Instead of jumping back on the plane immediately after our Costa cruise around the Emirates, we thought of combining a few days stay in Dubai, and our travel agent suggested this hotel.
After reading the usual reviews prior to our arrival, I must admit that in every aspect, the reviews turned out accurate.
It is true that the hotel itself will be shown as requiring some updates once the Westin which is adjacent, opens in a few weeks time.
The attention given by the staff could not be faulted in any way and were always on hand to assist.
I read a lot about paying extra for a sea view room, but budget dictated that a land view room would have to suffice. I must say that in no way did it affect the holiday. It is true that the land view gives you a view right onto construction, but this is construction Dubai style and a spectacle in itself. In short we only used the room for sleeping. I was told that in a sea view room, you run the risk of hearing the Barasti bar emptying out at 0230 which could spoil your sleep.
We opted for bed and breakfast and the Waves restaurant gave a large selection of everything you could wish for to get you started.
The beach was clean and functional and the attendants sorted you your sun beds and towels out almost before you asked for them.
The evenings that we ate were from the Barasti Bar, and it was raucous due to the Six Nations rugby being televised. Food was reasonable priced. We knew that it was popular so expected a wait when we asked for a table, but as soon as we mentioned we were guests, two minutes was the longest we waited.
Not much more to add other than to say that I haved booked another four nights later this year, so that says everything I suppose.

I spent more than a year traveling to dubai on business. this was my favourite hotel after a colleagues recommendation. The beach was lovely but a bit too manicured - they employ a bloke to pick all of the stones out of the sand each day! And the new Palm development off shore means that there are no real waves to speak off coming in to the shore. but these are minor gripes: the sand is soft yet firm, the water very warm.

And the pools are not bad either. Many a time I would get back to the hotel about 7 after work and then go for a short swim, hanging over the edge of the infinity pool looking out over the water and at the stars. But they do close the pools early - so if I had a really long day, I would miss my chance.

The negative points was that the food was a bit bland. There is a posh restaurant "Tang", which is very expensive and the portions small - not my scene. The in room food can be a bit fattening, not much choice to fill you up if you are trying to eat healthily. And a room facing in land is great if you like looking at traffic (about 0.25 km away).

But the Barasti bar is a great place to go for a drink and something to eat. Many an evening I sat under the warm sky supping a beer. It does fill up quickly, so either get there early or book.

And book a sea view room with a balcony. It was just lovely hanging over the edge looking out at the world at play below.

I miss going there - trying to wangle another visit. and if I do, I will be staying here.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is an above-average hotel in Dubai. The staff was quite friendly, and the rooms were very nice - I had a hotel room with a sea/beach view balcony, a very nice feature I must say.

The hotel is well located both for tourists and business travellers (especially if your business office happens to be in Media city) and the site of this hotel is not so badly disturbed by the perpetuous construction activity taking place all over Dubai. The beach is "ready" and looks nice with palm trees and such, water is calm and clean.

The hotel has a good spa, several nice pools, and facilities to eat & party both inside and outside. Barasti restaurant & nightclub is part of the hotel facilities, and is apparently one of the hottest places in Dubai for a good night out.

Room was quite spacious and bathroom was ordinary but functional, with a tub.

Note: Although part of the SPG (Starwood) group, the hotel did not grant any SPG points for the stay, for whatever reason. Apparently this is this hotel's policy, but this might change in the future.

Having just returned from this hotel I cannot recommend it highly enough. The service is brilliant from pleasant, helpful and cheerful staff throughout the hotel. The breakfast buffett is the best we have ever had with so much selection that breakfast took us an hour plus. The rooms are really good, we wish we'd have had a sea view but to be honest the land view was very interesting! The beach and pool area were spotless as was the rest of the hotel.
The bar 'Barristi' was lively and the food was excellent,, the 'Bussola' was a bit expensive but worth it for a treat, and the 'Horizon Beach bar' served great food (large portions) and super cocktails.
We would highly recommend an evening meal on a Dhow on the Creek, A helicopter ride and any of the restaurants around the harbour (which is across the busy road in front of the hotel).
Can't praise it any more!!