Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Jumeirah Beach

Opened in 2012, the Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence lures leisure travelers who would rather be by the beach than downtown sights. The 43-story property houses both standard hotel rooms and apartment-style units, making it a viable option for both families and couples. While an array of quality amenities -- from a heated outdoor pool and fitness center to several restaurants and an Executive Lounge -- are on offer, the hotel doesn't have anything that's a real standout. Additionally, the design is dated in parts and furnishings are showing wear, plus there have been many complaints of maintenance issues. It's also worth noting that some public areas and rooms allow smoking, and cigarette smells can linger or be overwhelming for guests that don't smoke.All in all, this is a fine choice for travelers wanting to be near the beach and all the shops and eateries of The Walk, but Dubai is packed with fantastic hotels that offer a better value. Travelers willing to pay a bit more should consider Anantara Dubai The Palm, which has pretty Thai-style decor and several lagoon pools. Those wanting to be downtown near major sights such as the Burj Khalifa will likely prefer the Ramada Downtown Dubai.

This Ramada Plaza is set in the Jumeirah Beach Residence, a popular waterfront area set between Dubai Marina and the ocean. It's a big draw for its proximity to the beach and The Walk, a beachfront promenade lined with tons of shops and restaurants. On the other side of the marina is Dubai Marina Mall, which can be reached in about 13 minutes on foot from the hotel. Nearby train stations allow for access to other sights, though expect train travel to take much longer than taxis. The hotel provides free shuttles to the Mall of the Emirates, which will take 15 to 20 minutes. Downtown sights such as Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, can be reached in 45 minutes by train or 23 minutes by car. Dubai International Airport is a 30-minute drive. 

The 360 units here are comprised of standard hotel rooms and apartment-style units, all of which are done in a similar contemporary, albeit bland style. Expect neutral-tone furnishings consisting of wood furniture, beige tile or black carpet floors, white faux-leather headboards and seating, and gray accents. Some wear and tear is visible, and past guests have reported maintenance issues such as broken fixtures. Hotel-style rooms come with flat-screen TVs, desks, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, plus free Wi-Fi and closets with safes. Studios and apartments with up to four bedrooms add spacious sitting areas, full kitchens with stovetops, microwaves, ovens, and lll the necessary cookware, as well as washing machines. Some units add balconies, big dining tables, pretty marina vistas, and espresso machines. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries.

This hotel has a variety of features for leisure guests who don't want to take advantage of the nearby beach and plethora of dining outlets. The standout is likely the attractive outdoor pool, which is heated and lined by loungers and umbrellas. There's no spa on-site, but a modern fitness center is equipped with ample cardio and strength-training machines. Additionally, a sauna is available.Several dining options are available, including a tasty Brazilian barbecue spot, Fogueira Restaurant, which is is open for dinner and has live Latin music some nights. An Italian restaurant, casual pub that allows smoking and has live music, and a 35th-floor lounge with pleasant views are available. The all-day Shores restaurant serves international fare buffet-style, but guests report long lines at breakfast. The hotel has a business center, conference rooms, and outdoor terrace on the 35th floor. Executive-level guests get access to a lounge with free breakfast, afternoon snacks, and nighttime beverages. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. A business center and couple of meeting rooms are on-site.