Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, Dubai - Complete Five-Star Hotel Review
Reviewers Introduction
Reviewers: Dan and Oscar (Non-Stop Dan YouTube channel)
Stay Duration: One night (August 2025 - low season)
Room Type: Junior Suite Ocean View (upgraded from Marina View)
Booking Method: Through travel advisor (themselves) via Virtuoso benefits
Cost: $733 USD per night (low season weeknight)
High Season Pricing: $1,500-$2,000 per night
Review Project Context
The Ultimate Hotel List Initiative
Goal: Create definitive list of 10 favorite hotels in the world
Categories: City hotels to resorts
Purpose: Help viewers create hotel bucket lists and maintain personal reference
New Scoring System:
- Implemented objective scoring across 10 categories
- Each category scored 0-10
- Total score out of 100 points
- Allows objective hotel comparisons
Property Overview
Location & Setting
Hotel: Jumeirah Mina A'Salam
Position: Dubai's newest five-star hotel
Opened: 2025 (4 months old at time of review)
Setting: Nestled next to iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Complex:
- Jumeirah Mina A'Salam (newest, reviewed property)
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel (classic iconic property)
- Jumeirah Burj Al Arab (seven-star hotel)
- Additional Jumeirah hotels nearby
- Souk Madinat (Jumeirah Mall)
- Residences
- Shared beach for all properties
Distance from Airport: 5 minutes
Arrival Time: 15 minutes total (deplaning → immigration → customs → taxi → property check-in)
Room Review - Room 818
Initial Impression
Room Type: Junior Suite with Ocean View (entry-level room)
Upgrade: From Marina View to Ocean View (Virtuoso benefit)
Location: End of hallway
View: Spectacular ocean view with Burj Al Arab visible
Detailed Room Features
Layout & Design:
- Spacious junior suite
- Wooden floors (can avoid rug if preferred)
- Beautiful feng shui flow
- Couch faces TV strategically
- Hygienic headboard (easily cleaned)
- Feels like yacht/sailboat design aesthetic
Color Palette:
- Modern design with splashes of color
- Marble accents
- Elegant sophistication
Mini Bar & Beverage Station
Complimentary Items:
- 6 espresso pods (2 decaf, 4 regular - various kinds)
- Beautiful bottled water
- Tea selection: Jasmine Princess Green Tea, English Breakfast, Chamomile
Equipment:
- High-tech kettle
- Espresso machine
- Mixology station with lemon
- Small knife for lemon
- Ice can be ordered
Chargeable Items (Examples):
- Dubai chocolate bar: 120 dirham (~$30)
- Red Bull
- Various sodas
- Juices (Late Harvest Orange Juice)
- Young skimmed milk
- Snacks: Hunters quinoa chips, healthy trail mix, smoked barbecue almonds
- Premium drinks displayed prominently
Confusion Note: Woman showing room indicated Dubai chocolate was welcome amenity, but price list shows 120 dirham charge - created uncertainty
Technology & Entertainment
TV System:
- Chromecast available
- Apple AirPlay
- Disney Channel (for families)
- YouTube access
- TV casting multiple options
Connectivity:
- International global plugs with USB-C at both nightstands
- Exceptional Wi-Fi speed (30+ gigabyte file upload capable)
- Perfect for content creators
Audio:
- Bang & Olufsen speaker (Jumeirah branded)
- High-quality sound system
Communication:
- E-butler system via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram
- Direct contact without calling front desk
- Convenient for poolside reservations
Climate Control
Issue Noted:
- Old-fashioned AC control
- Surprising for hotel opened in 2025
- Located next to mini bar
- Presumably works effectively
Bedroom Details
Bed:
- King-size bed
- Plush, luxurious appearance
- Multiple pillows provided
- Full-body mirror nearby
Nightstands:
- Marble lamps
- Bang & Olufsen branded speaker
- Room controls next to bed
- Funny-shaped notepaper
- Pens
- Water provided
Bed Comfort Assessment: "Perfect bed. So well balanced between being soft and luscious, but also not too soft, not the feeling where you sink down. The pillows are firm yet crunchy."
