I stayed at this hotel on my second visit to dubai in aug 2005, and was totally amazed and in love with this place and stayed at the meridian on my first trip but my stay at the mina was like a dream. I felt so relaxed and have stayed in hotels around the world and none beat this for the experience.
The reason i am writing a review in june 2007 is I came back to dubai on 11th June for 6 nights but sayed at Jumeirah Beach this time as i came for my cousins 40th and they had two kids and the jumeirah was ideal for them and also to see what the jumeirah beach was like.
I want to write a review for the mina salam and not for jumeirah beach as i believe this hotel is what your holiday in dubai should be.
We had breakfast everday at the jumeirah which was part of the package, but i felt it was limited for food and entertainment in the evenings as there was a group of 9 of us.
I took everyone to the mina to eat and soon as i walked in to the hotel i was overwhelmed of my last experiece from the smell in the lobby, the amazing flower feature, the abras to take you to the souk.
Not being a snob, but the whole vibe of the jumeirah and the staff at the hotel was not as good as the mina, i know a lot of celebrities stay at the jumeirah but there were a lot of people that would normally go to tenerife and the costas staying at the jumeirah, which you do not get at the mina.
I went to the mina everday and even bought some of the oudh which you can smell in the lobby after i asked the staff, and the nice guy took me to the shop in the soukh and i got some free perfume as well.
Also in the evenings you have so much choice around you for restaurants, loved trader vics, leftbank and ushna, noodle house and the kids loved brewsters who had amazing desserts. Went to the trilogy club in the hotel which is handy.
I believe your first visit to dubai in any hotel can be your dream holiday but if you stay at the mina salam you will not want to stay elsewhere.
I want to return to dubai again as it is such a relaxing place you do not want to go back home, but this time i will book the mina salam and feel like a princess again :)

We visited Dubai for the second part of our honeymoon, after staying 8 nights in Maldives.

We were amazed by, not only the service of everyone at the hotel, but the hotel and the facilties.

We arrived very early (6:30am) which we knew our room would not be ready, however we had the use of the gym to get a shower and a change (after breakfast) and use all the hotel facilities such as the pool etc. We could even at this point sign everything to the room, no need for cash. Our suitceses were very safe, and transported to our room as soon as the room was ready, they were actually there before we arrived.

The service was first rate by all at the hotel and the surrounding Jumeirah hotels, which we also had access to. The people working there could not do enough for you.

The food in all the restaurants we tried were amazing, Mj's, Phai Thai were fantastic. We did dine in the Burj Al Arab at the restaurant at the top, although very expensive and the food very delicious, it did seem a little overrated, we enjoyed the views from our hotel and service etc just as much. Hwever we were aware the views on the night were not the best.

Due to the trip being our honeymoon, we were welcomed with a big bottle of champagne and strawberries and chocolate dips, a very nice touch. The view of the Burj fro our room were great.

We are planning on going again very soon, and would definately return to this part of Dubai, the amount of work that is going on is immense, and amazing to see, but was glad we were on the beach and away from the hustle and bustle.

Would definately recommend the Arabian Adventure trips, we did the Sundowner and was fantastic.

Wild Waddy a must also, great fun, and great way to keep cool, as the heat for me was unbearrable!!

Just returned from a 5 night stay at the Mina A Salam, and didn't want to come home. We were really looked after and made to feel special.

Having stayed at other premium hotels around the world, this was by far our best experience. And staying at the Madinat is truley an experience, from floating abras which take you to the door of your restaurant, to golf buggies which transport you along the beach to the other Jumeriah hotels!

Staying in June, meant that we had complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Water Park, with even a golf buggy to drop you off at the guest entrance.

We arrived at the hotel at 8am following an overnight flight and anticipated a long wait for our room. Yet on arrival we were seated in the lounge and served complimentary drinks, pastries, cold towels, and escorted to our room by 10am.

Before going, we had read other reviews which suggested booking premium leisure rooms. We decided not to do this, and found that even the standard rooms were enormous, with a balcony overlooking the Burj Al Arab, and lots of special treats like fruit, water, and chocolates!

We would strongly recommend booking the restaurants in advance over the internet, and this can also be done with the Jumeirah Beeach and Burj Al Arab hotels (also Jumeirah Group Hotels).

This is a great hotel for a beach holiday, yet with easy access to everything else Dubai has to offer.

My wide and I have just returned from our third stay at the Mina, and this time we took my son and his girlfriend who got engaged there. They were fed up with me telling them how amazing the place is so I just had to prove it to them. They were truly gobsmacked and unfortunately for my wallet, they want me to take them there again!!!
I have travelled to and stayed in many wonderful locations but this is the only hotel in the world I have ever returned to, and I will be doing the same next year as well.
Nothing much new to add to all thats been said already. If anyone is wondering if the place is too 'posh' or 'snooty' then dont. One of the best things about the Mina is the incredible service thats provided. Always polite efficient and discreet. They have a knack of knowing what you want before you do!! I wont go on anymore but just to say if you have any doubts about this place dont....It truly is one of the worlds best hotels.