Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

With its shimmering blue glass facade and silver pillared portico, on first sight Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort could pass for one of the glitzier hotels in Dubai. Stepping inside however, beyond its smart contemporary reception area, much of the property is already starting to feel a little dated -- especially in comparison to some of the area's newer offerings. The 10-floor property is part of a twin-hotel complex with its sister hotel the Westin right next door (the two properties share extensive gardens and facilities). The hotel is home to a large and lively beachside area dominated by the famous Barasti Beach Bar -- a Dubai institution popular with fun-loving crowds of all ages. The beach bar can get quite raucous -- and annoying -- for those who are looking for a good night's sleep. 

The hotel is situated on the southern end of Dubai’s largest private white-sand beach just off the busy Al Sufouh Road that services the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach districts. While its location means easy access to Dubai Media City and Jumeirah Beach Residence -- both just minutes away by car -- it is a bit away from some of Dubai's tourists attractions including the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building) which is at least a 20-minute drive away. Dubai International Airport is also relatively far away, at around a 30-minute drive in good traffic. 

Following a major 2012 renovation, all the hotel's 220 rooms have been very nicely revamped in fresh and bright contemporary styling with smart fixtures and plush furnishings. Most sea-facing rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors that open to furnished balconies with superb panoramas of the marina and Jumeirah Palm archipelago opposite. Amenities are also suitably high-end and include robes and slippers, iPod docks, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. While Wi-Fi is free in rooms it can be slow unless you pay to upgrade. Loud music from the popular beach bar can also be an issue in beach-facing rooms. 

A real highlight of the hotel is its huge range of activities available with an emphasis on water sports. Children are very well catered for with a kids' club and two shaded children’s pools -- one with a waterslide -- and games on the beach. The hotel's main free-form swimming pool has a swim-up bar and jetted tub section, while there's also a separate pool for laps. There are two on-site restaurants, a cafe lounge, and a poolside bar, however the main event is the now renowned and hugely popular Barasti Beach Bar that has live music and weekend clubbing until late. Guests also have free use the facilities of the large and slightly more luxurious Westin hotel next door. Guests wishing to stay active can take advantage of the tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, and fitness center. Wi-Fi is free, but can be slow.