Rating: 10/10 - One of most comfortable beds reviewer has slept in
Storage & Closet
Closet 1:
- Iron (elegantly wrapped)
- Extra blanket
- Ironing board
- Safe
Closet 2:
- Steamer! (Rare hotel amenity - reviewers very excited)
- Brand: ProPress
- Laundry bags
- Sewing kit
- Mysterious item reviewers couldn't identify
Closet 3:
- Copious storage space
- Jumeirah Beach bag (can purchase at reception - price not listed)
- Lint roller
- Shoe shining supplies
- Shoe horn
Slippers:
- In elegant box
- Big fluffy slippers
- Too small for reviewers unfortunately
Laundry Services
Pricing Example:
- One t-shirt: 45 dirham to launder
- Full price list available in room
Bathroom Review
Layout & Design
Entry:
- Long towel on floor leading to sinks
- "Feels like entrance to spa"
Overall Assessment:
- Stunning, spacious design
- Natural light throughout
- Beautiful marble (some discoloration noted after only 4 months - concerning)
Dual Sinks
Features:
- Two sinks ("only way to live")
- Actual hand towels (appreciated detail)
- Face towels provided
- Large mirrors throughout
Toiletries:
- Body and hand milk (large bottle)
- Bar soap (reviewers prefer liquid soap)
- No mouthwash (noted as missing from five-star standard)
Additional Amenities:
- Tissues (bathroom must-have)
- Glasses elegantly placed
- Scale provided
- Trash bins strategically located
Toilet Room
Design:
- Enormous toilet room ("biggest in history?")
- Separate enclosed space
- Very bright with natural light
- Door locks for privacy
- Can see through shower glass (privacy concern for unfamiliar travel companions)
Shower
Features:
- Beautiful rainfall shower head
- Built-in section with lighting
- Toiletries niche
- View while showering
Marble Concern: Already discoloring just 4 months after opening - worrying for long-term maintenance
Toiletries:
- Shower products: Votary brand
- Hair care: Rossano Ferretti (never heard of before)
- Different brands for different products
Scent Test: "Smells amazing. Smells so Middle Eastern in an amazing way."
Bathtub
Setup:
- Stunning view while bathing
- Overlooks ocean and Burj Al Arab
Comfort Concern:
- Very upright design
- Lacks comfortable angle for body
- Water level may help
Accessories:
- Beautiful wooden board (slightly worn - adds homey feel)
- Bath salts ("Glimpse of Beauty")
- Loofah provided
- Quirky color appreciated
Volume Control: Mystery feature in bathroom - reviewers unsure of purpose (retro music system?)
Welcome Amenities
Virtuoso Benefits Received:
- Small sandwiches with cheese
- Raspberry tarts
- Chocolate
- Magazine selection: Vogue, AD (Condé Nast), GQ
Note: These amenities received by booking through travel advisor, not standard
Balcony & Outdoor Space
Balcony Features
Size: Massive balcony spanning entire room length
Seating: Comfortable loungers and chairs
View:
- Spectacular ocean view
- Burj Al Arab directly visible
- Palm Jumeirah in distance (hazy)
- Private beach below
- Multiple pools visible
- Wild Wadi Water Park visible
Summer Reality: "Literally unbearably hot outside" - limited balcony use in August
Ashtray Present: Despite non-smoking room, small ashtray provided with outdoor lamp
Furniture Condition Concern: Chairs already look "a bit dirty and worn" after only 4 months - climate harsh, but concerning for new hotel
Pricing & Value Analysis
Room Rate Details
Low Season (August):
- $733 USD per night
- Weeknight rate
- Absolute lowest season
High Season (Winter):
- $1,500-$2,000 per night
- Marina View (lowest category)
Expectation: At upper price points, everything should be amazing
Virtuoso Benefits Explained
Booking Advantage
How It Works:
- Book through travel advisor (can book through reviewers at NonstopDan.com/hotels)
- Pay same price as booking directly
- Receive luxury benefits at no extra cost
Benefits Included:
$100 Property Credit:
- Can use toward dining, spa, activities
- Additional $50 credit per night after 3rd night (for stays 4+ nights)
Room Upgrade:
- Guaranteed upgrade (received Ocean View from Marina View)
- Space-available upgrades guaranteed at this property
Flexible Times:
- Guaranteed 10 AM check-in
- Guaranteed 4 PM checkout (utilized and appreciated)
Complimentary Breakfast:
- Free breakfast for two people per room
Service Gap at Check-In
What Should Happen:
- Letter explaining benefits
- Staff walkthrough of amenities
- Benefits clearly communicated
What Actually Happened:
- No letter provided
- Front desk woman lovely but didn't seem to know benefits
- Aqua Panna water and towels left out but not served
- No one brought items during check-in
- Staff didn't refer to guests by name
Comparison: "You literally get like a warmer welcome at a hotel that costs a third of this here."
