driving into the hotel is like entering a fairytale.... beautiful Arabic design, very soothing and calm interiors, which are a great contrast to the hustle and bustle surrounding this hotel located in the hip 'Downtown Dubai' area.

Concierge is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The buffet breakfast is great... and offers an amazing variety to please any taste bud.

Great location, you can walk to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar and the fountains.

First impressions count, and this hotel does not fail. The first thing you notice is the smell of sandlewood and the rose petal fountain. The service was professional and fast. We were soon shown our room, We had booked a room overlooking the fountains,however we were placed on the opposite side. Realising thy had messed up with the booking, they soon upgraded us to a suite. The rooms were of a high standard, the house boy was attentive and courteous. We stayed over a weekend, and it should be noted the swimming pool area is used for private functions, so the area is shut off from 1700? The music is loud and does go on to twelve, however the bands were of a good standard so easy listening. My only gripe is the lads who remove the stage scaffolding during the night need to be a bit quieter.
The hotel central position is a bonus if you want to visit the malls and Burg Khalif.
Breakfast was comprehensive with most tastes catered for, the outside area soon fills up. It should also be noted smoking is allowed at the tables which spoilt the meal,as most people seem to be smokers here.
We did use the Thai restaurant which although a nice location was again spoilt by the pandering to smokers. The outside balcony which overlooked the fountains is all smoking and when you have eight people light up on the next table, it was no fun especially at the prices you are charged.

All in all a good hotel, which I would return to if they addressed their smoking policy

The hotel is beautiful but service is poor. It seems staff arent told to say hello to guests unless they look rich and want to spend lots of money. this was our second destination and what a change it was. coming from the maldives where they are high on hospitality, the palace was a disappointment. two days of our breakfast we were told we couldnt sit outside to eat although there was seating available and two sets of guests were seated outside after we asked. not sure why?! when we got to the hotel we had to wait a hell of a long time to even get to our room and no-one apologised for the wait. it just seemed that we didnt matter. location was good, 5 min walk to the mall. breakfast was tasty, alot of choice, bed was extremely comfortable. all in all, an average stay for an expensive hotel.

I stayed four nights at this hotel and found the location to be ideal as I wanted mainly to visit Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and see the fountains all of which are a few minutes walk away.
I enjoyed the stay although I did not use many of the facilities or restaurants. You are spoilt for choice for restaurants in the area surrounding the hotel.
On arrival the taxi could not get near the entrance and the taxi driver was asked to drop me down the drive, no problem apart from the two cases!
Fortunately the car park attendant carried them in for me.
Check in was slow, despite it being 8.30pm I don't think the room was ready. I had requested a high floor room but only a second floor one could be found. The standard rooms are on the first three floors and the suites on the higher floors.
There was a wonderful view of the fountains from the 4th floor viewing terrace.
My room had a view of the lake but not the fountains but it was quiet apart from the slightly noisy air conditioning.
I liked the Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet toiletries in the bathroom and there was a great shower cap.
I found the service rather business like and when I checked out I was not asked if all was okay because the cashier was talking to her manager about a problem with another guest.
However I did enjoy my stay and would return.