We went to the Harbour for a three-night getaway from neighboring Oman. We arrived to a pleasant surprise: an upgrade to a seaview two-bedroom at what had already been a very good rate (and was now just this side of a steal).

While in some ways it is clear that the Harbour was originally designed as an apartment building, most of those details work in favor of the hotel-staying traveler. The Harbour's flats comfortably straddle the line between an extremely luxuriously furnished serviced flat and an extremely generously sized hotel suite. A few, admittedly, don't: the bathrooms are definitely more residential than the palatial mini-spas some hotels now feature, and the corridors are stark stone-and-tile.

These, though, are quibbles in comparison to the large, well-equipped kitchens, the huge and beautifully decorated living area, and the thoughtful touches like Frette sheets and towels, l'Occitane amenities, and the range of books and magazines provided. And that's on top of having four bathrooms, a maid's room, and hall/entrance space alone that's larger than some hotel rooms.

As the still-new property evolves, one thing looks to set it ahead of its competition: the food. We arrived late, and ordered in from room service, expecting the usual good-enough, slightly tired meal one would get even at many five-star places. Instead, already impressed by the lively and inventive menu, we got a deliciously , carefully prepared, and very reasonably priced meal that ranged from prawn salad to spectacular Singapore noodles to a "side salad" that would feed three. The next night we ate at the new Mediterranean restaurant, Az.u.r., on the fifth floor, and had a meal that could have come from a leading kitchen in New York or London - a great combination of fresh, organic produce, extraordinary meat and seafood, and careful preparation. I can only imagine how good the soon-to-open Observatory on the 50-somethingth floor will turn out to be. Even the groundfloor deli, Counter Culture, has fun dishes beautifully prepared (I especially enjoyed a design-your-own sandwich choice that featured roast lamb, red peppers, and carmelized onions). Dubai has no shortage of good food, but even so the Harbour could well become a standout.

We did a spa morning, and while the facilities are small (even, in the case of the locker area, cramped), they are well designed and nicely appointed. The massages were excellent, and while the pool area is small, it makes a nice place to unwind in tandem with using the sauna, steam, and jacuzzi.

I cannot say enough good things, too, about the staff - from the valets and bellmen who greet you, to the front desk staff who handle every request with aplomb and smiles, to the room service and housekeeping attendants (are you listening, Emirates? Maybelle is a flatout treasure - ditto Stephane in guest relations and all the staff in Az.u.r.).

In short, especially given the way that hotel rates at most five-star properties in Dubai are rocketing up, the Harbour is definitely worth a look from travelers seeking a (luxurious) homebase from which to explore.

Stayed at the Harbour Hotel for 7 nights really enjoyed 4 of us went massive 2 bedroom appartment with all mod cons impeccably clean loved the bed and the tvs 5 minute walk to marina restaurants and supermarket all major landmarks 10 minutes in taxi have been to Dubai 5 times with family and really enjoyed everything about this hotel.Extensive building going on but no noise.Only gripe would be too much traffic on roads .Wonderful views of Marina from room
We are going back in August and we all cant wait

Reserved a 1-bedroom appartment but got an upgrade to a 2- bedroom marina vieuw.Huge and with all the comfort you can wish with even a dryer,dvd players and excellent beds.
Breakfast had enough choice and good and friendly service.Lifts are too little and too slow.Waiting times up to 7-minutes.
Stairs at the entrance but could be avoided by using the garage entrance.Swimming pool small and not usable for long stay.Then you have to go to the "Le Royal Meridien" by using the shuttle bus.Was ok but not ideal.Staff friendly and helpfull.
Was a great offer when you look what you get and pay.

Having stayed in Dubai on numerous ocassions and always at the Grosvenor House I was keen to try somewhere different and really wish I hadnt bothered - in fact I actually tried to move elsewhere during our 12 days but due to it being the Dubai World Cup and Easter break this was impossible. We had a 3 bedroom apartment on the 36th floor which was very spacious and well equipped but the finish of the aprtment was not well thought out and looked and felt cheap - it will look very shabby in no time atall. There was some issue with the drainage which also made the aparment smelly. The lifts were completely unable to cope with the number of residents - on several occassions we waited for more than 10 minutes for a lift - unfortunately with a baby and on the 36th floor, walking was not an option. The pool is tiny and the pool area leaves a lot to be desired it is also too small for the size of the hotel. The gym was also tiny and badly designed and equipped, with 2 running machines there was always queues for the equipment. The breakfast restaurant was like a motorway service station and the food not great - this is meant to be a top class hotel and they sit out large packets of cereal on the side for you to pour from......the hotel was meant to be baby friendly but has steps to the front door and no ramp so every time we came in and out we needed help with the buggy. The shuttle bus to the Meridien to use the beach facilities was totally inadequate it ran hourly and there were always queues of people so several trips were required which meant more hanging about - we ended up using a taxi every day which in itself was a chore as the hotel struggles to get taxi's....several occassions we waited ages for a taxi (one evening 20 minutes) in the land of abundant taxi's!!!! The other thing I would say that having never had an insect bite on any previous Dubai trips my legs were covered in bites the 2 nights we ate at the Marina.......Good points - the housekeeping staff were teriffic and you can walk to the Marina which has some good restaurants (none have alcohol licenses so be warned) and a Starbucks! I would not recommend this hotel and I would never return - I think there are lots better places for similar prices....possible its better when not so busy but I doubt it.