- Introduction: First Trip to Dubai with My Son!
- Review: Emirates Airlines 777-200LR (Economy Class) – Dallas to Dubai
- Review: Sheraton Hotel – Mall of Emirates
- Review: Marriott Hotel – Al Jaddaf
- Review: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Review: Burj Khalifa 124
- Review: Dubai Speedboat Tour
- Review: Marhaba Lounge – Dubai International Airport
- Review: Emirates Airlines 777-200LR (Business Class) – Dubai to Dallas
After spending one night at the Sheraton Hotel at The Mall of Emirates, it was time for us to make our way over to the Marriott Hotel in Al Jaddaf. The hotel was back towards the international airport.
Booking
I booked the Marriott Al Jaddaf for $114 USD/night. I was able to receive a total of 10,665 points (6,094 base + 4,571 elite).
Arrival
Nicholas and I grabbed another white Lexus Uber for the 15 minute ride to the hotel. The thing that stood out to me upon arriving to the hotel was the area seemed underdeveloped…or in development, however you want to spin it. The roads with roundabouts were complete but a lot of the buildings were in their infancy.
Check-In
We joined the car queue, which was about two rows and five cars deep. Our driver insisted that we wait until the other cars had moved along but I wanted to stop the “meter” and there was only a few feet to the door.
The concierge grabbed our bags and pointed us to the check in counter on their right. There were flight attendants, families on holiday, and a gaggle of tourists such as myself.
Check in was the usual…welcome back to the Marriott, thanks for being a Titanium member, breakfast is complimentary. By no means is this not special to me, it seems scripted the more it occurs.
We were directed our King Suite through use of the elevators directly across from the front desk.
Room
The room was exponentially nicer than the one from the previous night.
The main living area was directly ahead upon entering the room. It included a mini bar, 42 inch-ish TV, desk, and a not so comfortable couch.
Just off the living area, near the front door, was a half bath. It included a toilet, bidet, and sink.
The best part of the room for us was the bedroom suite. The bed, chaise, closet, and bathroom were simple, yet amazing. The entire on suite was spacious and felt really comfortable.
As I circled backed through the “suite”, I realized that I was at a Marriott Executive Hotel property???
I also forgot to post my welcome amenities. The breakfast was included but I had to see what the points would get me.
Dining
There was a limitless amount of dining options for the property. I’ll start with the on-site then roll in to the offsite options we tried or tried to try:
BnB
Bar Nite Bites looked supper fun but could only be accessed if a guest was over 21 years old. Nicholas was six at the time so we were missing 15 years. 😂
Kimura-ya. This was hands down our favorite restaurant on the property. Not only did it remind me of Okinawa but my son, being half Japanese, loved the cold soba and other assorted dishes. We ate at the restaurant at least six times…there was a two trip day. The Filipino staff was phenomenal and their Japanese was exquisite.
Ok ok ok, here are some of the dishes Nicholas and I enjoyed. Everything was delicious.
This stamped Kimura Ya as the best restaurant at the Marriott in Al Jaddaf.
The Marketplace. The hotel took care of us as it pertains to this restaurant. I could not enter the lounge on Day 1 with my son because he was not of age so they allowed us to eat/drink in The Marketplace in lieu of the lounge. It was pretty awesome to say the least. The Marketplace doubled as a breakfast and dinner restaurant.
The Lounge. When I was finally granted access, the lounge was a spot for us to hang, albeit in the hallway. The main lounge was reserved for professionals and adults without kids. I respected that because I travel without my son most of the time.
We used the Careem app to order food when it was just outside of regular hours. Much like Kimura Ya, we use this a bit. Our main customer, McDonald’s. Not for burgers or fries but for wings! Yup, wings!
McDonald’s. The wings were fire, while the pita chicken was on the level. Top 3 McDonald’s in the world.
Fitness
Pool. The pool level was another spot we thoroughly enjoyed. While we were in the Middle East, it was cold so we enjoyed the pool and hot tub equally.
Gym. We saw the gym but did not use the gym. There was a left for the gym or a right for the pool, we went right.
Final Word
Nicholas and I had an outstanding time at this property. The hospitality was top notch but the food (inside and outside) made our stay. Selamat poh ati and kuya. Really great time.
