Booked the hotel 1 month in advance. I requested a double room non smoking as we were travelling with my 7 year old son and because smoking rooms always smell of stale smoke. Once we arrived we were shown to a room with 2 very small twin beds and were told that that was all that was available. We would have to push the two beds together and get another single bed brought to our room. This room was very small for 3 people. I complained immediately that this was not what I had booked and asked to be moved to a double room. I was told that there weren't any so I had to unfortunately complain again and was than taken to a double room which was a smoking room. This one was defenitely more spacious but unfortunately could't get away with the bad smell of stale smoke (even the showere curtain smelled!). The carpet was stained (room no. 501) as well. As I didn't want to complain again we stuck with it because we were only going to be there 3 nights. I was really shocked as the rest of the hotel was really nice. The lobby and restaurant were spotless and the complimentary breakfast catered for everyone, the staff however not so friendly apart from the porter who was exceptional. I have stayed in many hotels as I love to travel and have never booked anywhere without spending time doing the appropriate research to ensure a pleasant stay so I was really disappointed. The pool in the rooftop is small but again all you need if you don't intend in staying too long. The loungers however were old and it showed. They also had a fitness room that looked state of the art with good machines so why could they not spend a little more and get new loungers I don't know. The area is also not so nice but with plenty of restaurants nearby. There is also a big supermarket opposite which was really good. If you can afford to go and stay in a nicer hotel near the beach do, as it is worth it!

My husband was in Dubai for a conference and I flew out to join him a few days later - this hotel was excellent for a business trip as well as a city break. Hotel staff were exceptionally polite and helpful - the concierge tracked down our camera for us when we left it in a taxi - and also made recommendations for activities, including a Dhow cruise which we loved. The room was spacious and immaculate, and ours included a kitchenette, which we didn't use because eating out was fairly cheap. The terrace pool wasn't massive, but fine for the occasional dip we had after a day out sightseeing. Only downside - about 20 minutes drive to Jumeirah, and cabs can be tricky to find at times. That said, the concierge arranged private taxis for us which were only slightly more expensive and saved us standing by the edge of the road waving frantically! We'd recommend the Mazmar Beach Park rather than Jumeirah Beach Park from this hotel - shorter journey and just as nice.

We were a bit wary of staying in a 3* hotel but Rimal Rotana is more 4* than 3... Staff were friendly and helpful, rooms were cleaned everyday, towels replaced, beds made up etc. The only problem we had with the hotel was the lack of taxi's available - we had to order at least 30 minutes before we needed it and most of the times we still ended up waiting for one in the lobby area.. Breakfast was good but the overall menu for lunch/dinner was poor - it was the same menu whatever meal you wanted. There was a supermarket opposite which helped as the room had a kitchen area. Word of caution, they give you a complimentary bottle of water on the first day - we made the mistake of thinking this was a daily occurence and got charged for it when we checked out. Location was great - close to airport and it was easy to get to places after we got taxi's. Overall, we were impressed with the hotel and staff.

Thinking of going to Dubai? Not quite sure if it will be the place for you? Will it be safe?

If like me, all these thoughts were going through your head.

Then I can assure you - you've got absolutely nothing to worry about.

Hav'ing just spent 4 nights at the Rimal Rotana Suites. Where the staff are friendly and the concierge can't do enough for you. This is one of the safest places I have ever been to. ( Apart from the drivers - they're all raveing lunatics ).

I was forced to come to the UAE on a business trip - but certainly wish I had come here years ago.

I will definately be coming back with the family. But would probably stay in a beach hotel or nearer the marina.

If your travelling on your own or as a couple then the Rimal Rotana is perfect. It's one of the most reasonably priced hotels. Clean rooms. Good Gym and nice pool (even though I didn't have time to use them). Food is good. Supermarket across the road. Even though you're on a busy road - there's hardly any noise.

You're about a 20 minute walk from Deira shopping mall and about a 20 minute walk to the creek .

With children you would be getting taxi's to most places and even though they are very cheap you might find yourself fed up with sitting in traffic all the time. This is the only reason I probably wouldn't chose this hotel as a family. Other than that I could not think of a bad word to say about the Rimal Rotana.

If you do go to Dubai. Definately take the open top bus tour. One of the best ways to see DUBAI.

One other thing. Take PLENTY of MONEY - This really is a shoppers PARADISE.........