Hotel Review Melia Dubai – Killer design in Karama

Hotel Review Melia Dubai is the latest article in our Brunch Budget Beds series, where we review business class Dubai hotels that cost less than a Dubai brunch.

Melia Dubai – Introduction

“The character of the Mediterranean in the historical heart of Dubai”, Melia Dubai is the first Spanish 5 star hotel in the Middle East.

Once you’ve worked out the below-ground entry (taxis and cars drive down a ramp, foot passengers have to walk) the lobby is stunning. Sleek seductive marble, open atrium and high rising-open plan floors show this hotel is designed to stand out.

Check-in was a breeze, nice pleasant and simple, especially as it was during Eid and with several guests being attended to, service was extremely efficient.

 

 

Melia Dubai – Sleeping

As a Brunch Budget Bed, I’d booked the Deluxe Guestroom for 307.99 AED which is approx 48 sq. m of cool and comes with an extra-long bed. Everything about the layout and look of the room oozes thought and design, from a very individual metal-effect floor (no scratty carpet here) to the funky coral adornments in the bathroom.

Wifi was complimentary and fast, the designer coffee maker (not Nespresso sadly) was very tasty and the bathroom amenities were pleasant.

Melia Dubai – Dining

There are several dining options at Melia Dubai including Alfonso X (sushi and sashimi bar) and Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor and Azalya (International).

Melia Dubai – Drinking

In addition to the restaurants, there is a great rooftop bar called Estrellas, a sports lounge called Quantum, along with a couple of clubs – including the obligatory Russian club (Muscovites).

Melia Dubai – Swag

As I’d booked the hotel through Kaligo, I also received 700 American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

I also managed to blag an upgrade to a Rewards room, by joining the Melia Rewards loyalty program on check-in. Whilst I wouldn’t get any earn benefits (as I’d booked through a third party), they kindly upgraded me and next time I will be able to use the Club Lounge.

Melia Dubai – What was good

Without a doubt, the Melia is a stunning hotel and is extremely well appointed. Service was exceptional, especially at check-in, and the room was very comfortable indeed.

Service was exceptional, especially at check-in, and the room was very comfortable indeed.

The choice of on-site bars and restaurants provided a good variety of options, from Indian fine dining to rooftop bars/shisha/cocktails.

I’ve stayed at the Melia Dubai on several occasions, and always managed to get a great price (always less than 500 AED) – so it’s a wise choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Melia Dubai – What was not so good

The only two negatives with Melia Dubai would be:-

1. The location (there is nothing around to walk to, and it’s some distance from most places one would normally visit in Dubai)
2. The underground entrance is both annoying and seems unnecessary. Perhaps the designers of the hotel are so switched on they thought the guests would not like to walk outside, and perhaps spend in their on-site venues instead?

Melia Dubai – Save money by doing this

Given that there is very little around the hotel, it’s unlikely one would care to walk to any alternative dining venues or bars. The only real option to save money on dining would be dial in a takeaway using Deliveroo or Foodonclick.

Melia Dubai: Try this travel hack here

Melia Dubai partakes in its own hotel loyalty program (Melia Rewards), which includes preferential rates as well as elite benefits.

Alternatively, Melia Dubai also partakes in The Entertainer One Complimentary Free Night Offer, where you can get 1, 2 or 3 nights free or 20% off Best Available Rate.

Hotel Review Melia Dubai: Sum up this hotel in one sentence

Beautiful hotel, full of Mediterranean cool, at a great price with excellent benefits (Entertainer and Melia Rewards) – but a little ‘off the beaten track’.

Melia Dubai – Details

• Date Visited – August 2016
• Cost – 307.99 AED
• How Booked – Kaligo.com
• Loyalty Program – as booked through Kaligo, also earned 700 American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
• Area – Port Rashid/Karama
• Nearest Metro – Al Fahidi (20 mins walk/1.5km)

Disclosure: All of our reviews are visited anonymously, and we pay for all charges ourselves.

We feel no freebies, no bias, no PR or marketing involvement makes for a better objective and fairer review for you.


Have you stayed at Melia Dubai? What was your opinion?

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