The Ritz Carlton Dubai is located in the trendy and upbeat neighbourhood of JBR – Jumeirah Beach Residence is hugely popular amongst the youth, and the road is usually packed with revelers who enjoy an evening out with friends or family, shopping or dining. JBR is also home to a weekend market next to the beach and for travellers like us, this was an opportunity to explore the art and past times of expat living through art and crafts. The road is also notorious for the display of flashy European cars by owners who don’t shy away from revving up to boast the craftsmanship of fine auto-building. The bevvy of German and Italian supercars is undoubtedly the cherry on top while at this locality.
The hotel complex is situated at the beginning of The Walk at JBR, and surrounded by residential skyscrapers. It is a fine display of how Dubai has grown into a fine city while still maintaining its ageless gems.
While the lobby is a still quite traditional the services are prompt and up to mark with present day hotel customs. Check in was quick and efficient, and we were soon escorted to our room, located in the hotel’s latest expansion – the Shorooq Wing. We were allotted the Club Deluxe room. The room was done up tastefully with an Arabian touch and pleasant colours. The king bed takes the centre position, while a writing desk and seating area takes up the window side. The bathrooms are huge and I absolutely loved the soaking tub to immerse in after a long day out, sightseeing. From the spacious balcony in our room, we had views of the garden and pool.
The hotel has 350,000 sq. metres of landscaped garden making it literally an oasis in the desert. If not a stroll, loungers can enjoy reading a book under a shade and relax under the generous sun during cooler months. There are five pools which include two specifically for children, one with slides and one without. The hotel also offers plenty of water sport activities.
While in Dubai, live like the Dubaiites – and what is living like one without a spa break? The hotel offers a list of pampering treatments, including the quintessential Arabian experience of hammam. As well as these activities, the hotel also offers shuttles to the nearby Mall of the Emirates. If you wish to explore Dubai at large, the Metro station is also close by.
Another great idea to spend your evenings at the hotel is the Ritz Carlton Club. Choose an outdoor seating to sit and relax with a complimentary cocktail, and enjoy stellar views of the beach and sea beyond. Club access rooms are charged extra, but are totally worth the price – again, during the cooler months between October and March.
Dining is paradise at The Ritz Carlton Dubai. It’s easy to start with a breakfast fit for a king. The buffet spread is lavish and features Indian, Arabic and Mediterranean dishes. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. The outlet is also popular for its Rotisserie Brunch every Friday which is a true treat including 15 interactive live cooking and beverage stations.
We also dined at the award-winning Italian restaurant Splendido. It gives life to a neighbourhood in Tuscany and is beautifully lit with candles and soft lighting. The ravioli and tiramisu were just out of this world! Much recommended.
Amaseena is an Arabic restaurant offering Middle Eastern delicacies in a buffet spread while the Gulf Pavilion offers a casual poolside dining option that serves grills and healthy snacks. La Baie lounge is a chic venue for socialising while the Library Bar is a cosier ambience that offers wine, single malts and cigars. Palm Grill and award-winning Asian restaurant Blue Jade are the remaining two dining options, as well as the all-day Lobby Lounge.
Our stay was most enjoyable. The food was outstanding, the service was impressive, and the facilities were top-notch. We would give it a high rating of recommendation for couples and families with children, who would like to choose an accommodation that is convenient, comfortable and entertaining.
While the hotel provides for all the necessary amenities during your stay here, the neighbourhood is a paradise for food lovers and shopping enthusiasts. The added benefit for travellers who choose the Ritz Carlton at JBR is the 210 metre Dubai Eye ferris wheel which is expected to be completed later this year.
Where : The Ritz-Carlton
The Walk – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone : +971 4 399 4000
