Mina A’Salam Hotel, Jumeirah, Dubai Review

The Mina A’Salam Hotel is located in the heart of the popular tourist destination of Jumeirah, Dubai. This is truly a 5-star luxury hotel, where attentive and experienced staff cater for your every need. We were fortunate enough to stay in an executive room and, from the hotel transfer on arrival, to the transfer upon departure, we have never had a better resort holiday experience than the week spent at the Mina A’Salam.

On arrival at the airport, we were met by a chauffeur who greeted us with perfect English and proceeded to lead us through the required passport control and customs checkpoints without having to wait in any long queues. The Mercedes drove directly to the hotel where we were checked into a room very quickly and simply.

The room was lavish, with an authentic, subtle Arabian theme, from the marble bathroom with large walk-in rainfall shower to the very comfortable king-sized bed. What we found most significant about Mina A’Salam was that, although it is an expensive hotel to stay in, there were so many little extras that were included in the price, so overall it ended up being reasonably priced. Fresh fruit was delivered to the room every day, same day dry-cleaning and laundry services were complimentary, complimentary bottled water was provided each day, even complimentary toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver and shaving cream, and sewing kits were replenished if used. A selection of continental and hot breakfasts were also included in the price, and this was delivered to our room each morning at our specified time, together with a complimentary newspaper of our choice.

Some guests choose to spend their days beside one of the swimming pools or lying on the beach. When you head outside, staff are waiting to guide you to wherever you wish to go. They also provide two plush towels and advise the current temperature, as well as the temperature of the sea water. Comfortable beach lounges are carried to whatever part of the beach you wish to lay on, with towels laid out and umbrella positioned to your liking. Throughout our first lazy day, we were constantly cared for. One could choose to have a foot massage from one of the girls walking around to each guest, Evian facial spray was offered to the ladies, together with freshly sliced cucumber for the eyes. Every so often the wet towels would be replaced with fresh, clean ones while we were swimming.

Each day usually ended with a cocktail at the terraced bar overlooking the Gulf, which has a great view of the Burj Al Arab hotel located nearby. Watching the sun setting over the water tended to be the highlight of the day; it made for a very romantic experience.

There are a choice of five restaurants and two bars for dining, with a great selection of international cuisine options. Food is of excellent quality and the service is exceptional. Somehow the waiting staff know just when to arrive at your table. Zheng He’s is a Chinese restaurant that has a great menu selection. The Wharf is a more casual dining experience, with lovely views over the water. They serve traditional English-style food.

Dubai is a great holiday destination and the Mina A’Salam Hotel offers the perfect stay in this interesting and vibrant city. Although the hotel is expensive, we found that it lived up to every expectation of a luxury 5-star hotel. With lots of little extras included in the price, it was certainly well worth the cost.

flickr image by wadgey