Taj Dubai

Built in 2014 and opened the following year, the shimmering tower of the Taj Dubai is one of the newest to grace Dubai's increasingly crowded cityscape and with 35 floors of aquamarine-tinged glass, it's one of the more eye-catching. Inside is where it really sparkles, however, with an immaculately presented and hushed lobby that combines polished Arabian styling with a few choice decorative touches that reference the chain's Indian heritage. The atmosphere is friendly, warm, and relaxed, and -- despite its location and corporate-oriented clientele -- doesn't feel too business-like. In fact, while positioned away from the beach, vacationing couples and families with kids also make up a fair share of the guests. Although lacking in the way of grounds, serene oases can be found in spacious, sunny rooftop gardens and leafy alfresco terraces with views over the city and toward the spectacular Burj Khalifa -- the world's tallest structure. 

The hotel is located in one of the city's growing developments, positioned between Business Bay and the downtown area of Dubai. Just behind the hotel is an established complex of apartment towers, while in front soars the Burj Khalifa and the neighboring Dubai Mall -- five to 10 minutes by car or via the hotel's free shuttle service, or a 20-minute walk. Business Bay metro station is a 15-minute walk away, and connects to Emirates Towers and the Financial District in five minutes. The nearest beaches are around 15 minutes' drive away, while Dubai International Airport is 25 minutes in good traffic. 

The hotel's 296 rooms break down into an almost bewildering number of categories, made no less confusing with their entry-level rooms labeled Luxury. Rooms are also distinguished by whether the floor-to-ceiling windows have views of the Burj Khalifa or Downtown Dubai. Decor is plush contemporary in largely neutral tones, with carpeted and parquet floors, patterned rugs, and opulent Indian-themed accents. High-end suites have polished marble floors with inset carpets, plus lofty panoramas. Some windows in lower-level rooms are prone to dust from local construction.

Standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs (though with limited cable and no pay-per-view channels), well-stocked minibars, safes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi is available free of charge though with a capped data speed; a paid premium option is available and fast enough for video streaming. Suites add fully equipped kitchens and dining rooms, while the super-luxurious Maharaja Suite has a huge furnished terrace with panoramic vistas. Across the board, marble bathrooms are sparkling clean, with separate walk-in showers and (often freestanding) tubs, Molton Brown toiletries, plush bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers.

There are several dining options at the Taj, with the main restaurant being Tesoro, a stylish and airy space with lots of intricately carved wood, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sunny alfresco terrace. An excellent buffet breakfast is served here, and includes a wide choice of international and Indian specialties; buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner are also available. Bombay Brasserie is the hotel's signature eatery, offering a menu of outstanding contemporary Indian cooking, while the Treehouse offers light Mediterranean fare in a leafy open-air patio with city views (and by night turns into a laid-back nightspot with live DJs). There's also a cozy British-style gastropub, a glitzy lounge bar, and the Billionaire Mansion nightclub.

The hotels outdoor freeform pool features city views, a swim-up bar, and cascades into a shallow splash area. Plentiful loungers and daybeds are available, though the area is often in the shade. While there's no indoor pool, the fourth-floor Jiva Spa offers an extensive (albeit pricey) range of Indian-inspired treatments, plus his and hers saunas and steam baths, and a spacious modern gym open 24 hours. While certainly family-friendly, there's little in the way of child-focused facilities or activities.