes!
Stay at Amwaj Rotana, Dubai from AED 700 per night inclusive of breakfast based on two adults sharing a Classic Room (excluding service charges and fees). To book or for further information, please visit www.rotana.com.
For a more luxurious overnight accommodation you can stay at Amwaj Rotana, Dubai from AED 1,600 per night inclusive of breakfast based on two adults sharing a Classic Suite (excluding service charges and fees). To book or for further information, please visit www.rotana.com.
You had me at halloumi croquettes Gary (but I won’t say n to the black bottom pie either!)
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ha yes! the pie was so good too!