JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel: The Tallest Hotel (review)

From a bar housed in a "bank vault" on the 72nd floor to the Saray Spa oasis at its base, we take apart this record-breaking hotel, which has become a true vertical city. Two giant towers piercing the sky above Dubai's business heart. The JW Marriott Marquis can easily be reduced to one impressive figure from the Guinness Book of Records. But its true scale lies not in meters, but in content. It's a full-fledged "vertical city," where inside a futuristic shell hides an entire ecosystem of luxury: over ten restaurants and bars, a world-class spa, and colossal business opportunities. Here, you can truly spend a week without ever stepping down to the ground, discovering something new every day. This guide is your key to all doors of the JW Marriott Marquis: from choosing the perfect room with a view of Burj Khalifa to booking a table at that very steakhouse on the 68th floor. Let's figure out who this hospitality giant is ideally suited for, and who might be better off looking for something more intimate.

Location, architecture, and views

Two record-breaking towers in the heart of Business Bay

The two identical twin towers of the JW Marriott Marquis, soaring 355 meters into the sky, are the first thing that catches the eye in Business Bay. But their smooth, curved forms are not just a designer's whim. Take a closer look: the architects drew inspiration from the image of a date palm—a sacred symbol of life and prosperity in the Arab world. And this metaphor is no accident: the hotel was conceived as an oasis of hospitality, where every guest will find everything necessary for both relaxation and work.

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Nearby attractions: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Canal

Although the hotel is located in the city's business heart, the main tourist attractions are just a stone's throw away. A short taxi ride will take you to the foot of the legendary Burj Khalifa or among the countless shops and entertainment options of the giant Dubai Mall. And if you fancy an evening stroll, the picturesque waterfront of the Dubai Canal, with its futuristic bridges and views of the city lights, is right nearby.

Getting here from the airport

The hotel is situated approximately 16 kilometers from Dubai International Airport (DXB), making transfers quick and convenient. A car journey without traffic will take around 20–25 minutes.

• Taxi: The simplest and most comfortable option. Official airport taxis (cream-colored) await you at the terminal exit. A ride will cost roughly 60–80 dirhams.
• Metro: The nearest station is Business Bay on the red line. From there, it's about a 10–15 minute walk to the hotel. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travelers with light luggage, but it might be inconvenient with suitcases.

Panoramic views: what to see and from which floor

Thanks to its height and location, the hotel offers some of the best panoramic views in Dubai. From the windows of rooms, restaurants, and bars, you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your room's location, you'll either admire the futuristic city skyline dominated by the Burj Khalifa or the endless expanse of the Persian Gulf and the desert stretching into the distance at sunset.

Rooms and suites: How to choose the best option

Room categories

• Deluxe room: Forget standard hotel rooms. Even the basic category here starts at an impressive 44 sq. m. The centerpiece of the interior is a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that brings the city inside and makes it part of your personal space. The design is understated and modern: calm coffee and cream tones, high-quality materials that are pleasant to touch. And the marble-finished bathroom is your personal spa, featuring a deep soaking tub for complete relaxation and a separate cabin with a tropical shower to invigorate your mornings.
• Sea view room: In terms of size and amenities, these rooms are identical to the Deluxe category, but their main treasure is the guaranteed view of the Persian Gulf. It’s priceless during sunset hours, when the sky transforms into incredible hues.

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Exclusive suites and executive lounge privileges

Access to the Executive Lounge isn’t just a pleasant bonus—it’s a step up to an entirely new level of comfort. Imagine bypassing the general check-in line and checking in at a private desk. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the main restaurant. Throughout the day, you can work on your laptop with a cup of coffee or hold a meeting here. And in the evening, unwind with a glass of wine and exquisite snacks while admiring the sunset cityscape—all included in the price. This is the very exclusivity you can truly feel, and it’s especially appreciated whether you’re on a business trip or a romantic getaway.

Restaurants and bars: A guide to over 10 hotel establishments

Forget about having to search for a good restaurant in the city. At JW Marriott Marquis, the gastronomic world is gathered under one roof, and it will take you more than a day just to explore half of its treasures.

Restaurants for every taste and budget

For a special occasion (Fine Dining):

• Prime68: Head up to the 68th floor and prepare to momentarily forget about food altogether. The panoramic view of nighttime Dubai, dotted with countless lights, is the first and main course here. Only then comes the time for perfectly cooked steaks sizzling on your plate, the clinking of glasses filled with rich red wine, and the feeling that the whole world lies at your feet. Yes, it’s a classic American steakhouse, but elevated to perfection by its height and impeccable service.
• Tong Thai: As soon as you step through the door, you’re transported from a Dubai skyscraper into a luxurious Thai home. The air is infused with the aromas of lemongrass, galangal, and coconut milk. Carved wooden panels, soft lighting, and the rustle of silk create just the right atmosphere, while your plate awaits authentic, unadapted Thai cuisine—spicy, aromatic, sweet-and-sour, and incredibly delicious.

