JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai - Cranley Report

The Cranley Report®: JW Marriott Hotel

JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai

Hotel Address

Hamarain Centre
Abu Baker Al Siddique Road
Deira
PO Box 16590
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

JW Marriott

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Hotel Summary

Category	Hotel
Awards Won	Time Out Dubai 2006 - JW's Steakhouse Highly Commended Dubai Tourism Commerce and Marketing 2006 - Concierge of the Year and Best Customer Care award

Hotel Opened	1993
Refurbishment	New wing added in 2003

Cranley Summary

The Bar is the main bar for the Executive Apartments and is situated in the hotel, above the Cucina Restaurant, where its location gives it an elevated view over the Green Community lake. The Bar has three separate types of seating, with tables and chairs, comfortable sofas or bar stools for those who wish to sit at the bar itself. Its main features are the dark domed ceiling and the floor to ceiling windows. Guests can sit inside or outside on the terrace. The Bar offers a range of monthly food and cocktails promotions, with one currently running described as 'The greatest hits of food and cocktails from the past 50 years!' Choose a Mai Tai 1944, sip a Patio Daddy-O Punch or go modern with all new BarArts recipes like the Black Agave or the Havana Cocktail – each hand-crafted with fresh squeezed juices. For sports fans, the latest events are shown on The Bar's flat screen TV and for fans of English football, The Bar shows English Premier League matches throughout the season and has promotional prices on drinks.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

The JW Marriott is situated on a side street off the main Abu Baker Al Siddique Road near to the centre of Dubai's business district with its ancient Arabic heritage and culture. It is a fifteen minute walk to the Dubai Creek and the souks, whilst the Dubai Creek and Al Badia world-class golf courses are also close by. Guests can visit the Creek promenade which extends from the Corniche, allowing visitors to stroll along the Arabian Gulf coast.

Airports
Distance	3 km
Airport Transfers	Complimentary for executive and suite guests. Taxi

Cities and Sights
Distance	1 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi

Layout Description

The JW Marriott is a city centre hotel with numerous restaurants and bars. On the ground floor is the lobby, business centre, shops and boutiques, Cucina The Italian Kitchen restaurant and two different coffee bars. JW's Steakhouse is located on the lower ground floor level. A feature of the hotel is the 'Town Square' which is located on the mezzanine level, above and behind the Reception area. It consists of a central square with some of the other restaurants surrounding it to create a piazza effect. Above the Town Square is a substantial glass dome that is one of the largest in the UAE. The dome creates an impressive effect and allows natural daylight into the centre of the hotel. The guest rooms are located on the first to sixth floors with the executive floor, that has its own reception desk, lounge and business centre, located on the third floor. The Health Club, with its gym, squash courts and treatment rooms, is situated on the fifth floor. Access to the rooftop pool and terrace is by means of a separate lift from inside the health club.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic and several other languages are spoken
Payment Methods	All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged	From a taxi pool
Tours Arranged	A variety of activities can be arranged including Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ajman, Dinner Cruises, Safaris to the Desert, Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains, a Night at the Races, Camel Riding, Sand Skiing, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving.

Guest Relations	Standard
Concierge Services	Business travel desk Europcar hire desk
Medical Facilities	Doctors are on call 24 hours
Parking	Complimentary valet parking

Cranley Comment

On entering the hotel the front desk is located directly ahead, with the concierge desk on the left hand side. The lobby runs across the front of the hotel with the boutiques and guest relations on either side. At either end of the lobby are the Atrium and Vienna Cafés. The lobby is decorated in a contemporary style with marble flooring and dark wood panelling. Next to the reception are staircases which lead to the mezzanine level where the Town Square is located, with several of the restaurants set around it. The Town Square is bordered by a number of trees, plants and water features and with the huge dome above creating so much natural light, it gives the impression of being an outdoor area.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Cigar Shop: Open from 12:00 to 00:00 (except Fridays when it opens at 18:00)
Al Safa Journals: Newsagents open from 08:00 to 00:00
Islamic Art: Open 10:00 to 22:00
Novecento: Men's fashions Open 10:00 to 22:00
Flowers by Contempo: Open 09:00 to 21:30
Prayer Room

Cranley Comment

The hotel has a small range of shops situated on the lobby level, but additionally benefits from being located next to the Hamarain Shopping Mall which has a much larger range of shops and boutiques. There are other shops and souks in nearby Deira. The Gold Souk is across the Creek in Bur Dubai and takes ten minutes by taxi in light traffic.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	6
Total Rooms	351
Elevators	6
Rooms per Elevator	59
Total Staff	650
Staff per Room	1.9

Check-in Time	15.00
Check-out Time	12.00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability. A scale of charges applies.
Smoking Rooms	Non-smoking rooms are available.
Room Service	Full a la carte menu available 24 hours.
Laundry Service	Same day service if dropped off before 10:00. Express service for a 50% premium.