Arrival Experience Issues
Major Service Gap
What Happened:
- Dropped off at family resort (separate from adult check-in)
- No one outside to greet
- Only two taxi drivers present
- Waited 45-60 seconds
- No bellhop appeared
- No greeting staff
- Reviewers knew about Sonesta Point section (roped area)
- Walked to roped area themselves
- Found security guard
- Had to initiate conversation: "Hi, we're checking in"
- Security guard radioed for assistance
- Finally taken to lobby via golf cart
At Lobby:
- Very friendly once inside
- Offered drink
- Good service after initial gap
The Problem: "This was the first resort I've ever stayed at where when you got out of the car there was no one there to greet you, say hello, offer you a cold towel, take your bags, direct you to where you're going."
Why It Matters:
- Poor first impression for luxury hotel
- Confusing for first-time resort guests
- Security guard shouldn't be sole greeter
- Sets wrong tone for expensive property
Staff Training Concerns
Systemic Knowledge Gaps
Pattern Observed:
- Staff couldn't answer basic questions
- Had to make calls for information
- Lacked property knowledge
- No information from management team
Specific Examples:
- Mini bar replenishment offer immediately after check-in ("Sir, we just checked in")
- Need iPad system for better guest information tracking
- Staff seem untrained or not given proper information
Reception Experience:
- Only guests besides one complaining man (waited hour for service)
- Many staff standing around
- No one smiled at reviewers
- No one looked at them
- Felt unwelcoming: "we don't like the guests"
Contrast: Once actually interacting with staff, individuals were lovely - just not trained properly
Training Issues Identified
Basic Service Gaps:
- Should greet guests by name immediately upon seeing name
- Should serve drinks during check-in
- Should explain property amenities
- Should provide warm welcome at arrival
Restaurant/Venue Issues:
- Spa: No one explained anything, just pointed "here"
- Breakfast: Just directed "here" with no explanation
- No property tours or orientations offered
Dining Experience
Room Service Disaster
The $100 Burger Incident:
What Was Ordered:
- Burger and sliders from pool
- Two juices
What Arrived:
- Smallest burger reviewer ever received as adult
- "More of a snack than a burger"
- Dry-looking bread
- Nearly empty juice glasses
- Greasy fingerprints all over glasses
Cost: $100 USD total
Juices: $15 each with zero presentation effort (no fruit slice, no garnish)
Reviewer Reaction: "I'm actually shocked. This is actually... you expect everything to be special and gourmet."
Assessment: "$10 burger quality" at luxury price point
Room Service Menu Review
Breakfast Options:
- Most items: 250 dirham per person (~$70-75 USD)
- Croissant/toast: ~$30
- Açaí bowl: 80 dirham
- Side dishes: 50 dirham each
- "Cacao nipples" listed (presumably nips)
- Mango chia pudding
- Watermelon platter: 80 dirham ("watermelon is cheap")
- Hot beverages: 45 dirham
- Juices and health shots available
All-Day Dining:
- Starts with caviar (very Dubai)
- Spicy Sichuan wontons (reviewer favorite dish)
- Meze selection
- Dim sum
- Salad variety with build-your-own option
- Sushi rolls
- Lentil soup (Middle East must)
- Sandwiches and burgers
- Main courses including mixed grill
- Express menu (delivered within 15 minutes)
Kids Menu:
- "Roasted sea bass" - "What kind of sophisticated kid is eating that?"
