Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Dubai, UAE
 

Looking at staying in Dubai at either the Marriott or the Renaissance. Any comments on either property??

Thanks!
-Jeff

Courtyard opens first property in Dubai
 

Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) recently announced the opening of the 165-room Courtyard by Marriott Green Community Dubai. This magnificent Marriott property marks the entry of the first Courtyard brand in the UAE.

http://www.ameinfo.com/56499.html

Marriott Executive Apts DUBAI
 

Has anyone stayed at the Marriott Executive Apts in Dubai?

If so, feedback please.

I read one very very negative review at Yahoo. Can they be that bad ?

Dubai
 

Anyone stayed at any of the Dubai properties recently, particularly the JW? Anyone got any views on these?

I was looking for an interesting way to use the 2 free nights vouchers I got recently.

Ta

Renaissance or JW in Dubai
 

Any views on which is better?

It does not look as though the JW has a Club Lounge which would surrprise me.

TIA

Regards

John

Have only stayed at the JW in Dubai. Has an excellent lounge with WiFi access.
Traffic is bad in both areas so it depends where you are doing business.

Could not get into either for the Air Show next week.

Marriott's in Dubai
 

I am looking for some advice on which Marriott to stay at while in Dubai. I have narrowed it down to the Marriott Apts the Courtyard(Green Zone) or the JW

thanks in advance for the help

Jw
 

I just checked out of the JW yesterday for my second stay this year.

Facilities, service, food are all excellent and I would strongly recommend. When I was there in May, I met Mr. Marriott (the younger) himself who was visiting.

They treat platinums especially well and the lounge is outstanding, with custom eggs in the morning, a two hour cocktail hour with great snacks and free wireless internet. It is open until 230 in the morning to accomodate those arriving on those pesky night flights. There is a concierge on duty outside the lounge 24 hours per day to assist with anything you need.

I also add my vote for the JW. Marriott Dubai for all the reasons that the previos poster mentioned.

Dan

I have not stayed at this apt/hotel, but I can give you some
general comments:

overall, I think apartments in Dubai are nice!
nice as in clean and good service.

Only thing i see, is there is limited non-smoking availability, but
I never had an issue of finding a good room.

I've stayed at 3 different Le Meridien, 4 points sheraton (Bur dubai)
several times at Airport Millenium (Emirates wing)
(A best western in/near Sharjah) I liked Apartments better than the hotels
(I dont care about on-site restaurants or breakfasts.. dubai has
a lot of good restaurants around) I've stayed at a couple of
no-name apartments, but dont remember the names.

One of the cheapest Le Meridien was among the best.. great
service, clean rooms.. It was small and it was in Deira.. dont remember
the name though.

Overall from my experience, if its a big chain, it would not be bad.

I've stayed there on half a dozen times over the past two years..
and I've never had a bad experience.

Only thing bad about Dubai was the traffic .... during peak hours.

Residences at the Hyatt Regency
 

I've stayed at the Hyatt Regency Residences and it is real nice there. You, of course, get all the benefits of the hotel, but in a long term arrangement. Fitness center, bar/lounge downstairs (alot of Eastern European women on the prowl). The location is near the old town Dubai instead of the newer super high rise section as you come from the west. The hotel is also connected to a mall.

i am also interested in thoughts on the marriot as it is quite a cheap option, but is there anything in the complex? a bar etc? Thanks!

Not sure which Marriott you mean. I have stayed a few times at the JW Marriott, which is a very nice full-service Marriott. Nice rooms, decent fitness center, attentive staff, and great concierge lounge (24 hours I think, which is unusual). The Renaissance is quite ordinary, although I find the location is convenient to the airport and getting around where I need to go. The JW is in a similar location. I only stay at the Renaissance when it is much cheaper than the JW.

Charles

JW Much better
 

The JW and Renn are only a block apart, 5 minute walk if it is not too hot outside. Then it is a one minute taxi ride.

I found the JW to be excellent in every respect. Rooms, food, service and especially the lounge which is open until 230am to greet late arrivals (a GREAT idea, btw). The Renn is fine, but ordinary compared to the JW.

Plats are taken immediately upstairs to the concierge to check-in, no front desk formalities. They will even get you a drink while you are waiting, or just go into the lounge right afterwards while your bags are delivered.

The last time I met young Mr. Marriott himself at the hotel on a tour of the area. The place was pretty lively and of course, all spruced up.

I am returning to the JW next week for my fourth visit in about a year and looking forward to bringing my wife this time.

Anyone have an e-mail for the JW in Dubai?
 

Title says it all - if anyone has a general reservations e-mail contact there, i'd appreciate it.

