Madinat Jumeirah - Dubai at the end of Nov

[Hungrypig]

Just wondered if anyone had stayed at this hotel (which I know is technically three different hotels in one) and if so, what was it like? We're thinking of going at the end of the month with our 2yr old and so will want to use kids club (with babysitter) and find out what's on offer for children in terms of food too.

We've been to Dubai before and are drawn to it because of the relatively short flight, good weather and usually good standard in hotels but I keep thinking we should consider other places, just not sure where!!

DH assures me that the Madinat is relatively unaffected by all the building work in Dubai and would loathe going there if I was hearing building noise all day long.

Any views? Thanks in advance

Hi Hungrypig,
dh and I have stayed at both the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (Feb 2005) and the Al Qasr (October 2005) with our two children and thoroughly recommend both. We also used the facilities of the Mina a Salam and would happily stay there too - you can't go wrong with any of the three hotels or the villas at the Dar al Masyaf. There are two kids clubs covering the four hotels: one is sited at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the other at the Al Qasr. Our kids attended both and we were very happy with the standard of care provided.
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel definitely caters more to families with younger children (there is the most amazing outdoor adventure playground there which your 2 year old would love) but it is the oldest of the four hotels and, whilst it is amazing, the two Madinat hotels and the Dar al Masyaf villas have a greater wow factor and a more luxurious feel to the rooms and communal areas; they are also situated either side of the Madinat Souk which offers further shopping and dining options.
For your first visit though I think you would be very satisfied with the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and, as far as I am aware, you still get free access to the adjacent Wild Wadi Water Park if you are a guest there. I also recommend the Premium Leisure Club package (offered at the Mina a Salam and the Al Qasr too) which gives you access to the Premium Leisure Club where there are toys and computers for the little ones and free afternoon tea and evening canapes and cocktails. There is always child friendly food available at all restaurants and in the buffet restaurants there is a separate section for children with pasta etc
Lastly, your dh is right in saying that the Madinat hotels and the Jumeirah Beach hotels are unaffected by the extensive buidling works that are evident elsewhere along Jumeirah Beach and in the city.

Went to JBH in March when pregnant with ds - went really due to the fact that you aren't aware at all of the building works in this part of Jumeirah. Met families at JBH who said kids were really well catered for. The Madinat restaurants etc are lovely and as said below, those hotels have more of the "wow" factor and otherwise completely would second the post below. Only thing is that I tended to get a bit lost round the Madinat hotel area..sure you'd get used to it but it was fun hopping on and off the little water boats.
Enjoy!
A great holiday destination and you'll be fine with

Sorry, didn't delete the bit of the message I started typing but didn't finish !