- "Same kid eating cacao nips"
Beverages:
- Aqua Panna still water: 40 dirham (available free in lobby - pro tip)
- Extensive wine list
- Most wines cannot be ordered by glass
- Beer, vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, cognac, rum, sake
- Heavy focus on alcohol
- Limited soft drink menu
- No mocktails
- No cocktails
Observation: Surprising for Jumeirah (Middle Eastern brand) with many guests who don't drink alcohol
Dinner Experience - Redemption
Restaurant Visited: One of 11 restaurants/cafes on property
Cost: 328 dirham total (less than terrible burger/sliders)
Assessment: "Every dish was delicious" - quite nice surprise after burger disaster
Staff Highlight: Will from Zimbabwe - "the best employee we have interacted with at this hotel"
- Deserves recognition
- Provided star service
- Only standout staff member by name
Overall Restaurant Staff: Consistently kind and sweet throughout property
Breakfast Experience - Major Highlight
Timing & Access
Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM (long breakfast hours)
Included: Via Virtuoso benefits
Cost if paying: ~250 dirham per person (~$70-75)
The Concept
Unique Design: Four different restaurants each offer different breakfast sections with distinct regional focuses
Assessment: "Best hotel breakfast we have ever witnessed"
"Next level"
"Never seen anything like this"
Japanese Section
Offerings:
- Japanese breakfast spread
- Stunning presentation
- Various sushi selections
- Can request more varieties
- Wasabi station
- Grill items
Middle Eastern Section
Offerings:
- Muhammara
- Tabbouleh
- Beetroot salad
- Ful medames
- Arabic bread
- Hummus
- Warak enab (stuffed grape leaves)
Indian Section
Offerings:
- Various Indian dishes
- Indian desserts
- Main courses
- Dosas available (in addition to buffet)
- Gado gado
International/Western Section
Health & Wellness:
- Morning health shots
- Açaí bowls with customizable toppings
- 6 different milk options (all non-dairy alternatives plus camel milk)
- Different granolas and cereals
- Rose-infused honey
Juices & Beverages:
- Tutti-fruity juice
- Morning refresher
- Iced tea
- Homemade lemonade with mint
- Detox beet juice
- Orange shield
- Matcha lattes (rare for hotel buffet)
Gluten-Free Station:
- Dedicated section
- All types of gluten-free pastries
- "Best gluten-free dessert section I've ever seen"
- Amazing for gluten-free guests
Pastries (Multiple Stations):
- Different tarts
- Madeleines ("next level")
- Croissants
- Various baked goods
- Sandwich section
Cold Section:
- Oysters
- Prawns
- Different types of fish
- Cold cuts
- Salad bar
Additional:
- Bagels and croissants
- Chia pudding
- Fruit salad
- Purées
- Cereal bowl station
- Croissant toast
- Flavored milks
À La Carte Menu (Also Included)
Additional Options Beyond Buffet:
- Different types of eggs
- Sweet items
- Scrambled eggs with black truffle
- Lobster Benedict
- Baked beans (not on buffet, order from menu)
Special Touch: Map of buffet provided to navigate options
Service Quality at Breakfast
Restaurant Staff:
- "So kind and so sweet"
- Lovely interactions once with staff
Check-In Process Issue:
- Asked room number
- Didn't ask if first day
- Didn't offer property tour
- Didn't give table assignment
- "All a bit messy"
Pattern: Initial contact disorganized, but restaurant staff excellent once seated
Breakfast Assessment
Selection: Extraordinary
Concept: Amazing four-region separation
À la carte addition: Exceptional
Overall: "Something else" - highest praise
Vegan Assessment: "Wasn't like amazing for vegans, but... still pretty great. Good enough."
Value: "Almost worth staying here just for this breakfast because I've truly never seen anything like this."
Pool & Beach Facilities
Beach Access
Beach Type: Private beach shared by all Jumeirah hotels
Location: Northwest-facing ocean view
Beach Features:
- White sand (not huge - approximately quarter mile)
- Not suitable for miles-long walks
- Stunning water
- Swimming directly below Burj Al Arab
- View of Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm
Beach Chair Situation:
- Multiple rows available
- Comfortable chairs
- "On the hard side" compared to other luxury resorts (Mandarin Oriental reference)
- Huge, sturdy, trustworthy umbrellas
- Not many occupied in summer (too hot)
Water Quality: "Swimming in beef tea" - very warm ocean temperature
Beach Hours Issue:
- Swimming not permitted before 9:00 AM
- Major disappointment for early swimmers
- Reviewers prefer beach before UV index gets high (6-7 AM swimming)
- "Really a shame" - wanted to swim next morning
Pool Options
Multiple Pool Choices: Reviewers saw several pools but couldn't use all
Pool #1 (Near Room)
- Most beautiful pool in reviewers' opinion
- Visible from room
- Access DENIED - Suites only
- Can pay extra for access OR must be suite guest
- Major disappointment
The Suite-Only Problem: "I'm just picturing someone paying like $2,000 a night in the winter for a basic room here and then they're still rejected from one of the pools. At a hotel of this caliber, that doesn't leave a very nice taste in your mouth."