Many thanks

Tony

Using the address convention in the sticky above, [email protected] should work, or you may want to try [email protected]

Platinum offer at JW Marriott thru May 31 2007
 

I just spotted this offer on the Marriott website, good for platinums only. Does anyone know what room rate must be paid to use it?

Enjoy Dubai in style...

with an exclusive stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai

Overnight in the Royal Suite to receive complimentary dedicated 24-hour butler service during your stay and round-trip limousine transfer from anywhere in Dubai.

Immerse yourself in the in-room swimming pool or relax with a complimentary massage for two guests.

Also enjoy the privileges of the Executive Lounge where you can enjoy breakfast, canapes, drinks and light snacks throughout the day.

To take advantage of the offer

*Rooms must be confirmed in advance by calling your Elite Reservation Line
* Please advise agent that you will be using the Marriott Rewards Elite Exclusive Offer
*Print this page as your certificate and surrender at check-in

1.Offer is only valid in conjunction with a one-night stay.
2.The offer does not apply to any other hotel packages, discounts or promotions.
3.Offer honored once per member.
4.Offer valid through 31 May 2007.

JW is far better
 

Had stayed both, JW is far better

I just spotted this in the rates for the hotel - and it is breathtakingly expensive!

* 11500.00 (AED) per night


# Elite Exclusive Offer *Royal Suite with swimming pool *2BedroomsComp 24hr butler, Massage for 2,Limo transfer *Subj to 20pct txs

Running that thru oanda, it converts to $3,132 before adding the 20% tax! And yet they limit stays to 1 night. Um - no, don't think so.

Less expensive than going to Vail, CO in March. During peak ski season Vail Marriot Penthouses (they have 2 of them) each go for $4200 USD plus 9.8% tax it comes to $4611.60 per night and you can book as many nights as you desire. Penthouse: 3 bedrooms, 3 marble bathrooms, mountain views, custom Gourmet kitchen dinning room, 2 fireplaces, washer/dryer, 2,000sqft 3 bed/3 bath 2000 sq ft, Note that it does not come with limo service or massages. And this is at a Cat 6 hotel at that!

That Dubai rate is looking better and better!:D

I saw this offer a couple of weeks ago and was confused. It is unclear what they're offering -- that suite comes with lounge access anyway, and practically the "butler" service. I picked a random night on the web site and the room was something like AED 4,500 (about $1,250). Then I called the elite reservations line, and they quoted AED 9,500 for this "package." The reservationist acknowledged that this was a bit expensive for a massage and limo service. (Although I am sure that it's a gorgeous room, and probably the only Marriott room with an in-room swimming pool.) But I'd rather have a standard room at the Burj for $1,000.

By the way, in response to the OP's original question, I agree that the JW is far better. It's probably the best conceirge lounge that I have ever seen in a Marriott, and a solid property overall. Strangely, the rates seem to always be about the same as the Renaissance.

i have a voucher which can be used at the JW or the Courtyard if anyone is interested.. ive posted on CC but wanted to give everyone the chance... PM me if you are interested!

Very good useful information. Thanks as I will likely be in Dubai in late Nov/early Dec. Sounds like JW is worth it with a great lounge.

JW Dubai Executive Lounge
 

Has anyone ever used the executive lounge at the JW in Dubai?

What was it like? What did they offer? Is it worth the money to upgrade.

Thanks

Sorry for the late reply. I love this executive lounge. At least as of my last stay, it is open 24 hours a day with multiple food services including a midnight supper. The staff are good and the atmosphere is a big cut above most other Marriott lounges.

If you pay for an upgrade I would think you will also get a nicer room. There are many types of rooms in the hotel varying in size and amenities in different sections of the hotel.

If it's not too late, how much extra is the upgrade and how many people are staying?

I'm on my way there tonight and I can say despite taking the 24-hour flight for the second time in a week (ugh), I'm looking forward to staying at the property.

Charles

Depends on much extra you'll have to pay, but I have to say that this is one of the better lounges and the service from the team there was very good when I stayed there.

Go for it!

John

There are many posts on this forum about the lounge here. You might search to get more details.

I concur that it is one of the best I have ever seen -- they have a full breakfast and evening food, plus snacks until very late (like 2:00am), free alcohol, and excellent service.

I posted a picture of the lounge here in the FT Flyertalk Flickr Group: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ftkuroneko/546263146/

There are also pictures of the Executive Suite I stayed in posted in my photostream if you are interested.

