Jood Palace Hotel Dubai

Part of the international luxury chain of Taj hotels, the Taj Palace occupies an imposing -- and impressive -- mass of concrete, blue glass, and steel. Although architecturally modern, its grand interiors are largely traditional, with swathes of polished marble, wood paneling, and plush furnishings. Glass elevators whisk guests to one of 11 floors through an impressive cone-shaped atrium that floods the cavernous reception area with natural light. While some may find the decor and ambience leaning towards the old-fashioned, the hotel is ever popular with business travelers from the Gulf region with a conservative atmosphere -- no alcohol is served and female staff members don't work night shifts. The hotel's ultra-spacious suites and apartments also attracts plenty of well-heeled families, with room for multiple children. 

The hotel is located in a busy back street of the Deira district of Dubai, which was once the city's commercial center but is increasingly losing that mantle to new developments.  While the immediate surroundings are not particularly interesting, there are some colorful streets within walking distance with cheap restaurants and bustling nightlife. Dubai International Airport is a 10-minute drive away, but the nearest beach and the main tourist sights of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are both about 20 minutes away by car. 

The Taj Palace has a total of 249 units spread over its 11 floors, including 10 Executive Suites, two Royal Suites, and 90 Apartments. Even the hotel's entry-level rooms are large, and all come with lounge areas and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to furnished balconies. Rooms have neutral-toned decor and traditional-style wooden furnishings and heavy drapes that give them a conservative, but homey, feel. Spacious bathrooms include separate toilet areas, walk-in showers, and Soames & Gilchrist products. Apartments come with up to three separate bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering. 

The hotel has five restaurants with menus raging from Middle Eastern specialties to North Indian and Pan-Asian menus, but none serve alcohol. The Jiva Spa provides the usual range of massage and beauty treatments and has a sauna and steam showers. There are also a rooftop swimming pool and whirlpool tub with superb views over the city, though both feel like a bit of an afterthought and are not up the usual Taj standards. Event space is available for rent, as is audiovisual equipment, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.