Pool #2 - Accessible
- Open 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hours "not long enough"
- Gorgeous ocean view
- Perfect for relaxing with drink
Pool #3 - Indoor Pool (Summer Highlight)
- Infinity pool indoors
- Air-conditioned environment
- Beautiful view outside
- "Best of both worlds"
- Perfect summer solution
- Only two other people present
- "Place to be in summer"
Kino Gawa Pool (Favorite)
- Beautiful pool
- Perfect 30 degrees Celsius temperature
- Free cabanas available
- Very comfortable sun chairs
- Excellent pool service
Cabana Service:
- Free for hotel guests
- Comfortable setup
- Mocktails available at poolside
Pool Temperature:
- Pools: Amazing (30°C)
- Ocean: Feels like miso soup (too warm)
Pool Service Issues
Buggy Service:
- Available between areas
- Staff never offer buggy service
- Must ask for it yourself
- Would appreciate proactive offering
Gym Facilities
Equipment & Layout
Brand: Mostly TechnoGym equipment
Cardio Equipment:
- Treadmills ("nice treadmails" - typo kept from transcript)
- Ellipticals
- StairMaster
- Rowing machine
- Various cycling machines
Weights & Strength:
- Huge number of weights
- Many in pairs (times two): 10kg x2, 12kg x2, etc.
- Two benches (limited but adequate)
- Bench press/squat rack
- Leg press machine
- Leg extension machine
- Leg curl machine
- Lat pulldown machine
- Shoulder press
- Chest press
Cables:
- One set of cables
- Go up to 35 kilos
- "Really not that much at all" - disappointing for serious lifters
Amenities:
- Punching bag
- Large exercise balls
- Kettlebells
- Water available
View: Nice view of ocean and property
Mystery Equipment:
- "Improve your wellness age with precision training"
- Body Space rotating machine
- Reviewers had no idea how to use
- High-tech but unexplained
Assessment: 7/10 - Beautiful, modern, clean, good view, but nothing spectacular
Wild Wadi Water Park
Access & Experience
Included: Free entry for hotel guests (doesn't say "entrance" - says "entry")
Dedicated Entrance: Hotel guests use separate entrance
Time Spent: One hour
Assessment: One hour was enough
Cost if Paying: 150 dirham or similar
Value: Perfect that it's included - wouldn't want to pay and feel pressure to maximize time
Visibility: Can see water park from hotel property
Room Service & Amenities
Turndown Service
What Was Done:
- Beautiful bed preparation
- Slippers placed out
- Water restocked
- Curtains closed
- Lux Lift night creams left on nightstands
- Mat placed under toiletries in bathroom
- Bathroom curtain closed
Appreciated Detail: Reviewers love when hotels place something under toiletries
In-Room Amenities
Hair Dryer:
- Dyson brand
- "Nicest hair dryer... definitely the nicest type you can have"
- Top-tier quality
Makeup Mirror:
- Lights up
- Convenient placement
Technology Ports:
- USB-C
- USB-A
- HDMI
- TV remote stored in drawer
Phone: Standard room phone provided
Hotel Layout & Design
Architectural Design
Aesthetic:
- Supposed to feel like sailboat/yacht/ship
- Reviewers never been on luxury yacht, so limited comparison
- Stunning ocean views throughout
- "Kind of feels like you're looking out over a Legoland or Disney World for adults because it looks so perfect. It's actually unreal."
