Hotel One and Only Arabian Court

The hotel is located within the One and Only Royal Mirage complex just across the (Sheikh Zayed) road from the Media District, which, let us reassure you, is well at bay behind the hotel's thick high hedges and across the road. The location's ideal if you want a holiday atmosphere without being far from the JBR (Jumeirah Beach Resort) area or Bur Dubai (the new city centre, where you will find the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall). The airport is a 20 minute drive away (traffic-depending). There isn't a great deal in the immediate surroundings unless you cross over into the Media District, but even then there isn't much going on unless you have a business meeting planned.

There are four One and Only hotels in Dubai, with the fourth one on the Palm. Guests staying at the Arabian Court can use the facilities at all One and Only hotels, include those of One and Only The Palm.

One and Only is one of the world's best luxury hotel groups with hotels all over the world. The owner of the group is the same at Atlantis hotels (Bahamas and Dubai so far).

Open in 2002, at the same time as The Residence, the hotel has been extremely well-maintained. Although you'll have a hard time finding information just about this hotel as opposed to the whole complex online, it's worth noting that the three hotels really are separate, each with its own reception and distinct style and atmosphere. Of the three, the Arabian Court was our favourite due to its Moorish architecture, the tranquillity that reigns in its beautifully decorated interiors and the care that is taken to render every detail perfect.

The hotel, although gets a good mix of clientele, it is especially popular with guests from the Gulf countries for the privacy and intimacy away from prying eyes. In terms of facilities, there is a kids' club, three restaurants (a rotisserie restaurant, an Asian fusion restaurant and an Indo-European restaurant) as well as an interior bar with a beautifully painted domed ceiling that leads to the roof top terrace, which is one of the highlights of the hotel. The terrace comes alive at night, when candles, lanterns and shisha are brought out. The dome's coloured glass adds a touch of colour and the views of the sea and gardens are also a reason to come and hang out here for pre-dinner drinks, even if you are not a guest at the hotel. However, make sure you book the right table, as the road is also visible from the terrace, so if you're looking to be totally immersed in the Moorish details, then you have to be well-positioned! For the spa and gym, guests must cross the gardens to The Residence just next door.

There are 170 rooms altogether, including Deluxe, Executive suites and two Prince suites. The rooms range from 50m² for a deluxe, 125m² for an executive suite and 145m² for a Prince suite. All rooms are sea-facing and have been beautifully appointed in a typical yet tasteful luxurious Arabian style without being too gaudy. The suites have an additional foyer, dining area, separate guest toilets and business facilities. On the fourth floor is where you'll find the two Prince suites which have their own terrace with traditional Majlis style seating.

The rooms have all the usual facilities one would expect from a luxury hotel, including bathrobes, slippers, luxury One and Only Hotels own-brand toiletries in the large opulent marble bathrooms and large flat-screen HD televisions, iPod docking stations, a DVD player, a mini-bar and safe. The rooms are a lot more traditional than at The Residence where the rooms are a bit plainer and neutral, and at The Palace, where the rooms are as lavish as at the Arabian Court, but dressed in more neutral fabrics. The furnishings at the Arabian Court are rich and reflect the warmth of the Orient, which reminds guests that they are in an Arab country, as opposed to many luxury hotels, where you feel that you could be anywhere in the world.

Guests can meander around all three hotels and make reservations at any of the complex's restaurants and bars. At the Arabian Court you will find three restaurants and bars, including: the Rotisserie, Eauzone, and Nina. The opulent dining room is warm and despite its 'overstated' luxury, isn't a daunting place to come for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here, a range of European cuisine is served. There is also outdoor seating on the veranda or in the courtyard. The restaurant sets up a buffet for all three meals. Be aware that that due to the local culture and tradition, there is a dress code to observe here - no sleeveless t-shirts, shorts or flip flops. Eauzone, the poolside bar, has a beautiful setting. On the beach, it features a shaded wooden deck and a floating Majlis - a traditional room used to entertain guests with low seating. The bar is the most casual of the three, despite staying chic. Open for lunch and dinner, Asian fusion cuisine is served here from an à la carte menu. The dress code also applied at the Rotisserie must also be observed here. Last but not least, is Nina, the restaurant you will find down the stairs facing the entrance. Serving new-wave Indo-Asian cuisine, the restaurant is ideal for guests who want to taste something a little different. Open for dinner only, this is the Arabian Court's fine dining restaurant. Note that the dress code also applies here and that the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

The hotel is set right on the beach, which creates that wonderful holiday atmosphere that goes amiss at many city centre hotels. The beach is clean and the water calm. However, the view of the road to the right of the beach gives it an industrial atmosphere.