As for comments on the lounge, I would clarify a previous post to add that the free alcohol is available only during the cocktail hours, at the rest of the time it's soft drinks/coffee/tea

They do have a good selection during the "evening supper" (actually more like a selection of appetizers and finger foods) and more-or-less full breakfast including table service and eggs to order. Excellent service. Free wireless access, which draws a lot of people. (paid wired in the room for something like AED 100 for 24 hrs IIRC) Can get crowded during the cocktail/supper times. TVs, magazines, and newspapers are available.

A good lounge, and probably worth what the access fee is, (you dont' mention what the delta would be) but not the BEST I've been in.

One thing I noticed this week is that during the in-between times, there are no snacks put out (fruit, nuts, cookies, pretzels). You can ask for something to nibble on but you have to know what to ask for. I thought that was weird.

Where to stay in Dubai using reward points?
 

Planning a trip in March to Dubai using reward points, wondering if anyone has any recommendations about Marriott locations you have enjoyed and why. Thanks.

The JW
 

I am leaving for Dubai for a week in the next couple of weeks. Based on reviews I read here, I think its worth spending 130K points for 7 nights. There is also a Renaissance and I think its closer to the city center but not as grand. The JW is supposed to have a great lounge too. I'll post a trip report after I get back. But I do recommend that u make a booking if you are getting it at the standard redemption level.

Definitely the JW. Last time I was there, Mr. Marriott Jr himself was there.

The Rennaisance is only a five minute walk away, but is not nearly as nice.

There seem to be few comments on the Renaissance...has anyone stayed there? What's the club lounge like?

Renaissance Dubai - Comments?
 

I have a rewards stay planned for 7 nights at the Renaissance Dubai later in the year. Couldn't get the JW at the standard redemption level so took the Ren instead.
Can someone who has been there let us know what to expect? Is there a Lounge for Plats or do we get breakfast comped? What about room upgrades? etc?

I was thinking of booking this hotel as-well. Anyone have any comments?

There is a small lounge for Platinum guests. Breakfast is OK, nothing special, a couple of hot items and the usual Middle East olives/cheese/yogurt/bread spread if I recall correctly, with fresh juice.

I have been upgraded to a huge two-room suite on each of a few stays. The room is not that upscale, but comfortable enough. The restaurants are decent -- the Spice Market is probably the biggest buffet in Dubai if you're into that sort of thing. Kind of fun every once and awhile.

This hotel is decent. It's too bad that you couldn't get the JWM around the corner, which is far, far better and often a similar rate (I guess the same or close rewards category too).

Thanks....
 

.... for the reply. Yes I am kinda disappointed that I didnt get the JW around the corner. I was there last year around the same time and it was available this far out and it was totally well worth paying the extra 15K points (cat 5 versus cat 6 for 7 nights). I couldnt however bring myself to give up 260K points (at the double rate) instead of 115k.

I agree. I wouldn't, either, no matter how many points I had.

Hotel Contact-email request
 

Hi,

Just stayed at this hotel twice, overall quite a good hotel with really friendly staff and very nice lounge.
For those planning for short future stay, the hotel is going through some renovations, the lounge was just recently completed and it is really nice.
Food offering in the lounge is really good and staff friendly. Overall, I would recommend this hotel, it might be a bit older compared to the Marriott down the road, but I think it is value for the money.

However, I would just like to express a small surprised I had on my last stay, I was more or less trapped into taking most probably an "unofficial" taxi to the airport. I requested for a taxi down at the concierge, and instead of the normal "Dubai Taxi", the guy loaded my bags into a "private" car. I confirmed with the security guard who was there if that was a taxi and he confirmed it. Since my bags were already loaded in the car, I too just stepped in. I noticed that there were no meters, or anything official about it being a taxi. I questioned the driver on how much it was to the airport. At first he did not answer and after a second time, he informed me it was 50 AED! I told him that it was not possible, and he answered that I was in the hotel official car. I don't think it was the case. I told him that I did not have that much of cash with me and he lowered it to 40 AED, which I replied that I have max. 30 AED with me and if he could not accept that, he can leave me at the side of the road. He just rode on and upon reaching the airport, he did accept the 30 AED I had left. (A normal taxi ride to the airport should cost no more than 30 AED, even with the airport taxi, it would cost at least 28 AED!).

If I am wrong here, I would like to mail someone at the hotel to report this as I think this is really a bad reflection of the hotel. I could not find any contact email from the official website.

Please feel free to PM me or mail me for a contact email.

Thanks and becareful to those planning especially when getting a cab to the airport. Make sure it is an official hotel taxi or public one.

:)

This is a good lesson whenever a hotel bellman arranges a "taxi" for you in any city.

You could try contacting Marriott corporate, although you handled it fine and anyone who is vigilant, as you were, can avoid being taken advantage of in this way.

P.S. Glad to hear about the renovations and the new lounge!