Marina Hotel Apartments

The Marina Hotel Apartments occupies a glass and concrete high-rise that was once an apartment block. In an area packed with dramatic skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and beachfront resorts, this property can feel like a comparatively modest offering. But the cavernous lobby offers a certain posh feel with a giant window wall, striped marbled walls, and rich wood upholstered armchairs that lend a certain gravitas. Other areas feel a little less luxe -- such as the small pool area or the apartments with their slightly dated decor -- but it's clearly well-maintained. Tourists, especially families, are drawn in by the massive apartments, ideal for self-catering, and the exceptional location.

Marina Hotel Apartments occupies prime real estate in Dubai Marina, a popular waterfront tourist destination with walkways, skyscrapers, shops, eateries, and luxury hotels. The restaurant-lined Marina Walk is right out front, and the Dubai Marina Mall is just a 10-minute walk. The popular Jumeirah Beach Residence is about a 20-minute walk. This area is well connected to public transit with several options in walking distance including the Dubai Marina Tram Station (three-minute walk), the Damac Properties subway station (five-minute walk), and the Dubai Marina Mall train station (12-minute walk).

Business areas like Media City and Internet City are as little as an eight-minute drive to the north, depending on traffic. Major attractions in Downtown Dubai, like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, are a bit of a hike, a 20- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic, though it's also a fairly straight shot on public transit, taking about 45 minutes on the red line that leaves from Damac Properties. Dubai International Airport is about an hour via public transit or a 20- to 35-minute drive. On-site parking is free.

Other than its location, the Marina Hotel's primary draw are its huge one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments that range from approximately 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. They include living-room-like sitting areas, dining areas, separate bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchens with sinks, dishes, cookware, four-burner ranges, microwaves, fridges, electric kettles, and more. All apartments come kitted out with modern tech such as 46-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi. Higher-category apartments add Marina Views, balconies, or even laundry rooms. 

Decor is tasteful, though it can veer toward generic and vaguely dated, with a beige and cream color palette, white tiled floors, dark wood floors, and some salmon-pink accents. Neutral bathrooms have vanities and combination showers and tubs, and are stocked with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Those on the hunt for Marina views should note that many rooms here don't face the water, rather they overlook a busy road outside the hotel. 

While this hotel lacks on-site dining, it has a decent set of wellness facilities that include a roomy wood-floored gym with modern cardio and weightlifting equipment, a sauna, and even a squash court. The circular outdoor pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, is pleasant and well-maintained with skyscraper and water views, though it's not huge or particularly luxurious when compared with Dubai's more opulent area offerings. Wi-Fi is free and staff can facilitate car rentals, laundry service, or airport transfers. On-site parking is free.