I don’t know about you but whenever I’m booking a hotel, especially a luxury one I seek the opinions of others. Travel bloggers have often tried a range of hotels from quirky and one offs to high end chains. The Middle East, in my opinion, has some great hotels to suit every type of traveller. Here I, and some of my favourite bloggers, have picked their favourite Middle Eastern hotels that they have stayed in during 2016! I hope this inspires your travels in 2017!

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ABU DHABI,UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi Empty Quarter
By Jo of anexpatabroad.com

Anantara at the Empty Quarter

Jo says:

Magnificent desert oasis Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter is just a couple of hours drive from the capital offering the luxury traveller the epitome of elegance set against a stunning panorama of sand dunes.

This imposing and architecturally impressive retreat blends old-world desert charm honouring Emirati heritage and culture with modern-day hospitality. Beautiful interiors combine traditional furniture, textiles, ceramics and artefacts in a series of low-rise buildings that are accessed via large wooden doors with walkways lined with water features and Arabic lanterns.

The service is impeccable, stylish restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, there is a fantastic spa and a multitude of activities from camel rides, dune bashing and falconry. The perfect sanctuary for a long weekend to relax and enjoy a peaceful little snippet of desert life.

You can read Jo’s full post here: anexpatabroad.com/2015/05/31/eid-getaways/ and follow on the below social media:

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach
By Catherine Lux of www.luxlife-blog.com

Four Seasons, Jumeirah Beach Resort Dubai

What Catherine has to say:
I was staying with a friend for most of the time I was in Dubai, but I was desperate to really experience a hotel as Dubair are so famous for their luxury hotels. I booked myself into the Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach for a night, and from start to finish the service was just incredible. The hotel itself was beautiful and despite my short stay, it was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. I think it’s well suited to couples and older families, and it was totally worth the money.

You can read Catherine’s full review here and why not check out her social media channels:

Twitter: @Luxlifeblog
Instagram: @luxlifeblog

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Anantara on The Palm Jumeirah
By Polly at Follow your Sunshine 

Anantara at the Palm

What Polly has to say:

My husband and I visited Anantara on The Palm Jumeirah when our daughter was just two months old. It was our first experience of travel with a baby and we were looking for some peace and tranquility as well as somewhere that was friendly and accommodating to a young couple with a newborn. Luckily, the hotel gave us all of this and more. The South East Asian inspired villas which are spread out over the extensive grounds feature private balconies and steps down to lagoon-like swimming pools where Sophia had her first swim. The friendly staff, beautiful setting and unique features make this hotel ideal for young families and honeymooning couples alike. It has an exclusive feel, and is pricey but in my opinion, totally worth it.

You can read a full review here and follow Polly on Twitter @PolBag

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Taj Dubai, Business Bay Area
By Vicky and Chris at EatSleepLoveTravel

Bedroom at Taj Dubai

What Chris and Vicky have to say:

We chose the Taj Dubai mainly because it’s location. It is located in Business Bay within walking distance (if it’s not to hot) to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. Our favourite thing about the hotel was the choice of restaurants and the quality of the food, especially Friday Brunch. If you have a bit of cash to splash then we would recommend this hotel as even by Dubai standards it is quite pricey, but in our opinion well worth it. With swimming pool, spa and gym it has great amenities. Ideal for business travellers, couples and families.

You can read there full review here

And follow them on social media at:

Twitter: @eatsleeplovetrv
Facebook: EatSleepLoveTravel
Instagram: eatsleeplovetravel 

HOTEL AND LOCATION: JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Shaun at www.eatdrinkstaydubai.com

JW Marriott Marquis

What Shaun has to say:

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – the tallest hotel in the world – wins our top vote with its combination of opulent luxury, fantastic leisure facilities and award-winning restaurants and bars like Weslodge, Rang Mahal and Tong Thai.

Best of all though, it can be amazing value. We’ve managed to get rooms in this five-star hotel for as low as 335 AED/night using the Entertainer Free Night Offer.

Ideal for business and leisure travellers, who need never leave the hotel due to excellent range of leisure venues and facilities, and close to the dazzling new Dubai Canal.

You can read the full review here and follow him on the below social media:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/eatdrinkstaydubai 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/eatdrinkstayDXB
Facebook: http://facebook.com/eatdrinkstaydubai

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Doubletree by Hilton, Marjan Island, Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates by Keri Hedrick at http://babyglobetrotters.net

DoubleTree Pool

What Keri has to say:

Proving that luxury and family really can go hand and hand we were blown away by Doubletree Marjan Island.  Large family-sized villa rooms overlooking the lush gardens with several pools to choose from.  For kids there is a giant playground, and all day (and evening!) kids club – but most loved by our little family was the giant pirate ship with 4 amazing slides!  With multiple restaurants to choose from this resort makes a perfect weekend getaway.

You can read Keri’s full review here or if you would like to find out more about Keri and the BabyGlobetrotters travels you can follow them at:

Web: Ourglobetrotters.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourglobetrotters/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ourglobetrotter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourglobetrotters/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ourglobetrotter/

DOHA, QATAR

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Intercontinental by Wandermust Mummy from www.wandermustfamily.com

What Wandermust Mummy has to say:

The Intercon is a family favourite of the Wandermust Family. With a great pool and lovely beach with views of the city centre skyline to die for.  Coupled with the fact, it has amazing service and brilliant restaurants – we particularly love the Greek restaurant Mykonos – The Intercon is the place to go for the ultimate relaxing break.

We went for our final baby moon here and its perfect for couples but would also be great for families. We would love to go back this time with our little one in tow!

