We are platinum members and were in a regular room. It was great. Everything was simply wonderful – very large room, perfect condition with separate marble shower, bath and sink. About once every few years I find a hotel ambience so incredible that I feel I could move into there. This was one.

The concierge lounge breakfast included not only six hot dish choices (e.g. beef bacon and sausage, potatoes) you could have eggs to order. There were perhaps 20 other items ranging from European cheeses to hummus and the best baba ganoush I have ever tasted.

Our first night included a buffet the next day (Friday is Sunday in Muslim countries) which I was inclined to skip until it was mentioned to me three times during our check-in. we went and what a treat it was. There were half shell oysters from France, fresh sushi with free Sake, a Munich-certified Hofbrau house from Munich and much, much more. You simply went from restaurant to restaurant selecting whatever you choose.

I have never been to the Grand Hyatt—and I cannot imagine what they could do to top our experience at the JW – arguably the best hotel we have ever stayed in and we have been Gold / Platinum members with Marriott for many years and now Starwood also.

I chose to stay at the JW Marriott Dubai because I am a Platinum Marriott member and the internet description on the Marriott website made it sound enticing. I stayed seven nights. The hotel is less than 10 minutes from the airport (about $15 Dirham’s to the airport, $25 Dirham’s leaving the airport) which is great because the traffic in Dubai in the morning and evening is horrendous. Upon entering the hotel at 11:00 pm to check-in the lobby is grand and well appointed. I had reserved four rooms at the hotel for myself and others in my party. Check-in was routine. I was upgraded to a suite on the second floor room 275. Upon entering the room there was a big living room with bedroom off to one side. I stay in Marriott’s over 100 nights per year….this room needs to be updated. The furniture in this room was old…and has seen many better days. The bedroom was a standard Marriott King bedroom….nothing fancy about it. Internet service will run you about $30 U.S dollars a day….its free in the Concierge lounge if you have access. The real fun began my first night. Room 275 sits over a small group of restaurants. Karaoke or the bad live band played until 12:30 a.m. Cigar and cigarette smoke made its way into the air-conditioning system to my room every night…..so turning it off early in the evening was a must. I requested to be moved my first and second mornings there because of the noise and smoke….they said they would see what they could do….nobody called me back…or even had a note on my account that I had asked. The band played every night…and there are only so many times you can listen to Brown-eyed-girl and Beach Boys before you grow sick of it. I tried breakfast two mornings in the Concierge lounge…pretty disappointing….just cheese, fruit and pastries. The Market Place restaurant in the hotel isn’t much better either. The ethnic food was interesting to try…but they don’t know how to cook the simplest things like eggs….and the service once they sat you down was spotty….don’t expect coffee refills. Went to the pseudo Starbucks to get a cup of coffee at 9:50 am one morning and was told by the girl behind the counter that she was going on break and to come back later. Ate dinner at the Hofbrauhaus in the hotel one night with my group and we had a good time. Great beer and the food was ok. The hotel has a great health club on the top floor. Squash courts, free weights, Cardio room, sauna and steam room….its all there. The roof top pool is very nice as well. There is plenty of seating in the sun or out…and the attendants up there walk you to a seat and even open the umbrella for you. There is a bar and food service there as well. I had lunch at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai one afternoon which I believe is a 7 star hotel….it was amazing hotel to say the least. You can’t compare the two hotels even a little. I wouldn’t say the JW Marriott in Dubai is anything special; in fact it’s a disappointment. I have stayed at JW and regular Marriott’s over the years and I feel this hotel does not meet many of the above-average standards you expect from a JW. My bill was around $2700 U.S. dollars for just one room….for all four rooms over $14,000. When we go back to Dubai, we will most definitely stay at the Grand Hyatt the JW Marriott isn’t worth the price.

I have stayed at The JW a few times, and it use to be my hotel of choice in Dubai; however the prices went up and the budget doen't always cover the extra cost.
I stayed recently for a conference and was glad to find that the service was as good as ever, with the facilities as top notch as I remember.
The food is always good, the rooms are clean (if a little dated compared to some of the other options on offer in Dubai) and the gym facilities also cater to all needs.
If you are looking for somewhere to base your self for the shops, it isn't bad, but the beaches are a bit of a drive.
All in all, as a business hotel it is pretty good.

The only bad thing I have to say about this hotel is the location. If you are looking for something close to the airport then its perfect for you.
Beautiful rooms with great beds, very good dining and a modest but relaxing pool area. If you like Asian food I recommend the Bamboo Lounge. About 60 USD for all you can eat and drink (including alcoholic beverages). The sports bar Champs is good for a quick bite. It didn't go the steak restaurant but it looked very upscale.
There are obviously better hotels in Dubai but I would, without a doubt, stay at the JW again.

P.S. I am a military member and got my room at a discount rate through the USO