Jumeira Rotana

The property may not be the most glamorous from the outside, but its renovated interiors are smart and contemporary. The bright lobby, decorated in understated cream, gray, and brown tones, is clean and set with small clusters of modern leather chairs and sofas placed near the reception. The clean and practical approach continues throughout the hotel, which includes simple carpeted hallways and the tasteful aesthetics in the restaurant. The businesslike look and quiet atmosphere is suited to corporate travelers and families, but there’s no wow factor that sets this property apart as particularly charismatic or memorable. 

Located on a back street in an older section of Dubai, the hotel certainly allows for some peace and quiet away from the more bustling, tourist-centric neighborhoods, but its immediate surroundings in a parking lot aren’t the most pleasant. Streets within walking distance offer a range of low-rise buildings, cafes, and a mall, and there’s a large port and dock nearby. The Jumeirah Mosque is an 18-minute walk away, and downtown Dubai and other attractions are about 20 minutes away by car. Despite what its name suggests, the hotel is about a 16-minute drive away from the beaches in the Jumeirah area. The lack of a nearby metro station is inconvenient for travelers who want to explore, but the hotel does provide free shuttles to the Dubai Mall and Kite Beach, both 20- to 25-minute drives away. Dubai International Airport is 20 minutes away by car. Airport transfers are available from the hotel for fees.

Classic and Premium Rooms come with king or twin beds, and are spacious and clean, with decent dresser and closet space and small seating areas. Like the hotel's common areas, the rooms are contemporary in style, but lack much character. However, patterned carpeting and sleek wooden headboards and work desks keep them from being drab. Rooms also get a lot of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, many of which have fantastic Burj Khalifa views (the various Suites have balconies looking out onto the iconic building.)

All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and safes, but like at most Rotana hotels, Wi-Fi comes with fees. Minibars are well-stocked and even include alcoholic beverages (not always the case in Dubai), but the offerings are predictably pricey. Tea-and coffee-making equipment is provided. Premium Rooms and Suites have DVD players. Extra beds come with fees. 

Bathrooms are quite big, and come with granite sink tops, vanity mirrors, and shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Suites come with additional walk-in showers with handheld showerheads. All bathrooms provide toiletries and hairdryers. 

Accessible rooms are available, and so are smoking rooms, which can make for odors that leak into the hallways. 

Breakfast can be included in room rates at the hotel’s Olive Oil restaurant, and the buffet of omelets, plus Middle Eastern and continental items is tasty, though the unreliable coffee machines could use replacing. The restaurant also serves themed cuisine every night of the week for dinner; it’s closed for lunch. A room service menu is available 24 hours a day. Other dining options include typical bar food at the lively Boston Bar, a traditional pub-style space with dark wood counters and tables, mosaic tile lamps, a pool and foosball table, and DJ’d music at night. There's also a pool snack bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus light meals. 

The rooftop pool, part of the hotel’s Bodyline Fitness & Wellness Club, is small and offers limited lounge chairs, but the area is rarely crowded, and offers a lovely place to take in the sunset. There’s also a kids’ pool. The plain-looking gym has limited machines and lots of free weights. There are separate saunas for men and women, and a two-room spa offers massages and beauty treatments. 

One compact boardroom is adequate for small meetings and provides audiovisual equipment. There’s also a business corner in the hotel for casual computer use. Wi-Fi in common areas and parking on-site are both free. Other amenities include laundry and babysitting services. There are several accessible features for guests with mobility issues, including ramp routes, separate restrooms, and evacuation wheelchairs.