The Experience
A frequent favorite among repeat travelers to Dubai, Le Royal Méridien is one of the Emirates' classic resorts, offering excellent service and accommodation for any type of visit. Located on a private, quiet stretch of the famous Jumeirah Beach—and convenient to the Marina, the Emirates Golf Course, the massive Mall of the Emirates and Dubai's bustling Internet and Media City mini-downtowns—Le Royal Méridien is a five-star Swiss army knife that's a top choice, whether you're visiting for business, pleasure or simple relaxation.
The Rooms
The hotel's gently curving architecture turns the balcony of every unit to overlook both the pool and the sea; club rooms add a complimentary breakfast and cocktail lounge. You'll find excellent deep baths, walk-in showers and spotless contemporary decor. Most repeat visitors (and there are many) prefer the Tower, a luxurious addition with panoramic views and complimentary wine to enhance its enjoyment.
The Service
Butlers and room service are available 24/7, and the ratio of staff to units is two-to-one. The three-story Caracalla spa offers a gamut of workups and rubdowns, plus saunas, Jacuzzis and five Hammam pools. In addition to the well-equipped gym overlooking the pool, you'll find four tennis courts with floodlights for night play (essential, given the climate), a full range of water activities from windsurfing to aqua-biking to deep-sea fishing and all of Dubai's world-class golf courses between five and 20 minutes away. When you're hungry after all that, 14 restaurants and bars offer everything from Angus steaks to casual pizza to Indonesian satay.
The Highlights
You'll probably spend much of your visit in the beautifully landscaped area between the hotel and the sea, where the three temperature-controlled pools give way to large open spaces for informal ball sports and small shady corners for curling up quietly with a book and a companion. Just a bit further on, the soft sands of the beach and the smell of sea air from the Gulf await—although the scent of dinner in the hotel may waft in from the other direction, confusing the issue. With Le Royal Méridien's excellent service, choosing your pleasure should be the most difficult part of the trip.