Property Extension: Hotel extends far across property with multiple buildings
Elevator:
- Rounded corners
- Very nice feel
- "Very big of Waldorf, but make it luxury" (Waldorf school reference, not Waldorf Astoria)
Shared Facilities
Complex Includes:
- Wild Wadi Water Park (free entry)
- Private beach (shared by all Jumeirah hotels)
- Multiple pools
- 11 restaurants and cafés
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah (mall) with casino across street
- Various sun chair areas
Service Quality Assessment
Staff Performance Breakdown
Restaurant Staff: Excellent (consistently kind and sweet)
Reception/Front Desk: Mixed
- Individuals lovely once interacting
- Lack of training evident
- Don't greet passing guests
- Unwelcoming atmosphere initially
General Staff: Poor greeting culture
- 9 out of 10 staff don't acknowledge guests walking by
- No smiles or eye contact until guest initiates
- "Weird vibe sometimes"
Lobby Atmosphere: "It feels so unwelcoming. Clearly we're not like VIP guests or anything. You shouldn't have to be the prince, though, to get... a warm welcome. You do not get a warm welcome at all."
Service vs. Hardware
Hardware (Physical Property): Stunning, phenomenal - 10/10
Soft Products (Service): Needs significant work
What Works:
- Restaurant staff highlight
- Individual interactions once initiated
- Breakfast service
- Will from Zimbabwe (outstanding)
What Doesn't Work:
- Training deficiencies
- Lack of proactive service
- No greeting culture
- Poor systems/communication
What Needs Improvement
Critical Issues
1. Arrival Experience
- Need bellhop/greeter at arrival
- Should offer cold towel immediately
- Must take bags proactively
- Direct guests properly
- First impression currently poor
2. Staff Training
- Greet guests by name
- Acknowledge passing guests
- Explain amenities and benefits
- Provide property orientation
- Better knowledge of hotel facilities
3. Pool & Beach Hours
- Should open earlier than 9:00 AM
- Strange for beach resort
- Misses prime morning hours
4. Room Service Quality
- Food presentation must improve
- Portion sizes appropriate for price
- Quality control needed
- $100 burger incident unacceptable
5. Suite-Only Pool Policy
- Reconsider access restrictions
- At these prices, limiting pool access creates resentment
- Differentiate suites in other ways
6. Systems & Communication
- Need iPad or digital system for staff
- Better guest information tracking
- Eliminate redundant questions
- Streamline operations
Google Reviews Pattern
Reviewer's Note: Many Google reviews echo same observations:
- Amazing rooms and physical property
- Service needs significant work
- Consistent pattern of feedback
Hope: Hotel can address service issues since hardware is excellent
Scoring System Results
Category Breakdown (Out of 10 Each)
Perfect 10s (5 categories):
- Room: 10/10 - Stunning, spacious, beautiful design
- Bathroom: 10/10 - Gorgeous, though marble discoloration concerning
- Amenities: 10/10 - Excellent in-room features
- Night's Sleep: 10/10 - One of most comfortable beds ever
- Breakfast: 10/10 - Best hotel breakfast reviewers have witnessed
Strong Scores: 6. Dining: 7/10 - Dinner delicious, but pool burger disaster brings down score 7. Gym: 7/10 - Beautiful, modern, clean, good view, nothing spectacular 8. Pool & Beach: 7/10 - Beautiful but limited hours and suite-only pool restrictions
Weak Score: 9. Service & Personalization: 4/10 - Major weakness, needs significant improvement
Good Score: 10. Value for Money: 7/10 - Relative to season and location
Total Score: 82/100
Ranking: #1 out of two hotels reviewed
Comparison: Atlantis scored 72/100 (10 points behind)
Assessment: "Very, very strong score that we're starting out with here"
Value for Money Analysis
Pricing Context
Low Season (August):
- $733/night is upper-price point even for low season
- Comparable Dubai hotels often half the price in this season
High Season (Winter):
- $1,500-$2,000/night for basic rooms
- Significant premium
Expectation: "At these prices, when you consider that so many of the other best hotels in Dubai are like half the price in this season, everything should be perfect."
