Intercontinental Dubai Marina Hotel Review: Contemporary High-Rise Luxury in the Heart of Dubai Marina

I don’t care if anyone disagrees – but I really do love Dubai. I’m not exactly sure what it is about this city, but as a person who loves city breaks and a swimming pool, over a sandy beach – it couldn’t be any more well suited. One of my favourite areas of Dubai in particular is Dubai Marina. I discovered it on my last visit and even now I’m wishing I was back. An immaculately looked after Marina full of restaurants, its own shopping mall and plenty of bars.

Staying at the Intercontinental Dubai Marina and waiting for our room to become available, we took a walk opposite the hotel to enjoy its shiny modern exterior from a distance while sipping on a glass of wine at restaurant and bar extravaganza Pier 7. It’s a haven full of restaurants and bars, spread over seven floors. It’s lovely to simply just walk around the marina too, especially in the morning or afternoon sun.

It’s very impressive from the outside and not to mention one of the tallest hotels in the Marina. Three towering blocks make up the hotel with a curved base to house its lobby’s, restaurants and of course the outdoor swimming pool which looks back out across the waters.

Suitably sun drenched and shopping bags in hand we headed back to the hotel to check-in to our room. Check-in actually could have been a little more polished and was a little cold – however the actual reception area itself completely makes up for that. Some beautiful floral displays and these two huge two-toned geometric pillars. There’s also these huge bronze statue figures which look down at you. They’re rather creepy, but just as intriguing.

One thing you’ll quickly notice about the Intercontinental Dubai Marina is that art and design is a big focus. Those huge and creepy tall metal sculptures for example weren’t just placed to gaze down at you, but head up to the second floor and some of those face are looking at you from another part of the hotel. Large stone figures also look out into the lobby, wearing what looked like sari’s and each gently catching the light as they look down at the chairs below. There really is something interesting to look at in each part of this hotel.

We stayed in one of the hotels classic rooms which looked out directly over the pool area. Very modern, sleek and with all the mod-cons and some of lovely chocolates and fruit was waiting for us. The wi-fi was also excellent and while our balcony was of very good size, it was a little too close to the pool unfortunately and we felt quite literally as if we were joining the family on sun loungers in front.

I also really loved the bathroom design here too. It’s all glass and each area is separately contained. A large toilet area, an even bigger rain shower and tub big enough to swim in. The lemon scented spa products from Agraria were a nice touch too.

After settling into our room we of course did what every holiday maker loves to do – visit the pool! Lots of glass and square edges up to the pool area and outdoor sofa seating areas down away from the pool. Perfect if you want some sun and quiet time over a shisha and Arabic tea.

From all the hotels we visited in Dubai, this was the only one where no matter what time of day you can always manage to secure a sun lounger, so no waking up early or fighting over seats. Service was good too for those looking to order snacks or a glass of wine. Step into the pool, lean over the side and watch the people and boats on the marina go past. There’s something so tranquil and serene about it all.

For those wishing to hide away from that afternoon sun but not venture out of the hotel – head to the Accents Deli and Lobby Lounge for some freshly ground coffee and a few too many cakes. It’s patisserie heaven.

If coffee isn’t quite strong enough then the Ginter Bar is the perfect escape with more views across the marina and a mixologist who can create just about anything you can dream of – so we were told anyway.

After a quick change from our pool shenanigans we were back down exploring and this time to the hotels very appropriately named wine bar, Ynot. Because exactly – why not! Looking out onto the promenade and with a very tempting happy hour with 50% off drinks during the early evening. The perfect (and slightly more affordable) way to start your night.

There were many reasons why I was so excited about staying at this hotel, but in particular it was for its restaurant Marina Social. One of the newest additions from British chef Jason Atherton has landed here in Dubai Marina and I can tell you now it’s currently the best restaurant in Dubai. Dish after dish was absolutely faultless and its signature tomato filled with mozzarella was a dream. Even the views were something to remember with tables quite literally perched on the edge above the water. Read all about my full dining experience at Marina Social.

Full from out stunning meal we walked it off with a lap around the marina and back up to swimming pool which is beautifully illuminated at night by the neon lights and twinkly skyline.

After a good nights sleep we headed downstairs to Accents Restaurant. It’s here where the buffet dinners and breakfasts are served and come with some gorgeous outdoor seating – though you’ll need to wake up early to enjoy before the searing 40 degree heat takes over.

This was probably one of my favourite buffet breakfast from our time in Dubai and while it wasn’t the largest of them, they championed on quality and selection. The homemade guacamole was absolutely delicious, charcuterie and smoked salmon was of excellent quality and the cured mackerel one of my favourite ways to start a morning.

Fresh cakes and bread, Indian curry’s, selection of Chinese dishes, dim sum and everything else in between – as well as a vast array of exotic fruits which I simply couldn’t resist. If you’re a breakfast fan then this really shouldn’t be missed. It’s an experience all on its own.

We sadly had to leave and catch our plane after breakfast, but looking back we really did have a lovely time here at the Intercontinental Dubai Marina. The location is perfect, the food is world-class and the views over the marina from that pool are spectacular. If like me you prefer pool to sand then book here – it’s the perfect city hotel.