Le Meridien
This hotel too is very near the airport, in fact it is located right next to Al Bustan Rotana. You walk into a large lobby and then the Royal Club is accessed via the corridor straight ahead. Our room was located on the first floor and was a nice size. One thing to be careful of was the minibar which featured numerous drinks/snacks located on sensors. If you picked anything up, you were instantly charged for it.
The staff were very attentive, every time we returned to our room they’d been in to replenish the bottles of water or provide fresh fruit. If you don't want them to come in, there’s an electronic Do-Not-Disturb button by the door which makes a green or red light come on outside.
There was a business centre downstairs where Internet access was provided. Breakfast was provided in the Royal Club Lounge and was a combination of a help yourself buffet plus other items made to order.
For afternoon tea you could choose from a selection of drinks, plus sandwiches. There was then a fantastic “Chocolate Buffet” table, with all sorts of chocolate delicacies to choose from. In the evenings alcoholic drinks were complimentary and this appeared to be all evening, rather than just for an hour or two.
The swimming pools were fantastic, including swim-up pool bars. Sun loungers were plentiful and a lifeguard would bring towels and arrange them for you. There was a choice of two pools when we stayed (April 2009) with a further one under construction. I believe this one is now open and may in fact be exclusive to Royal Club guests.
There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Some of these are accessed from the main lobby, one of which is Yalumba where we enjoyed an all you can eat buffet for Dhs99 per person (under 20 pounds). Other restaurants are in Le Meridien Village just outside. Amongst these are the Dubliners Irish Pub which is certainly good if you’re looking for a cheaper option.
The location of Le Meridien means there’s virtually nothing within walking distance so you will need to take a taxi to go anywhere.
