Last edit by: hhoope01
This thread refers to the various Marriott brands within a specific geographic area. Marriott Bonvoy hotels in XX usually have posts asking which property is better, etc. Trip reports are usually better suited in the property specific threads.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Dubai, UAE
#391
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,605
A bit late, but the original JW has a rooftop pool that has great views over the airport. So, when you get bored of your book, you can go and watch a few Emirates A380s taking off. The lounge is nice as well.
#392
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
#393
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: MR Platinum, Aer Lingus GC, BA Bronze, Turkish Classic Plus
Posts: 388
Spent 7 nights at the JW Marriott Dubai split over multiple stays recently. Opted for JW due to price (mostly due to the availability of a family room saving us the need for two rooms) but the location was also convenient as a couple of the stays were layovers prior to trips.
The rooms seemed tired and worn although spacious. On one of the stays the room we were allocated had significant trash under the beds (beer bottles, baseball caps, old slippers) - we informed front desk who got housekeeping in while we were out of the hotel but we returned to the same issue. We ended up moving rooms although when we entered the next room the previous guest's slippers were under the bed. We didn't have any other issues with cleanliness so will assume it was a bad housekeeping day.
Lounge: children aren't allowed during breakfast or evening service so we didn't get to experience it much. We weren't aware of the breakfast rule and ate breakfast there for the first few days until we were escorted to the restaurant mid-breakfast on our third day in case 'the baby cried and disrupted the businessmen'. The baby wasn't/hadn't cried during the previous breakfasts but obviously, the risk was too great for the staff We ate in the German bar a few times in the evenings and the baby was fine to accompany us there.
Overall, I wouldn't return unless it was a short airport stopover as plat benefits are pointless with kids and there are much better hotels and locations I'd choose over the JW.
The rooms seemed tired and worn although spacious. On one of the stays the room we were allocated had significant trash under the beds (beer bottles, baseball caps, old slippers) - we informed front desk who got housekeeping in while we were out of the hotel but we returned to the same issue. We ended up moving rooms although when we entered the next room the previous guest's slippers were under the bed. We didn't have any other issues with cleanliness so will assume it was a bad housekeeping day.
Lounge: children aren't allowed during breakfast or evening service so we didn't get to experience it much. We weren't aware of the breakfast rule and ate breakfast there for the first few days until we were escorted to the restaurant mid-breakfast on our third day in case 'the baby cried and disrupted the businessmen'. The baby wasn't/hadn't cried during the previous breakfasts but obviously, the risk was too great for the staff We ate in the German bar a few times in the evenings and the baby was fine to accompany us there.
Overall, I wouldn't return unless it was a short airport stopover as plat benefits are pointless with kids and there are much better hotels and locations I'd choose over the JW.
#394
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
#395
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Radisson Rewards Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 940
I am right now in JW Marriott Marquis and i can confirm children are allowed in club lounge both for breakfast and evening drinks, just not on Adults business section.
Other than that i am having issues with service and housekeeping too and I agree lounge is bit of a zoo, as its overrun with people and undermanned.
#396
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: perth
Programs: SPG(LTG), QANTAS gold, Korean, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,500
Just concluding a trip to Dubai. I was looking to do the trip to a budget but also to maximise the current promotion. All my stays were LNF's with free cancellation in case I wanted to move things around. All the stays were less than 300 dirhams per night for mid January.
Firstly the Le Meridien Fairway. First stayed there 13 years ago but hadnt returned until this trip as they were not a participant in the SPG scheme when I used to be a frequent visitor. The hotel is still in nice condition in the public areas. I selected the breakfast as an amenity and although it was not a huge selection it was of good quality. The room I received was not an upgrade but I did have a view of Burj Khalifa. The room is a little tired and the bathroom a little tatty but nothing that bothered me. I selected the LMF as I was arriving at 4 am and wanted something close, it was dirt cheap and I was planning some evening activities so wasnt concerned with lounges. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. I have read comments that it was in bad condition but I thought it perfectly acceptable for what it is.
I then tried the JW Marriott in Deira. My first Marriott family stay ever. Had booked an executive room and received a Jnr Suite. The room was large with a sliding partition, it was a little tired looking but still was perfectly comfortable and I found it most satisfactory. Had a view of the runway which would be cool for an aviation nut. I took points for the amenity. I was impressed with the lounge food and drinks for both breakfast and dinner. No need to dine out if you dont want. Staff were friendly and helpful. Location wasnt particularly interesting.
