Hotel Dubai Marine

On the seaside, at the near end of Jumeirah beach, 6 miles from the city center and 9 miles from the airport. Allow 15 minutes for the transfer to the city as well as to reach the airport.

The Dubai Marine is situated in an excellent location for those who want to combine the pleasures of the beach, going shopping or discovering the city, all of this on the seashore. Indeed, the hotel is located at the near end of Jumeirah beach, next to the famous mosque decorating this area. This address will please couples who would like to have a glimpse of the area within a week. They will also appreciate the "charming" side of the Dubai Marine: there are no big structures here, only 2-storey villas placed side by side hidden in a profuse verdure.

Before becoming a hotel in 1998, the Dubai Marine was a private club with a good rating. It has kept its impeccable gardens since then. A waterfall pours forth in one corner and the water becomes a water course meandering through the grounds. The perfectly maintained lawn stretches to the beach. Various trees and shrubs are planted around the 3 pools: there is one for the kids and one for the adults. The last one is a deep blue tropical pool and is situated next to the cascade. Verdure and water add a very soothing touch to the relaxation areas, even though they are limited. Consequently, the deckchairs are aligned facing the sea in several rows. There is a quieter beach for those who would like less activity. Large and refined, the hotel's reception area combines a marble floor with beige walls. The comfortable lounges are decorated in particularly soothing orange tones.

The 195 rooms of the Dubai Marine are spread in 33 attached two-storey villas. Small but very bright, they have a double bed or two twin beds. Their furniture combining rattan and light wood is simple and modest. A small lounge is available to watch satelliteTV. The bathrooms are small but well organized, and include a bathtub and a hairdryer, and a selection of toiletry products. Upper floor rooms have a balcony, while first floor rooms have a terrace. Air-conditioning, a minibar, a safe and a direct telephone for international calls complete the rest of the facilities.

With 10 restaurants, the Dubai Marine holds the record for gastronomic choice with respect to its size! You can taste specialities from all around the world: Lebanese, Japanese, Italian and Thai cuisines are especially highlighted. For those who would like to eat steaks or burritos, there is also a Tex-Mex restaurant. Finally, an Arabic coffee shop serves food from excellent Middle East recipes. Anf if you get weary of all these flavours, you may also enjoy International cuisine with French overtones. As for the decor, the Italian restaurant has a panoramic view with tables situated facing the sea. Intimate environment, candles on the tables, sotto voce conversations: the ambiance is ideal for sampling the excellent home made pastries, meats and fish prepared impeccably and served with bread that was kneaded and baked on the premises. The tiramisu is a small masterpiece! To have a simpler dinner still on a terrace, go to the Taverna: you will taste a varied and rich buffet, or choose among a menu featuring the best recipes of international cuisine. Expect to pay around ?12 (£9.5) per course.

The beach is a cove protected by two docks. About 330 feet in length, it offers fine sand and a sapphire blue sea. No problem to swim: the difference in height is sufficient. As for relaxing, it depends on the crowds. Usually, guests prefer to use the deckchairs on the lawn facing the sea. This is an advantage for those who like to have their feet in the water, without having many deckchairs around. As for the equipment, there are sufficient amenities, including towels. For an extra fee, you can do sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing.