This was the first holiday that my then boyfriend (now fiancé) and I took together, and also the first five star hotel I'd ever stayed in - and what an introduction to luxury it was!
From the moment you arrive at the airport, you are treated like royalty by the hotel staff that are on hand to arrange complimentary transport for you and your luggage directly to the hotel. The hotel itself is barely a five minute drive from the airport, but don't let that worry you - in the two weeks we were there I don't think we noticed a single airplane. That's not to say they weren't there but the sound is certainly unobtrusive.
On arriving at the hotel you are driven down a huge sweeping driveway lined with exotic plants. The entrance to the hotel building is manned 24 hours a day by friendly porters who are always pleased to see you and assist you in any way they can. Your luggage is taken care of for you - leaving you to check in without the hassle of dragging your suitcases with you.
The lobby of the hotel is magnificent - it is a huge open, elaborately decorated space, which provides numerous tables, chairs and settees all with waitress service providing drinks and snacks. You will also notice a grand piano in the lobby which is used on a nightly basis to provide outstanding music to those seated in the lobby or nearby bar/lounge.
Once you have checked in, you are escorted to your room by a porter. The rooms are stunning - large, well decorated with all the facilities you'd expect in a hotel of this class. Anything that isn't available in the room (i.e an iron & ironing board), can easily be obtained by ringing room service.
The facilities the hotel has to offer seem endless. There are in total 15 different restaurants/cafes/bars in which you can eat or enjoy a few drinks. The cuisine on offer ranges from English in the Irish bar to Lebanese in the Al Mijana restaurant.
There are three swimming pools at the hotel of which we used only two - one is more of a sports pool, the other a relaxing pool. The more relaxing pool incorporates a swim up bar which also offers a wide range of snacks. The snacks can either be eaten at the bar or at your sunlounger. If opting to eat at your sunlounger, the bar staff bring over a small table on which they place a well appointed tray complete with a vase of flowers. Service at this hotel is exemplary in every way! Whilst lying by the pool you will often be offered an ice cold flannel (served using silver tongs from a silver tray!). These are hugely welcome especially considering the temperature in Dubai rarely dips below 40oC.
The hotel also offers a large selection of sports and spa facilities. I can't comment on these other than to say the tennis players looked rather warm!
The location of the hotel is ideal for anyone wanting to see the city. A five minute taxi ride will place you firmly in the main city centre. A twenty minute taxi drive will take you to the beach. For approximately £15 you can spend the day at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. I believe the only exceptions to this are Sundays and public holidays when guests from other Meridien hotels are not accepted.
The cost of this hotel is approximately £66 per night for a deluxe room. I think this is an amazing price considering all this hotel has to offer. We paid approximately £700 each for 13 nights including flights from London. If booking flights and hotel separately I believe this comes out considerably more expensive.
I can't recommend this hotel more highly. The staff made our stay magnificent and the hotel itself was stunning. Once my fiancé and I are married and have saved a bit more money I truly hope to go back to Dubai and back to this same hotel. If considering a trip to Dubai I suggest you check out Le Meridiens homepage to see the photos of this hotel - and then book it without hesitation!
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Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the 5-star Le Meridien Dubai is situated ... more
just minutes from the city's famous shopping and commercial districts. The hotel offers luxurious suites and rooms and excellent facilities.Enjoy the Natural Element...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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