What You're Paying For
Excellent:
- Stunning room
- Incredible bathroom
- Best breakfast experience
- Comfortable bed
- Beautiful pools (that you can access)
- Prime location
- Airport proximity
Not Meeting Price Point:
- Service quality inconsistent
- Staff training deficient
- Room service quality issues
- Limited pool access
- Poor arrival experience
Winter vs. Summer Considerations
Summer Stay (August) - Reviewed Period
Advantages:
- Much lower pricing ($733 vs $1,500-2,000)
- Indoor pool becomes major asset
- Less crowded
- Still beautiful property
Disadvantages:
- Can't enjoy balcony (unbearably hot)
- Beach less usable
- Hazy views (can't see downtown Dubai)
- Limited outdoor time
- Pool hours feel even more restrictive
Winter Stay (Not Experienced)
Expected Advantages:
- Perfect weather for balcony
- Beach fully enjoyable
- Clear views
- All facilities at prime use
- Sunset viewing optimal
Disadvantages:
- Triple the price ($2,000+/night)
- More crowded
- Higher demand
Reviewer Interest: Would return in winter to experience property in ideal conditions, but question if worth premium over other Dubai hotels
Security Concerns
Positive Note
Only Security Highlight: Staff were appropriately cautious checking reviewers' room when they returned
Typical Issue: "Security is always way too lax in most hotels, so that was nice to see"
Comparison Context
Atlantis Comparison
Atlantis The Royal/Palm Score: 72/100
Jumeirah Mina A'Salam Score: 82/100
Difference: 10 points
Current Ranking:
- Jumeirah Mina A'Salam: 82/100
- Atlantis: 72/100
Final Verdict
Would They Return?
Answer: Yes, in about a year to see if improvements made
Reasoning:
- Hardware (unchangeable elements) is incredible
- Service issues (changeable) need addressing
- Want to see if feedback implemented
- Would try in winter season
Question Remaining: In winter, is it worth the price or are there better Dubai options? Will explore other resorts to compare.
Booking Recommendations
How to Get Best Value
Book Through Travel Advisor:
- NonstopDan.com/hotels (can book through reviewers)
- Or any Virtuoso travel advisor
- Same price as booking directly
Benefits Received:
- $100 property credit (offsets poor burger)
- $50 additional credit per night after night 3
- Guaranteed room upgrade
- Guaranteed 10 AM check-in
- Guaranteed 4 PM checkout
- Free breakfast for two (would cost ~$150/day)
Guaranteed Space-Available Upgrades: Jumeirah offers this, which is exceptional
Value of Breakfast Inclusion: "Getting this breakfast for free, you're kidding me? That's amazing."
Ideal Guest Profile
Perfect For:
- Luxury travelers wanting newest Dubai property
- Those valuing incredible breakfast experience
- Guests prioritizing room comfort and design
- Travelers wanting airport proximity
- People who appreciate stunning views
- Those booking through travel advisor for benefits
Not Ideal For:
- Guests requiring flawless service
- Those expecting consistent five-star treatment
- Early morning beach swimmers (9 AM restriction)
- Guests wanting access to all facilities regardless of room type
- Service-focused luxury travelers
- Those expecting value proportionate to very high pricing
Reviewer's Perspective
Dan's Pickiness Acknowledgment
Self-Awareness: "Thank you for putting up with my pickiness and my high standards"
Justification: "Otherwise what's the point of a review guys... when this is supposed to be one of the best hotels in a city that has so many of the best hotels in the world. Literally it's one of the most iconic hotels on the planet."
Standards Rationale: At $700-$2,000/night, everything should be perfect
Overall Assessment Summary
The Paradox
Hardware: Absolutely stunning - worthy of five-star designation
Software (Service): Needs significant work - not matching price point
The Good News
Everything that's hard to change (building, rooms, pools, design) is incredible
The Bad News
Everything that's relatively easy to change (training, service, procedures) needs work
The Hope
Since physical property is perfect, addressing service issues could make this truly exceptional hotel
The Reality
Currently: Beautiful hotel with service inconsistencies
Potential: Could be one of Dubai's absolute best with proper training and systems
Key Takeaways
- Best hotel breakfast ever witnessed by experienced travel reviewers
- One of most comfortable beds reviewer has slept in
- 15-minute airport-to-property arrival time unmatched
- Service training is critical weak point preventing perfection
- Arrival experience needs complete overhaul
- Value proposition questionable at high-season rates
- Would return in one year to reassess after potential improvements
Final Score: 82/100
Ranking: #1 (of two hotels reviewed so far in series)
Recommendation: Book with travel advisor for benefits, manage service expectations, incredible physical property worth experiencing
Review represents honest assessment from one-night stay in August 2025 (low season). Scores may differ in high season. All footage and observations documented during actual stay.