We have just returned from a wonderfully relaxing week at the Le Meridien Al Aqah. It would appear that some of the contributors to this site do not research neither destination nor hotel before committing themselves and I have very little sympathy for the negative comments that have been raised with regards to distance from Dubai, absence of other amenities etc. These gripes bring to mind travellers who, for whatever reason, opt for three star accommodation but then complain because they expect 5 star accommodation and service!

Now back to the matter in hand! Having sampled the delights of Dubai - before the construction craze got underway - we deliberately selected Le Meridien Al Aqah for some well deserved R&R and the fact that there are no other (or very little!) distractions. We have previously stayed at Le Meridien hotels in many other countries throughout the world and were well aware of the standards to be expected. Le Meridien Al Aqah did not disappoint. It would seem that this is the hotel of choice for the indigenous population looking to escape from the chaos of Dubai, Sharjah etc. and hence accustomed to high standards of service etc. That being said, it is a truly international hotel patronised by all nationalities!

The hotel itself is beautifully designed and provides an interesting feature to an otherwise dreary and starck environment. The hotel has been designed so that all the rooms are sea facing - but note that standard rooms do not have a balcony. Unless you intend to make full use of your balcony - don't bother with the upgrade from standard to superior.

All of the rooms are spacious, very clean and equipped with all the usual amenities, as one would expect of a 5 star hotel, to make your stay enjoyable. The staff, without exception, are extremely polite and helpful at all times. We dined in all four of the hotel's restaurants. "Views" is the principle restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (on a buffet basis) - the latter changes on a daily basis - but in each case the choice is extensive and the quality exceptional. Our only complaint during the holiday was in relation to the "Swaad" restaurant serving Indian cuisine. The food was somewhat on the bland side and after making polite enquiries, we were informed by the staff that they had had to "Europeanise" the dishes having received complaints about the food being "too spicy" and/or "too hot"!!??? Faux pas!

A plate of "fruits of the day" is placed in rooms between 4.00pm and 5.00pm daily. If you miss this, for whatever reason, ring Guest Services and they will happily make sure that you get it.

The hotel is large enough to provide a feeling of privacy even when operating at full capacity. Sunbeds (complete with towels and parasols) are in abundance around the pool and beach area. Complimentary cold flannels and pieces of fruit are given out at regular times during the day. Complimentary water is provided in the rooms on a daily basis so don't waste your money buying water at the pool! The pool and beach is manned at all times by lifeguards who take their role seriously and do not hesitate to politely reprimand overly boisterous young children!

The hotel organises a host of daytime and evening activities ie watersports, boat trips, scuba diving etc (weather permitting), live entertainment ie themed shows (there was a rendition of the musical "Cats" one evening!), cabaret singers (nothing to write home about I'm afraid!). Unfortunately, for most of our stay, the water based activities had to be cancelled due to adverse sea conditions.

The hotel also has excellent spa facilities and reasonably priced packages. The Ayuverdic treatments are a must and a bargain compared to London.

Shopaholics need not despair - the hotel provides a regular complimentary shuttle to Fujairah city (approximately one hour away) which has a range of hypermarkets but note does not compare with Dubai! If you really want the shopping malls of Dubai and can stomach the four hour round trip journey, the hotel also provides a twice weekly complimentary shuttle to Dubai and Sharjah. Taxis are relatively cheap, quicker than the shuttle and a good means of getting around but ask the hotel to organise this for you.
Wine, as one would expect, is relatively expensive in hotels in Islamic countries and unless you don't mind paying the equivalent of 20 pounds for a bottle of wine that would cost 4 pounds in the UK, I would steer away from this tipple. Beer and spirits, on the other hand, are reasonably priced.

All in all we had a wonderful time and would thoroughly recommend this hotel. If you want the ostentatious glitz and glamour of Dubai - then please, go to Dubai! The moral of the story - do your research!