Club or Executive Facilities

There are executive facilities located on the third floor for executive room and suite guests. Facilities include a lounge that's open 24 hours and features relaxing chairs and sofas and a mixture of coffee tables and circular dining tables. There are low level ceiling lights and lamps throughout the lounge, which has two televisions back to back in the middle of the room. The lounge is stylishly decorated and furnished in brown and cream with olive green sofas and curtains and has a dark wooden floor and tables. Rugs cover some areas of the room. Complimentary full buffet style breakfast is served from 06:00 to 10:00 daily and until 11:00 on Fridays. Complimentary afternoon tea with cookies and cakes is served from 12:00 to 17:00. Complimentary aperitifs with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres are available from 18:00 to 20:00 and there is a complimentary midnight supper with soup, sandwiches and cheeses served from 23:30 to 02:30.

There is complimentary wireless internet access in the lounge and business centre.

There is a dedicated business centre which includes two workstations with PC's and internet connection.

Complimentary transfers to Dubai Airport.

Cranley Comment

There are a variety of room types at the JW Marriott from the Deluxe Rooms at an average of 50sqm up to a Royal Suite at over 500sqm. In addition there is the Diwan Suite which is designed for guests who need a room that can also be used for entertaining. The rooms are in two areas of the hotel, with those that are overlooking the ‘Town Square’ being in the newer part of the hotel, although with the ongoing refurbishment programme there is no noticeable difference between the two areas of the hotel. All rooms have work areas and high speed internet connection. Guests staying in executive rooms or suites have access to the executive lounge and business centre which is located on the third floor. The rooms with the exception of the Royal Suites are all decorated in a contemporary European style with green carpets, dark wood furniture and benefit from having a walk-in shower as well as a separate bathtub.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Room	125	8 Internal Town Square 117 City	Satellite television High speed internet connection Bath robe Hairdryer Slippers Complimentary shoe shine Iron and ironing board Complimentary newspaper Luxury bathroom amenities Bidet Separate shower Two seater sofa Armchair	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	50 inc balcony

Cranley Comment

The Deluxe Rooms are the entry level rooms but come at a sizable 50sqm including a show balcony. The room is a rectangular shape with a small entrance hallway, off which is a dressing area with the wardrobes on one side and opposite, a sink and mirror which in turn leads into the bathroom which comes with a bath, bidet and shower. The bedroom as well as having a king bed, has a two seater sofa, armchair, coffee table, desk and two work chairs. The room is decorated in a contemporary style with green carpets and sofas and dark wood furniture.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Studio	90	City	As per the Deluxe Room plus: Additional armchair	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	63

Cranley Comment

The Deluxe Twin Studio is a sizable room and comes with two double beds. On entering the room there is an entrance hallway, off which is a dressing area with the wardrobes on one side and opposite, a sink and mirror which in turn leads into the bathroom which comes with a bath, bidet and shower. The room itself is a square shape, with the two double beds nearest the bath room and a large cabinet with television in the middle of the room, which has the effect of creating two areas. The far side of the television is a lounge area with a two seater sofa, two armchairs, coffee table and a desk and chair. The room overlooks the central atrium. The accommodation whilst called a room is effectively a one room suite.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Town Square Studio	45	16 Internal Town Square 29 City	As per the Deluxe Studio plus: Town square views	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	63

Cranley Comment

The Town Square Studio is the same room as the Deluxe Studio but with views of the Town Square. It is a sizable room and comes with two double beds. On entering the room there is an entrance hallway, off which is a dressing area with the wardrobes on one side and opposite, a sink and mirror which in turn leads into the bathroom which comes with a bath, bidet and shower. The room itself is a square shape, with the two double beds nearest the bathroom and a large cabinet with television in the middle of the room, which has the effect of creating two areas. The far side of the television is a lounge area with a two seater sofa, two armchairs, coffee table and a desk and chair. The room overlooks the central atrium. The accommodation whilst called a room is effectively a one room suite.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Room	39	Internal Town Square	As per the Deluxe Room plus: Upgraded furnishings Executive Club Facilities	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	50

Cranley Comment

The Executive Room is the same as the Deluxe Room but comes with the benefit of the Executive Club facilities listed at the top of the report and has upgraded furniture in the room. The room is rectangular and has an entrance hall which leads to a dressing area with wardrobes and the bathroom. The bedroom has a king size bed or two double beds, a two seater sofa, an armchair, coffee table, desk and two work chairs. The room is decorated in a contemporary style with green carpets and sofas and dark wood furniture. Within the dressing area is a separate washbasin and mirror. The adjoining bathroom is equipped with a bath, bidet, shower and washbasin and is marble tiled throughout.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Junior Suite	12	City	As per the Executive Room plus: Separate bedroom Dining table for four persons Additional Satellite television in the bedroom	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	75