Authentic flavors of the world (mid-range):

• Izakaya: Prepare for a lively and cheerful "Irashaimase!" greeting from the chefs. This Japanese restaurant is the complete opposite of stuffy establishments. Here, you’ll find the vibe of a genuine Tokyo izakaya bar: dynamic, loud, and incredibly friendly. Order sake from the local sommelier and watch as the chef grates wasabi root on a sharkskin board right in front of you, its sharp aroma instantly whetting your appetite.

Everyday and poolside (Casual):

• Aqua Poolside Grill & Bar: During the day, it’s a relaxed oasis by the pool, where you can escape the heat with an icy cocktail and a light salad. But as dusk falls, the place transforms. The illuminated pool, views of skyscrapers, soft music, and the fragrant smoke of shisha create the perfect ambiance for a leisurely evening under the stars.

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Bars with panoramic views

• Vault: To enter, you’ll need to open a heavy door styled like the entrance to a bank vault. Located on the 71st and 72nd floors, this bar is the epitome of exclusivity. Inside, a dim light prevails, while panoramic windows offer a breathtaking view of the city, and the air is filled with the aroma of fine cigars and sophisticated cocktails. This place isn't for a noisy party, but rather for a serious conversation or for quietly savoring the moment alone, gazing at Dubai from a bird's-eye perspective.

Practical information for foodies

Spa, pool, and fitness: Infrastructure for relaxation

Saray spa: eastern traditions and modern rituals

Saray Spa is not just a spa—it's a gateway to a world of Arabian tales. Inspired by ancient caravanserais, it welcomes guests with a soothing silence, the aroma of incense, and the luxury of marble and mosaic. Here, you can experience age-old rituals firsthand, such as cleansing in an authentic Turkish hammam, or try signature treatments like a massage using golden oil. This is a place where time slows down, and the stress of the metropolis vanishes without a trace.

Outdoor pool and fitness center

The large outdoor pool on the podium serves as your personal balcony overlooking the city. From here, reclining on a comfortable lounger, you can observe the life of Business Bay and admire the spire of Burj Khalifa. For those who can't imagine relaxing without sports, the hotel boasts a vast and well-equipped fitness center, where state-of-the-art equipment will help you stay on track with your usual workout routine.

Planning your stay: What you need to know

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Dubai is from October to April. The weather during these months is perfect for strolling around and lounging by the pool. In summer, from May to September, the heat sets in, but it also brings the most attractive accommodation rates. This period is ideal for those planning to spend their time shopping and enjoying entertainment in air-conditioned malls and parks.

Booking and budget

The approximate cost of a standard room during the low season can start from $150-200 per night, while during the high season prices easily soar to $350-500 and higher.

You can book either through the hotel's official website (which offers benefits for Marriott Bonvoy members) or via aggregator sites to compare offers.

What guests need to know

• Tourist Tax: Be prepared for a mandatory "Tourism Dirham" tourist tax to be charged upon departure from the hotel. For five-star hotels, it amounts to 20 dirhams (about $5.5) per room per night of stay.
• Dress Code: In public areas of the hotel (lobby, restaurants), it is customary to dress modestly. Outside the hotel, especially when visiting malls or government institutions, it's important to respect local customs and avoid overly revealing clothing.

Who Is JW Marriott Marquis perfect for?

So, who exactly is this giant of glass and concrete ideally suited for? JW Marriott Marquis is an ecosystem-hotel, an event-hotel. It's designed for those who appreciate scale in everything: panoramic views, restaurant choices, and business opportunities. This place has a distinctly urban, dynamic character.

This hotel is for you if you are:

• A business shark who doesn’t just need a room, but a full-fledged headquarters in the heart of Dubai’s business district, with perfect infrastructure for work and meetings.
• A hedonist and gourmet for whom a gastronomic journey begins right at the elevator, and having a choice of ten restaurants is an essential condition for a great getaway.
• A scenery seeker ready to trade a morning swim in the sea for a meditative coffee with a view of the Burj Khalifa from the 60th floor.

But take a closer look at other options if:

• Your soul craves a salty breeze, and you dream of lazy days where it’s just a few steps from your room to a beach lounger.
• You’re tired of grandiosity and are looking for the quiet comfort of an intimate boutique hotel, where the staff knows you by name.
• You’re traveling with little restless ones who need endless lawns for playing, rather than the gleaming marble floors of the lobby.