Fun fact : That one party scene at the Indian palace from Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol was actually filmed at this very hotel.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray stands out as one of the most grandiose hotels with its ornately carved entrance and palatial façade. It makes you feel like you have just stepped into a palatial golden age of the Ottoman empire with the shimmering gold and white lobby complemented by the polished stone floor and marbled fountain. The hotel is absolutely stunning in person as it is in pictures. I wanted the “Arabian feel” and the hotel gave me that and even more.
We had arrived at the hotel at about 8 am in the morning and had surreptitiously prayed that we did not have to wait until 3 pm to check in. Fortunately, Jamila, the staff, had been very accommodating and had our room ready by the time we checked in. We even got our room with a view overlooking the Arabian gulf and billionaire’s mansions right across. The room was just as stunning with its Ottoman-inspired decor and the marbled bathroom was simply breathtaking, alongside its massive tub for you to sleep in after a long day of doing nothing.
Location
It is a high-end hotel located on Palm Jumeirah, about 30-40 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and from the downtown area. Palm Jumeirah is two palm-shaped artificial archipelagos in Dubai that is built out into the Arabian gulf. Being situated right on the end of the West Crescent of the Palm, it gives you a sense of exclusivity and privacy but simultaneously, makes it a nuisance if you are looking to explore the rest of Dubai. Going anywhere would take you a while depending on the traffic condition and taxis can be quite expensive. ( At least 50-60 AED each time you leave the hotel and shall i add, per way).
Nevertheless, Zabeel Saray is a perfect place for couples and families who are not planning to do much sight-seeing. If you insist on staying at this beautiful hotel, I would recommend renting a car for you to just drive along the Palm and explore. The Palm itself has a lot of beautiful places for you to just linger around. The view of the skyline during sunset is truly exquisite. On the plus side, valet parking is free for guests.
Other features
- The hotel’s Talise Ottoman Spa is one of the largest spas in the Middle East and one of the most stunning spas I have ever seen. I would definitely recommend a spa day when you are here.
- Breakfast is served in the grand hall that kind of reminds me of the Versailles a little with its crystal chandeliers and neoclassical columns. The breakfast spread is quite impressive offering everything from northern Indian cuisine to Lebanese cuisine as well as some Western.
- It has a stunning private sandy beach for you to laze around all day.
Overall, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has got to be one of my most memorable stays and i would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone who is planning to visit Dubai soon.
By saralisa 
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