Cranley Comment

The Junior Suite is a two room suite with a separate lounge and bedroom. The lounge/dining area is an L shape with an entrance hall that widens out into a lounge/dining room. The room itself has a dining table for four persons as well as a three seater sofa, coffee table and desk with high speed internet connection. The lounge has a doorway to the bedroom and a separate doorway to the toilet side of the bathroom. The bedroom has an additional satellite television and high speed internet connection and an armchair as well as a coffee table. The bathroom is also entered from the bedroom and is similar to the bathroom in the other room types with a separate shower. The room has a similar décor to the other room types with green carpets and dark brown furniture. The Suite can be connected to a Deluxe Room to make a two bedroom suite.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite	20	11 Internal Town Square 9 City	As per the Junior Suite except for: One room suite One satellite television One high speed internet connection point. Jacuzzi bath	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	83

Cranley Comment

The Executive Suite is a large one room suite with the room divided into two halves. It has a television in the middle on top of a cabinet that can swivel around, so it can be viewed from the lounge and bedroom area. On entering the room there is a small tiled entrance hall, off which is a small dressing area with a large mirror, sink and wardrobes. This leads into the bathroom which has a bidet, Jacuzzi bath and separate shower cubicle. The bathroom is decorated in light beige tiling with white sanitary wear and specked marble counters. The entrance hallway leads into the lounge which is decorated in a contemporary style with green carpet and reddish chairs. The bedroom area is raised one step and is accessed from either side of the television, where as well as a bed, there is an armchair and foot rest and another desk. There are no connection options with the Executive Suite.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Diwan Suite	8	Internal Town Square	As per the Executive Suite Plus: Two satellite televisions Separate bar area Substantial separate lounge with additional furniture	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	175

Cranley Comment

The Diwan Suite is a substantial one bedroom suite that is 175sqm. The room is in three components. On entering the room there is the dressing area and bathroom on one side which is a similar set up to the bathrooms in the other room types. On the other side of the reception area is a large bar that is ideal for hosting cocktail receptions. The entrance area opens up into a substantial size lounge or Majilis that has televisions and an array of furniture to fill the room, including a large sofa that can comfortably seat six or seven persons. The room also has a satellite television and DVD player. From the Majilis there are double doors that lead into a large bedroom, which has an additional television, desk with high speed internet connection and two armchairs.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Amiri Suite	8	Internal Town Square	As per the Junior Suite plus Additional satellite television Guest WC Additional furniture items	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	175

Cranley Comment

The Amiri Suite is a similar size to the Diwan Suite, but whereas the Diwan suite’s layout is designed for entertaining, the Amiri Suite is a more classical layout with a large dining room/lounge and a separate en suite bedroom with a lounge area and a guest toilet. The lounge is square shaped and is divided into two halves by a cabinet. The dining area has a dark wood table and six chairs, whereas the lounge area has 2 two seater sofas and armchairs, with a satellite television, DVD player and music system. The bedroom has a two seater sofa, armchair, additional satellite television and desk with high speed internet connection. The suite has the same décor as the other room types with its classical style.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	4	2 Internal Town Square 2 City	The Royal suites come with an abundance of facilities and amenities including: High quality furnishings Satellite televisions DVD players Stereo systems Fitted kitchens Dining tables Swimming pool (in some) Gym area (in some)	4 Persons	440 or 530

Cranley Comment

The four Royal Suites come in two types. Two are 530 sqm and located in the newer Town Square wing of the hotel and include an indoor swimming pool, fitness area with gym equipment, steam room, bar, kitchen and maids room. One of these suites has a twin room as well as a master bedroom, whilst the other has a master bedroom but can be connected to three additional twin rooms to make a four room suite. The other two Royal Suites are slightly smaller at 440 sqm and are located in the Atrium wing. They feature two king bedrooms as well as a maids room and have the benefit of a private elevator from the underground car park to ensure complete privacy. All suites are decorated in a lavish style as you would expect from a Royal Suite, with rich fabrics, art works and stylish furniture and have an array of televisions, DVD players, CD players etc.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The hotel has nine restaurants as well as food options available from The Piano Lounge and Champions Bar. The restaurants and cafes are located on the ground/lower ground floors and around the Town Square. The main breakfast location is the Market Place which serves a comprehensive buffet. In the evening there are ‘live’ buffets where food is cooked to order, at The Market Place and a unique experience at Bamboo Lagoon where you can try a variety of different Far Eastern foods under one ‘authentic’ roof. There are also a la carte options at JW’s New York-style Steakhouse, Cucina’s Italian and Hofbrauhaus, the Bavarian restaurant. For lighter options there are the two lobby cafes serving sandwiches and pastries. On Fridays, a comprehensive twelve hour brunch is served, with The Market Place, Bamboo Lagoon and Hofbrauhaus participating and a supervised play area for children is set up in the Town Square alongside Bamboo Lagoon.

The Market Place

Restaurant Type

International