You can read the full review here and the Wandermust Family can be followed on the below social media channels:

Twitter: @wandermustfam
Instagram: @wandermustfamily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WandermustFamily/
Pinterest: @wandermustfam

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Shangri-La Doha
By Catherine Lux of www.luxlife-blog.com

Shangri La Doha

What Catherine has to say:

I am huge lover of Shangri-La hotels after staying in their Singapore hotel regularly as a child, and stay with them whenever I can so it was a no-brainer for my visit to Doha. One of the reasons I love Shangri-La’s so much is that each one feels ‘on-brand’ and familiar, and I always feel safe and at home in them (especially when I’m travelling alone). The staff are always fantasti, and honestly can’t do enough for you. The Doha hotel was stunning: the pool was an oasis in the middle of a very futuristic and high rise city, the spa was super relaxing, and even the standard rooms are huge!

Catherine’s full review is over on her website for you to check out and can be found here

You can follow Catherine on the below social media sites:

Twitter: @Luxlifeblog
Instagram: @luxlifeblog

HOTEL AND LOCATION: The Grand Hyatt, Doha by Wandermust Mummy from www.wandermustfamily.com

The Presidential Suite

We booked into the Grand Hyatt using the entertainer app buy one get one free voucher and were not disappointed. We were upgraded to the Presidential Suite which was spacious as well as beautiful filled with local decorative touches. The bathroom was particularly impressive with a huge bath and a technology fueled shower. The club lounge offers free breakfast and an evening happy hour, a perfect retrace for couples, We enjoyed spending time round the heated pool, perfect for a winter break with kids.

HOTEL AND LOCATION: W Hotel, Doha, by Tiffany at A Girl and Her Passport

W Hotel Doha

What A Girl and Her Passport has to say:

While I live in Qatar, sometimes I need to get away from my normal life, so I opted to do a staycation at the W Doha. Part of the reason I chose the W Doha is that offered a staycation rate that included early check-in and late check-out. It meant I could spend more time at the hotel. I also chose the W Doha because it is one of my favorite places to eat in Doha, so I knew I would be happy with the food choices. My favorite thing about this visit is that I was able to relax and unwind in a peaceful room with a comfortable bed. The service is always something I am impressed with when eating there and this extended into the hotel. This hotel is great because you can relax in your room, but enjoy the restaurants and nightlife the W Doha offers. It was a wonderful getaway in my hometown.

MUSCAT, OMAN 

HOTEL AND LOCATION: The Chedi, Muscat by Wandermust Mummy from www.wandermustfamily.com

What Wandermust Mummy has to say:

We are not beach bums! Hotels are usually where we rest our weary heads after a long day sightseeing. So the fact we never left the chedi tells you how good it is! Three pools, including the longest in the Middle East, a beach, beautiful architecture and several amazing restaurants mean the Chedi is a must for any couples wanting a romantic weekend in the Middle East!

You can read the full review here and the Wandermust Family can be followed on the below social media channels:

Twitter: @wandermustfam
Instagram: @wandermustfamily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WandermustFamily/
Pinterest: @wandermustfam

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort (specifically the Al Husn) Muscat, Oman by Jersey Girl at adventuresofajerseygirlblog.wordpress.com

Shangri La

What Jersey Girl has to say:

Zighy Bay, Oman

 HOTEL AND LOCATION: Six Senses, Zighy Bay Oman
By Eric at Travelbabbo

six senses

What Eric has to say:

We stopped at the Six Senses Zighy Bay on our around-the-world trip for one reason: the paragliding entrance. But we loved everything about the hotel, including the excellent food, our private plunge pool, the warm ocean water, the bicycles we rode all around the resort, the library, the tubing and the kids club activities. It’s a lot less expensive in the (hot) summer, but even at the resort’s high-season prices, there’s a lot of value provided. The service was outstanding. Highly recommended for adventurous, non-budget-minded travellers who want to be pampered in a unique location.

You can read Eric’s full review here

And follow him on social media here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelbabbo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TravelBabbo
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/travelbabbo/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/travelbabbo/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoen

Amman, Jordan 

HOTEL AND LOCATION: Toledo Hotel, Amman Jordan by Kath at http://www.katpegimana.com

Toledo Hotel

What Kath says:

I chose Toledo Hotel because it is located in Abdali, a largely residential area of cream-coloured townhouses and apartments intermixed with government and commercial buildings. There are no heavy traffic and loud noises unlike Downtown Amman. The nearest bakeries and shops are within 15 minutes’ walking distance while the major tourist attractions are a few minutes’ drive away, costing only 2-3 dinar by taxi.

The hassle-free bookings of city tour or day tours outside of Amman. The front desk will make the necessary arrangements, after which, guests can further discuss with the hired drivers for other requests. For example, I hired the same driver for the additional two days to drive me to Madaba and later, an excursion tour to Mount Nebo, Bethany and the Dead Sea – all at a reasonable price.

The rates for a single and double room range from USD68 – USD80 a night including breakfast at their Moorish-designed Andalusia Cafe.

In the room, there is air-conditioning, TV, desk, tea & coffee facilities, bar fridge, closet and a private safe box. I found no faults with the room and the attached bathroom as it was very clean, tastefully decorated, comfortable bed and everything functioned as it should be. The hotel has a gym and an indoor swimming pool. And of course, free Wi-Fi! Perfect for solo, business and family travellers.

You can read the full review here and follow Kath on her Social Media Channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katpegimana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katpegimana/
Instagram: @katpegimana

Have you stayed at any of the above? We’d love to hear your thoughts or tell us about your favourite Middle Eastern hotel of 2016!

Great Middle Eastern Hotels will be annual feature so if you would like to be featured or for the Wandermust Family to review your hotel please contact us at wandermustfamily at wandermustfamily.com 

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