Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah

This hotel is one of three places to stay in the expansive and exclusive Madinat Jumeirah resort -- the others being the Mina A’Salam hotel and the Dar Al Masyaf summerhouses. While Al Qasr is the more luxurious and upmarket of the hotels, all guests have access to facilities across the resort, which is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town and is lined with charming waterways as well as meticulously maintained tropical gardens.

Guests pass along a picture-perfect, tree-lined avenue to arrive at the impressive and majestic Al Qasr. Meaning "The Palace," it was built to resemble a Sheikh’s summer residence and looks every inch the abode of royalty. Beautifully ornate columns and friezes adorn the entrance, and inside the decor really takes flight -- a dizzying array of geometrical patterns of arabesque tiling, intricate wrought-iron balustrades, and Mashrabiya (carved latticework) motifs adorn the opulent lobby, illuminated by a particularly stunning chandeliers and accompanied by the tinkling sound of the waterfall feature beneath. The ambience is relentlessly opulent, refined, and luxurious with a genuine feeling of privacy and exclusivity where guests can't help but feel like royalty themselves.

The Al Qasr hotel's idyllic surroundings are set within the private Madinat Jumeirah resort -- a luxurious and private expanse of waterways, manicured lawns, and a stretch of white-sand beach overlooked by the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The resort is geographically central in Dubai and therefore has relatively easy access to most of Dubai's main attractions, such as the Wild Wadi Water Park (with free entry for guests) and Mall of the Emirates -- both within five to 10 minutes' drive. There is also plenty to explore in the resort including the Souk Madinat Jumeirah -- a meticulously recreated ancient Arabian market. Dubai International Airport is around half an hour by car -- traffic allowing. 

The hotel has 294 rooms and suites all of which follow the theme of Persian-style palatial living, and feature details such as carved wood furnishings, intricate latticework motifs, and flamboyantly tasseled drapery. In-room amenities are as high-end as the hotel, with abundantly stocked minibars, fast and free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with international satellite channels and DVD players. Luxury touches include good down duvets, plump pillows, and his-and-hers bathrobes, while marble-topped bathrooms have soaking tubs, separate walk-in showers, and luxury bath products. All rooms also open to furnished balconies overlooking lush gardens, waterways, or the Arabian Sea.

Guests of the Al Qasr have access to all the facilities within the Madinat Jumeirah resort, which includes over 40 restaurants and bars covering almost every style of dining imaginable (though the hotel is particularly noted for its huge, fantastic, and expensive Friday Brunch). The main outdoor pool is one of the largest in the region with plenty of loungers and poolside dining -- though no swim-up bar -- while guests also have use of the rooftop pool at the Mina A’Salam hotel. Talise Fitness center also has two indoor pools together with a state-of-the-art gym and a first-of-its-kind High Altitude Suite, while the renowned Talise spa offers a wide selection of treatments and facilities.

Guests can also enjoy myriad water sports or just lounge on numerous daybeds with waiter service on the mile-long, golden-sand beach. Children are well catered for too, with Sinbad's Kids Club providing entertainment and activities together with extensive play areas and pools. Families also have free access to the Wild Wadi Water Park, which can be access directly by one of the resorts many water taxis. Wi-Fi throughout is free and fast.