JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Character and identity

Twin 72-storey postmodern towers inspired by the trunk of a date palm define this 1,608-room high-rise in Business Bay, a short hop from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and (via complimentary shuttle) The Dubai Mall. The scale is vast but the interiors are considered: a striking wall of hundreds of bottles flanks the lobby, and a palm-lined outdoor pool frames the downtown skyline, particularly after dark. Twelve restaurants and lounges span steakhouse, Asian, European café and authentic Indian, capped by Vault on the 71st and 72nd floors. The Arabian-styled Saray Spa runs 17 treatment rooms and two private hammams.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The defining proposition is sheer scale paired with a strong food-and-beverage and spa offer in a prime downtown location, ideal if you want everything under one roof and the Burj Khalifa on your doorstep. Couples after intimacy should look to a smaller property; business travellers and first-time Dubai visitors should book an Executive Suite for the lounge access and Vault for sundowners.