We stayed here as a result of a recommendation from an expat friend who lives in Dubai. The hotel enjoys a great location just a gentle stroll to the Jumeirah Beach walk, which has a huge amount of shops and restaurants and of course the beach itself. The tram stop is a few steps away as is a pick up point for the Big Bus Tour. The metro is 10-15 mins walk away.
Check in
As an IHG member I’d booked on line and obtained a preferential rate, so all my details were on file and my preferences regarding room selection had been observed. We were warmly greeted by Julie and check in was swift and efficient. Our bags arrived at our room seconds after we did.
Service and staff attitude
Every member of staff spoke and or smiled as you encountered them. Each request was dealt with efficiently and with a smile. Often staff would anticipate a need and offer to do something before you asked. Little thoughtful touches we so welcome, like complimentary iced water with a slice of lemon delivered to your lounger beside the pool. The service level and staff attitude is exemplary and a huge asset for this hotel.
Rooms
We’d chosen a King Studio which not surprisingly, had a comfortable king sized bed with quality linens. Equipment wise, there was a TV, good WiFi, bottled water, mini safe and air con. 
The room itself was a good size and comfortably accommodated a sofa, table and chair, there was also a balcony overlooking the marina equipped with table and chairs. The bathroom was spacious with a great rain head shower and quality cosmetics. Large, thick bath towels, bathrobes and slippers were available. A kitchenette equipped with hob, kettle, microwave, toaster, fridge, cutlery, crockery for two people, some pots, pans and cooking utensils. So in many ways it’s like having your own apartment with room service.
Other facilities
The pool area had comfortable loungers (some in the water) and seating, towels were provided by the attentive lifeguard. Not quite an infinity pool but as it was situated on the 2nd floor it offered nice views of the surrounding buildings and Dubai Marina. A shallow pool was handy for small children and the red penguins dotted around added to a sense of fun. I swear the penguins moved when I closed my eyes and one pinched my Silver Travel bag whilst I was dozing. The pool is in full sun (there are umbrellas for shade) up until about 12:30 at this time of year (November) after that nearby buildings block the sun. There is also a SPA on this level and poolside bar. A coffee shop is located on the ground floor and there are plenty of restaurant options to choose from.
Other points
Accessibility was great between the ground floor and the rooms. There was a step to exit the SPA after the lifts to level 2 but after that there was a ramp up to the pool area.
There is a Zoom mini supermarket within a couple of minutes walk; come out the front door of the hotel, turn left, take the first ramp/stairs down to the Dubai Marina Promenade and Zoom is right there roughly behind the hotel. Other bigger supermarkets are within 10-15 mins walk.
The concierge in the hotel was extremely helpful with maps and local knowledge.
A one hour marina boat tour operates from the other side of the marina. Turn left out of the hotel, cross the first bridge you come to. Below the bridge on the promenade walk is Dubai Tours (this comes free with some Big Bus tickets). Water buses are also available both sides of the marina around here.
Overall
The Intercontinental isn’t cheap but it’s outstanding and you get the level of attention and service you would expect from this brand and price point. There is plenty of local competition in the area at this end of the market, so standards need to be high and they are. I will definitely be staying here on my return to Dubai and I would strongly recommend it to others.
InterContinental Dubai Marina
Bay Central Dubai Marina
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971-4-4466777
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