Marsa Al Arab Review:
The general physical quality of the development is very high, probably the best among Jumeirah properties, and really up there in Dubai standards. A lot of detail gone into it. It is a bit narrow, however. When you walk into the hotel its a long long corridor which actually feels a bit tight, despite super high ceilings. And then a bit of a maze to get to the restaurants/bars.
The restaurant fitouts are great and there is a scene. The food is broadly OK, some much better than others. The location has some 11 restaurants, and therein lies the problem. The hotel is a zoo at peak holiday season and evenings. The traffic from the hotel literally stretches down to the main road because they can't valet the cars quick enough and roads are too narrow. It's madness. As it is new, it is the current hot spot in town (especially the Kira restaurant). Never seen so many cars one place - I counted 10 Cullinans parked outside the entrance. Even a lot for Dubai.
Service is hit and miss. Some good and some weak experiences. One friend said he thought it was fine, two others said they just wanted to leave and wouldn't be back.
They have really bizarre rooms/suites that are ground level looking into the Marina. While it's private walking area for hotel guests only, I don't think people realise you see through the sheer blinds..... High floor room with Burj views is best option I think.
The pool areas are actually great - big adult pool with restaurant, main pool is perfect for kids as it is not deep at any point. There's salt water and normal pool for kids. Beach is right there - though they should have put showers near the beach access to make it easier. They have pool cabanas (2500AED - ridiculous) but they're almost too tucked away and therefore very hot as air doesn't circulate. Pool staff are generally great. The issue is capacity which at peak times is a challenge. And as usual, a large number of people who seem to secure deck chairs and leave. But generally speaking we were OK most days, and they offered cabanas when there was no space elsewhere. We didn't check out the "VIP" pool which is paid access or only for top suites in Marsa. Just has nice views or something like that.
All resturants seem to have outdoor dining options which is nice. Either on the side facing the marina or the side facing Burj Al Arab with nice views. I am starting to get a feeling that in restaurants, the servers, while friendly, are a bit more pushing for tips. A feeling that I don't like. But that might just be me. Restaurants will also say they have no availability, but when you turn up there are loads of tables free, so that's a bit odd.
I didn't check out the Spa.
The kids club is small and not great. The one at JBH is probably the best in that immediate area.
The hidden gem: staying at the Marsa Residences. You get bigger rooms with kitchens and washing machines, but I believe are minimum 7 night stays now. Similar fitout quality. Super chill and quiet. Own restaurant (breakfast till 6pm, excellent) and outdoor bar, and resident's pool which is nice. Also has it's own gym and concierge. A short buggy ride to the main hotel facilities and J Club (tennis etc.). They just need to open the stair case to make access quicker to J Club! Also because you are nearer the main entrance you don't have the same traffic issues as the main hotel. Because it's small, its much more personal and feels more like living in Dubai than staying. Easier for deliveries e.g. Amazon/Deliveroo etc. The one issue with the whole place is they don't have enough buggies and easy call-points to get one - generally an issue around the estate. Housekeeping is only every second day.
It is more pretty to face Burj Al Arab than the Marina (and Khalifa). The only notable thing was that for whatever reason the prayer call was super loud facing the Marina, so i would wake up at 5am. Also I think you get a bit more traffic noise from people parking at the Marina and on the main road.
Going forward with family, the Marsa Residences will probably be our go-to in Dubai. More special and better service than e.g. JBH suites (although terrace and views are nice) and more convenient than BAA. Much prefer it to Al Naseem. Also great for a long-stay for work. O&O remains popular with friends with its low-rise and big grounds, but I haven't been there in a while. Solo travelling for work I would maybe consider Marsa, but probably better off at Bvlgari or FS DIFC etc. The traffic is just too annoying in the evenings.