if you want to go somewhere away from shops and citylife then this is probably perfect for you, the hotel is in the middle of nowhere on the beach. the noise from the ongoing palm island work offshore is just like distant thundering now and then. nice pools and a fair bit of stuff to do but if you want a bit more action or just fancy a change of scenery you have to get the free but crowded bus to a mall about 40 mins away or into the town about 1hr 10mins away.
The original hotel looks a bit dated now and I wouldnt say it desrves a 5 star rating, maybe a 3plus. the palm court area of the hotel is more impressive.
we found the prices for beer and stuff a bit steep, £2 for a can of coke and £5 for a pint. the hotel is also full of our german friends, polite as ever!
overall if you want peace and are happy staying in the hotel grounds then yes but if you want to see dubai, visit souks and other hotels I would stay closer to the city, you may pay a bit more but your not paying out for taxis and stuff all the time..

We read some of the reviews prior to going and was a bit concerned. We need not have worried. This hotel is fantastic. You can always find more elaborate (see the Burg Al Arab - where I would not stay! Had high tea there, hotel is kitsch and vulgar!).
The Jebel Ali is finished! and that is important, Jumeirah is a building site, 200+ hotels being built 24 hours a day - Horrible! People we met said it's ok if you don't look around (blinkers optional I guess!). The Jebel Ali is an Oasis a classy one at that!. The staff cannot do enough, right from the pool attendants through to the management, nothing is too much trouble. The spa is out of this world and reasonably priced. The bars and restaurants are good and dress code is maintained. The captains bar on the beach serves at the bar or by waiter on golf cart at your lounger (you really do not have to move). The sea is clear and the beach white and clean. The so called noise from the Palm building work is nothing. We listened for it and but for the odd distant rumble, nothing - it's better than cars driving around. Peacocks, funny and no nuisance at all! Restaurants were fine, good prices and good food. The trips by Arabian Adventures seem pricey until you go on them and see the attention to detail. First Class. The whole package was fantastic - Hotel, location, service, food, weather (it was hot though).
If you want night life (discos, etc.) then it maybe is not for you, unless you get a taxi (50 dirhams to town circa £7.50), or go to Lloret in Spain! If you want to chill out in class, rest, relax, wind down and avoid any yob culture, then you would do well to go here.
We had a ground floor Cabana room, it was spacious and well decorated, very clean, and serviced ad infinitum! Guest Relations regularly called to ensure all was well and if we needed anything. Friends who were in standard rooms said theirs were slightly smaller, but nontheless of a similar vein and very good. The balcony in the standard room is just a viewing balcony, not a sitting one.
Dubai city is facinating and people very genuine and warm. There are many, many hotels that look beautiful and when building work is done (2008 ish), many areas will have a big lure, until then, look for the finished article.

We do not know or understand what happened with the people on here that seemed to highlight minutia and possibly got hung up and let it spoil their holiday, or maybe their expectations were different. Everyone we spoke to had nothing but good to say about the hotel. We suggest do more than just trip advisor research to make decisions, and assess to seperate the possible persistent moaners from the genuine "things gone wrong"!

Holiday booking is always a bit of a lottery, and thus opinions varied. This is our account, 2 days back and wishing we were still there!

Spent a wonderful 10 days at this oasis 45 minutes from Dubai Airport, this was my third visit over a period of 5 years and the service is still excellent and although there is building work off shore for the Jebel Ali Palm it does not distract from the beautiful setting and vast tropical grounds of this wonderful hotel.
It was my boyfriends first visit and as a keen golfer found the 9 hole championship course first class, the greens were immaculate and the golf course staff more than attentive
Various restaurants with a great value 'dining around' option attentive service and choice of food unbelieable........
Three pools all with life guards and pool side bars/restaurants, guys whizzing around the extensive grounds in golf buggy's serving ice cold drinks, just in case you can't be bothered to move form you sun lounger or beach hammock!!! Miles of private powder white sand beach to stroll along....bliss

We got back from staying in the Jebel last month. I read the last review posted and I thought that the staff were excellent. The hotel was beautiful and the food was lovely, however the wine here is a tad pricey - we paid £20 for a bottle of mateus rose! Our room was fantastic I would advise people to stay in a sea view room preferably room 123 because we had a large patio with chairs and umbrella and great views.

We also went to see the Buj Al Arab and Jumeriah Beach hotels whilst we were there. You have to book evening tea (£30 each) or dinner in one of the restaurants to visit this hotel, but we recommend to do this!

We are already planning to book again to go in February next year with friends. Another piece of advise is if you do not like the heat do not go between June - August, when we was out there the humidity was 100% and 45F.

PS Currently the whole of Dubai is building something or other. At the moment they are building the Jebel Islands opposite thehotel, although you can see them and hear them slightly it is not at all off putting!!! Trust me I am one that likes my sleep and I am a light sleeper!