Hotel Review: Marriott Marquis Dubai

Disclaimer: In exchange for a stay, I am writing this review of the Marriott Marquis Dubai.

Located in the brand-new Jewel of the Creek district close to downtown Deira and City Centre Deira shopping plaza, the 434-room Marriott Marquis Dubai just opened in late March 2024.

Check-in

I had a short walk to the hotel from the City Centre Deira metro station, a convenient stop on the red line running between Dubai DXB airport and the skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road.

First impression was that everything looked polished and clean, with lots of natural light throughout the lobby and corridors.

A nice front desk agent by the name of Stalin helped get everything sorted out, and provided a backgrounder on the hotel.

On that note, since the hotel is still quite new, a couple of restaurants — including the Italian Bella Bocca, and much of the Pool Bar, will be opening soon.

Room

At larger hotels, I’m often bothered by having to wait for elevators. That was never an issue at the Marriott Marquis Dubai; it also helps that there are six elevators from which to choose.

My room was on the 11th floor, and offered some neat views of that rather photogenic Dubai skyline:

The hallways were spotless, as was the room itself. It was airy, comfortable, and had a couple of agreeable seating options.

The bathroom was huge, and had separate spaces for the tub and shower.

There were a couple of small issues with the bathroom, but nothing that required any staff to stop by.

Nevertheless, the room was one of the more pleasant ones I’ve been in, with vast amounts of sunlight, and the cozy sofa being among the two bigger pros.

Food & Beverage

As inviting as the room was, frequent readers of NoWorkAllTravel are aware that food really sells a place for me. Indeed, much like in Southeast Asia, the Gulf region generally knows how to do a breakfast buffet.

But does the Marriott Marquis Dubai?

The short answer? Yes.

That’s where our first stop will be, at the buffet restaurant Creek Kitchen:

Regional. Lebanese. Cantonese. South Indian. British. Fruit. Cereal. Pastries. Gluten-free choices. Cold cuts. Cheese. Salads. Smoked fish.

Need I say more?

Equally as important as the quality of the food was the level of service throughout my time in the restaurant. When my first coffee was nearing empty, a waiter came by asking about a refill. When the second was almost done, another waiter popped by inquiring about a third.

Fast forward to breakfast the following day. “Want your usual cappuccino?” Yes. Yes I do.

Not intrusive, just anticipatory. That’s my benchmark for good customer service.

Outside of Creek Kitchen, hotel staff were just as helpful. At the pool, one of the personnel brought over a towel, and a bottle of water. In the spa area, Bless(-ed?), one of the managers, offered tea, even though it was her day off.
Hotel employees seemed eager to assist with my ridiculous questions about the property, and the neighborhood, as I’m not familiar with the city.

Let’s mosey on back to other Marriott Marquis Dubai food choices for the moment. Although I didn’t eat anywhere else, for now there’s the Greatroom lobby lounge with tea, coffee, and pastries:

and The Copperhead Pub, a gastropub concept with soon-to-be announced happy hour promotions:

The Copperhead Pub is open late, and has an amiable Sri Lankan manager at the helm.

Executive Lounge

Even though my room didn’t include access to the 13th floor M Club, I requested access so that I could take a few photos.

Guests staying in executive-level rooms, plus Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite status are all able to enjoy the hotel’s M Club.

Pool, Gym & Spa

The 2nd floor is the active guest’s floor, with the outdoor pool, kid’s pool, spa, and gym.

Note: the pool bar will be opening within a short time. For now, it’s a tranquil part of the hotel, offering great sunsets, and a lifeguard-on-duty for daylight hours.

I spent a lot of time on those outdoor couches … coming from somewhere with four seasons, I like taking advantage of those balmy dawns and dusks.

Regarding the spa, I had a long chat with Bless, as hinted at above. It’s not something I ever have interest in, but other guests might want to know that they have a variety of treatments available ranging from Moroccan baths to shiatsu and Thai-style.

Finally, the fitness center, which is open seven days a week and 24 hours a day, seemed like it had a fair range of equipment and weights. I don’t have a photo, because it was quite busy each time I went.

Towels are available at the pool, and the gym.

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In all, the Marriott Marquis Dubai is an hospitable property in a very new part of town. The staff was mostly attentive and welcoming, the food good and varied, and the room quiet and calming. Your taxi or rideshare might have a hint of trouble finding the place, but once you’re there, you’re in good hands.