Ok lets put this into a correct perspective.
Positives FIRST.
This was the first time I ventured to Dubai, I had No IDEA on which hotel to use, the Grosvenor looked good so I booked.
On arrival , I was shocked at the amount of building work in Dubai, at least 300 hotels are being built (probably many more)
Sounds like an exaggeration, just wait till you get there.
The Grosvenor is SURROUNDED by building work, my immediate reaction was disappointment, HOWEVER much to my surprise I learnt to cope with the industrial style outlook, as the Hotel itself was truly FIRST CLASS, the service, the staff, the food, were all exemplary. We received flowers & little snacks ,cakes ,fruit etc) to our room every night, the staff were attentive to our every need, the hotel pool was private, and staffed well. The Executive Grosvenor bar (44th floor) was excellent, and the food was great.
A feature of the hotel is the Budda Bar, a themed night club/style restaurant, well used by the local fashionable people. An enjoyable ambience , and good music.
Bar 44 (on the top floor) is well worth a visit, superb views over the Newly built (being built) Palms & Sea.
The ONLY negative I can think of is the building works.. BUT this is not unique to the Grosvenor, building works are almost EVERYWHERE, you simply can't escape it at this time.. (may 2008)
The Grosvenor has all you'd need for a peaceful relaxing holiday, NOT a hotel for kids, more professional, or romance.
Taxi's are DIRT cheap, its hard to spend more than £5 ($10) ANYWHERE.
Visit the local malls,.. MALL of the emirates, is impressive, and WAFI, we also went to local Diamond and Gold SOUK (market)
Diamonds are cheap, but educate yourself before buying its a minefield. Madinat souk is also worth a visit.
Watch's were disappointing, with NO VISIBLE saving from UK prices.. I wanted to buy one whilst I was out there, but it simply didn't equate...
Nightlife is poor, if you like eating & drinking every night its great, but not much else to do.
Having said that I was looking for a relaxing holiday with my wife, and thats EXACTLY what I got.
BOOK early if you wish to visit the Burj Al Arab, you can do afternoon tea, its expensive but worth the effort, book before you travel, as they are booked weeks in advance 'busy season' try the MONKEY FREEZE cocktail , absolutely yummy.
All in all ,my experince with Grosvenor was superb, would I go back again ? YES in a heartbeat... The hotel itself was sooo good, it made up for all the buiding and industry going on around it.
The General Manager is a British Women, who obviously knows how to please her clients, this hotel will not disappoint you. This is the first time EVERY member of staff treated me with respect,and a professional attitude. i travel to many destinations every year, and NOTHING has come close to the service I got at the Grosvenor.
I will be booking again in October 2008, thats how good it is.
Paul Miles (room 1513.. excellent view) MAY 12th - May 19th 2008
(hope this review helps you, I have tried to be honest and informative)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine, Shopping, Spa