Can I just start by saying I have never written a review after a holiday before, but so pleased with our experience to the JBH, I felt compelled to!!

My girlfriend and I stayed at the JBH from 26.10.2009 for 5 nights and really really enjoyed our stay. So much so that we are hopefully coming back next year!!! Just for those reading this we are 30 and 31 yrs old and go on two/three holidays per year and are just normal people!!

Everything about the holiday was fantastic from the service at the front desk, the beach and sea, the view and standard of our room (2116) and the food in the vast choice of restaurants. The young girl (sorry I didn't get her name) on concierge was excellent. Her knowledge and pleasant attitude was a real breath of fresh air. As too was the lady who worked tirelessly on reception on our arrival, and a special mention to the lady in the bar area of the dhow and anchor. All brilliant at their jobs. We even got a personal escort to our room and an explanation on how things work in the room (it was 3am!!)

Even on arrival we were quicky given a welcome drink (we have had this before in other hotels, but still think this is a nice touch), and after asking were given the opportunity of a higher room with a better view. Although the room was a smoking room, the room didn't smell at all and the view was, well awesome. You really do feel like a celebrity in this hotel. They even gave us the chance to sleep in the room and if we didn't like it then we could chnge the following day. I had read reviews that the reception desk weren't that helpful, but all I can say is maybe they favour the polite people!!

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at the hotel either, all of them having a smile on their face constantly and more importantly, genuinely. If you are after a holiday with style and class this is the place. I am far from a snob, but it has to be said that the class of people sometimes lets a holiday down, but not this time.

We have been fortunate enough to experience holidays all over the world including Dubai before, but this holiday surpassed even our expectations. After constantly being let down by holidays we had paid a lot of money for in the past, we have finally found somewhere that is just perfect. Keep up the good work!!

The attention to detail this hotel has over its rivals is incredible. Constantly being cleaned and anything dropped on the floor quickly hoovered up by one of the ever willing and friendly staff members. Yes, there may be bigger, better hotels being built but for us this hotel couldn't be faulted. 10/10.

Although we ended up going during the UK half term week ,and the prices naturally go a lot higher, we feel that this holiday was well worth paying that little bit extra for. It doesn't come cheap though so be warned!!! A lobster pitta (x2) with onion rings, a beer, and a watermelon juice on the beach for lunch was about £50. But in my opinion well worth it!!!

The beach and sea are both superb. Plenty of sun loungers and fresh towels. Staff going around offering free ice lollies and the chance for food and drink to be brought to you. The sea is crystal clear with plenty of fish swimming by your feet and all in the setting of the Burj and of course 35 degrees heat!! The Wild Wadi free access makes it worth a visit too. With it so close to the hotel it is a must go, even for those not into those types of things!! Life is for living and the memories you get along the way.

Before going, my girlfriend and I had planned a riverboat cruise and to do plenty of shopping at the malls, however these both fell by the wayside as we just couldn't bear leaving this wonderful hotel. Maybe next year when we return we will get round to doing this!!

Overall - Brilliant setting, brilliant staff, brilliant place!! Albeit a little expensive for food and drink.

Tips:
1.) Get taxis to wherever you are going - they are dirt cheap. No point in waiting for the free hotel bus. They stop at other hotels and take ages.
2.) Madinat is close by and offers a choice of cheaper food and drink if that's what you are after. The hotel offer a free golf buggy to get there. Stop for a romantic photo shot at sun set by the Burj. Just offer the driver a tip and he will stop and take it for you!!
3.) Check out the right hand lift at nighttime. Brilliant views. Kids love it.