Next went to the Courtyard Green Community. Its was a long journey which would be my primary reason for not returning. The hotel itself was nice enough. The room was upgraded, not sure what to, it was certainly big and had all the necessary comforts. The shower door didnt seal causing a lot of water to escape. For a bathroom with a lot of space they had a tiny shower cubicle which could have been a lot bigger with just a partition. Again staff were very friendly and helpful. Took the shuttle bus to the Mall of Emirates a couple of times. Without that ability to get somewhere that can be used as a hub I would say avoid it but it was enough of an offset say it is ok. The hotel surrounds are pleasant enough, the Sobo bar around the pool was nice for drinks one night. I had a breakfast included rate so I took the plat amenity of a $10 credit. Again it is a weak offering compared to many other brands and as a comparison the rate was almost the same as the JW Marriott which comparatively for value would win hands down.
Finally stayed at the Sheraton Dubai Creek. It is the nicest of the hotels in terms of presentation and room. I received a standard room with a Creek View on a club floor. Not sure why they call it a club floor as the club is at ground level. Took points as the amenity. The club lounge offers typical food and drinks but not to the same level as the JW Marriott. It is nice being near the creek. Again the staff are all friendly and helpful. There is a shuttle to Dubai Mall.
Hope this helps for those considering staying more on a budget. So my rankings are JW Marriott Deira was excellent value for price and the standard of the club lounge. The Sheraton has a nice presentation but the club lounge offerings were ok but not comparable to the JW. The LMF is a good enough hotel at an excellent rate that is very close to the airport. The Courtyard is acceptable but unless you want to be in that area it is not so well located.
Firstly the Le Meridien Fairway. First stayed there 13 years ago but hadnt returned until this trip as they were not a participant in the SPG scheme when I used to be a frequent visitor. The hotel is still in nice condition in the public areas. I selected the breakfast as an amenity and although it was not a huge selection it was of good quality. The room I received was not an upgrade but I did have a view of Burj Khalifa. The room is a little tired and the bathroom a little tatty but nothing that bothered me. I selected the LMF as I was arriving at 4 am and wanted something close, it was dirt cheap and I was planning some evening activities so wasnt concerned with lounges. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. I have read comments that it was in bad condition but I thought it perfectly acceptable for what it is.
I then tried the JW Marriott in Deira. My first Marriott family stay ever. Had booked an executive room and received a Jnr Suite. The room was large with a sliding partition, it was a little tired looking but still was perfectly comfortable and I found it most satisfactory. Had a view of the runway which would be cool for an aviation nut. I took points for the amenity. I was impressed with the lounge food and drinks for both breakfast and dinner. No need to dine out if you dont want. Staff were friendly and helpful. Location wasnt particularly interesting.
Next went to the Courtyard Green Community. Its was a long journey which would be my primary reason for not returning. The hotel itself was nice enough. The room was upgraded, not sure what to, it was certainly big and had all the necessary comforts. The shower door didnt seal causing a lot of water to escape. For a bathroom with a lot of space they had a tiny shower cubicle which could have been a lot bigger with just a partition. Again staff were very friendly and helpful. Took the shuttle bus to the Mall of Emirates a couple of times. Without that ability to get somewhere that can be used as a hub I would say avoid it but it was enough of an offset say it is ok. The hotel surrounds are pleasant enough, the Sobo bar around the pool was nice for drinks one night. I had a breakfast included rate so I took the plat amenity of a $10 credit. Again it is a weak offering compared to many other brands and as a comparison the rate was almost the same as the JW Marriott which comparatively for value would win hands down.
Finally stayed at the Sheraton Dubai Creek. It is the nicest of the hotels in terms of presentation and room. I received a standard room with a Creek View on a club floor. Not sure why they call it a club floor as the club is at ground level. Took points as the amenity. The club lounge offers typical food and drinks but not to the same level as the JW Marriott. It is nice being near the creek. Again the staff are all friendly and helpful. There is a shuttle to Dubai Mall.
Hope this helps for those considering staying more on a budget. So my rankings are JW Marriott Deira was excellent value for price and the standard of the club lounge. The Sheraton has a nice presentation but the club lounge offerings were ok but not comparable to the JW. The LMF is a good enough hotel at an excellent rate that is very close to the airport. The Courtyard is acceptable but unless you want to be in that area it is not so well located.
#398
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,913
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai or Sheraton Grand?
