Dubai hotel review: Amwaj Rotana

The Amwaj Rotana has a brilliant location, boasting sea views from all of its rooms and the firm is currently in talks to open a private beach area to compliment the view, which is currently being spoiled by a messy area directly in front of the building.

The staff are extremely welcoming and hospitable, going out of their way to introduce themselves personally to each visitor and provide assistance where necessary. As with any new property, some nervousness and over-enthusiasm is apparent, although it can be assumed this will be ironed out as the hotel matures.

While the lobby area of the hotel is finely decorated, some of the upper floors leave a lot to be desired, for example, carpets on the upper floors appear to have been lifted straight out of a UK bowling alley. Nevertheless, the rooms are well laid out, stylishly equipped and in fine working order. The bathrooms in particular are spacious, well designed rooms, all featuring a walk in shower.

A major gripe directed at the rooms concerns the internet. Online access is offered either at an hourly rate or in a 24 hour package, but the service provided is not wireless. This, coupled with a short internet cable, leads to a very small working area at the desk at the end of the room. As a result, business executives staying at the hotel may find last minute hotel room work a frustrating task.

The hotel features a health club which includes swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and two massage rooms. These facilities are a credit to the brand and by far and away the finest part of the property. The gym is extremely well equipped, with brand new machines and up to date technology. The room itself is well cooled and staff within the gym are on hand to give advice, support and even post work out stretch downs. The pool area, limited by the space available on JBR walk, is big enough, and despite the current temperatures in Dubai, provides a pleasant relaxing setting. The temperature of the pool, so crucial in the summer months of the UAE, is cool enough to create a refreshing getaway from the searing heat.

Three restaurants are located within the hotel, the main one being Horizon, which offers all day dining with buffet or a la carte options. The buffet has a wide range of choices and the quality of food on offer varies. Highlights include Beef Wellington, a brilliant salad station and a chocolate pudding. On the other end of the culinary scale during AMEinfo.com's stay was a bizarre attempt at an Italian dish and a mixed grill boasting just three types of meat, including one which took three mouthfuls to establish it was in fact fish. The Rosso and Benihana restaurants are a little more upmarket and offer Italian and American Japanese dining respectively.

Overall the hotel, despite minor teething problems, is a comfortable, well run property which appears to have the right guidance and staff in place for it to mature into an established beachfront hotel. Due to its location it will always attract customers visiting for pleasure rather than business. However, with a few tweaks to services such as the internet, and together with the excellent health club facilities, it could find itself a favourite for the travelling businessman as well.

Top three attractions
The peerless health club
Good choice of restaurants
Excellent location

Top three detractions
Lack of wireless internet
Hit and miss buffet
Questionable corridor carpet choices