Haven't been to Dubai in a few years but not familiar with these hotels. I will be in Dubai on a very short layover. I am getting in around 9 PM and pretty much have to be out the door at 7:15 AM. The breakfast buffet is very important before a long trip and the Sheraton Grand looks to have one of the best but it doesn't open until 6:30 where the JW is open at 6. Which is better? I do plan on arrival going to Dubai Mall/City walk area at night for a couple hours so location is important. Which Hotel would you recommend overall between the two and better ambiance?
#399
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,327
Haven't been to Dubai in a few years but not familiar with these hotels. I will be in Dubai on a very short layover. I am getting in around 9 PM and pretty much have to be out the door at 7:15 AM. The breakfast buffet is very important before a long trip and the Sheraton Grand looks to have one of the best but it doesn't open until 6:30 where the JW is open at 6. Which is better? I do plan on arrival going to Dubai Mall/City walk area at night for a couple hours so location is important. Which Hotel would you recommend overall between the two and better ambiance?
#400
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: LGA
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Marriott Plat Prem., Hilton Gold, National Exec Elite.
Posts: 2,533
Best Dubai Hotel for Plat/Tit Benefits?
I met a couple in Costa Rica who stayed at a hotel in Dubai where it was basically the equivalent of an all-inclusive for Platinums. It was NOT the Al Maha... it was just a Marriott with an amazing (I am assuming China-equivalent) style lounge which had tons of food and beverages in the mornings and evenings - and maybe all day long!! Any guesses? Going in September 2019 and spending a few days on both ends of my trip to the Al Maha
#401
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,717
I don’t think they were discussing it, but for the money spent I’ve always felt the Le Meridien (by the airport) has some of the best Plat benefits i’ve seen:
- Free 7-series chauffeur pick-up and return
- Upgrade to an entirely different wing of the hotel with huge, luxurious rooms and its own pool
- Breakfast, happy hour etc in a private lounge
- I seem to remember there being more - maybe discounts at the many restaurants in the main part of the hotel? Can’t remember
No doubt there could be a Marriott out there with a proper decent lounge, but probably not for $100 a night.
- Free 7-series chauffeur pick-up and return
- Upgrade to an entirely different wing of the hotel with huge, luxurious rooms and its own pool
- Breakfast, happy hour etc in a private lounge
- I seem to remember there being more - maybe discounts at the many restaurants in the main part of the hotel? Can’t remember
No doubt there could be a Marriott out there with a proper decent lounge, but probably not for $100 a night.
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,397
I had a good experience at the Sheraton grand, especially for the price. Lounge has decent dinner offerings and in addition to a decent breakfast in the lounge, they also give you at least one voucher for breakfast in the restaurant for you to mix it up.
#403
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: LGA
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Marriott Plat Prem., Hilton Gold, National Exec Elite.
Posts: 2,533
I don’t think they were discussing it, but for the money spent I’ve always felt the Le Meridien (by the airport) has some of the best Plat benefits i’ve seen:
- Free 7-series chauffeur pick-up and return
- Upgrade to an entirely different wing of the hotel with huge, luxurious rooms and its own pool
- Breakfast, happy hour etc in a private lounge
- I seem to remember there being more - maybe discounts at the many restaurants in the main part of the hotel? Can’t remember
No doubt there could be a Marriott out there with a proper decent lounge, but probably not for $100 a night.
- Free 7-series chauffeur pick-up and return
- Upgrade to an entirely different wing of the hotel with huge, luxurious rooms and its own pool
- Breakfast, happy hour etc in a private lounge
- I seem to remember there being more - maybe discounts at the many restaurants in the main part of the hotel? Can’t remember
No doubt there could be a Marriott out there with a proper decent lounge, but probably not for $100 a night.
#404
#405
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,192
You perhaps are thinking of Grosvenor House Luxury Collection? I am currently in the lounge finishing up eggplant spaghetti and a huge salad for their afternoon tea. This is the largest spread I have ever seen for afternoon tea at a Marriott. Great service and great spread.
This stay so far is much nicer than my last one - room is more modern and doesn't have the scuffs/ shabiness my last one had. I wouldn't still call the room luxurious but still nice and acceptable.
I am not sure I'd come here for vacation (staff said LRM better for families) but overall much better experience than last time.
I do find going from one tower to other tower for lounge access annoying
This stay so far is much nicer than my last one - room is more modern and doesn't have the scuffs/ shabiness my last one had. I wouldn't still call the room luxurious but still nice and acceptable.
I am not sure I'd come here for vacation (staff said LRM better for families) but overall much better experience than last time.
I do find going from one tower to other tower for lounge access annoying