Booked 3 nights in the Sheraton as part of a two centre holiday - 12 nights in the Maldives and 3 nights in Dubai.

Didnt get off to a great start - after being on the go for 24 hours we arrived at the hotel at approx 7am to be told that rooms are not available until 3pm. This wasnt explained to us and I blame the travel agent for this, however the hotel staff were sympathetic and helpful and had rooms available for us for 11am.

The hotel itself is very nice and the rooms we had were spacious, comfortable and could not fault it. Only one comment I'd make is I would have liked a balcony.

The gardens and hotel grounds are spotless and the staff always pleasant. We were half board and the breakfasts and evening meals were delicious with plenty to choose from.

The pool was nice and cool and made a change from the sea (having spent 12 nights in the Maldives previously). However we walked down to the beach and could not believe how warm the sea water was - warmer than a bath at home.

The Jumeirah beach area is still under construction and the sight of skyscrapers has to be seen to be believed. The buildings are amazing when all lit up at night and there was plenty to do. 3 nights isnt enough to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer. Just along from our hotel is a KFC (which was still being worked on) and a Pizza place - delicious pizzas at great prices. Buying alcohol in the hotel was pretty expensive but I suppose staying in a 5* hotel you can expect to pay 5* prices.

We went to the Mall of the Emirates which is home to Ski Dubai - amazing that the outside temperature was in the 40's and the ski centre was -6.

We also ventured to the Gold Souk and although it was extremely hot outside even in late afternoon there are some of the shops indoors with air conditioning. The sight of gold and diamonds is amazing but you have to haggle when buying anything. I bought a yellow/white gold ring and have seen the same ring on the internet costing £500 more than I paid. Its worth shopping about though as there is so much to choose from and dont just buy the first thing you see. Not sure id I was just lucky or if that kind of saving is normal.

On the day we left, we were picked up at 4.10am and it was still hot, it was like standing in front of a fan oven at high temerature - thankfully hotels and restaurants all had air con.

One final thing - Dubai Airport, an amazing sight. We got off the plane and it took us 20 mins on a bus to get to the terminal building. Its huge, got a great selection of Duty Free goods and great for people watching.

Check out the pictures to get an idea of Dubai,

John

Stayed at the Sheraton Jumeriah beach resort for 5 nights in June 08. Arrived early at the hotel 0900, checkin is not officially until 1500 but our room was ready at 1200. Lovely spacious room, good amenities. we stayed on a half board basis. The food in the main restaurant was delicious, a different theme each night. Lots of choice, beautifully presented and of a very high quality. Only downside was the wine, £25 a bottle or £5.50 a glass.

Loved the beach area, i thought beach was actually quite big, couldnt see much evidence of erosion. It was very clean and well kept. Plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas or wooden palalpas. We bought water from the hotel for the day, a little steep in price but liked the touch of the ice filled cool box to keep by the sunlounger!
The grounds were spacious and attractive with loungers on the grassed area as well. Pool area was good, swim up bar and poolside bar.
There was construction next door but it didnt really bother us.

The hotel is a way from the main city but this is the same for all the hotels on Jumeriah beach. We used the hotel car to go into centre, a little more expensive than regular taxi but had the added bonus of organising them to pick us up, especially as we went out on friday night and taxis are hard to get at 10pm.

The area outside the hotel is being made into a long strip of restaurants and shops, once finished will be excellent for a different scene at night.

Overall I was very pleased with the hotel and had a great stay.

Stayed for a week in June 2007.
Arrived at approx 4am Dubai time but was still given good check in service.
Room, basic but clean, slippers and robes provided if I recall correctly.
Found the food on site limited, and nowhere to really buy even a drink.
Small basic gift shop.
Nice beach.
Apart from the beach a couple of days didn't really spend much time in the actual resort itself.
Dubai itself was basically one big building site, but didn't really impact our holiday. When its all finished its going to look beautiful and really modern.
Alcohol available on site and at the Hard Rock, but not at Applebees or TGI Fridays-they serve 'mocktails'.
Sime nice shopping malls, and the indoor ski slope is amazing and a really clever concept.
Went to the 'Creek' and the Marina, some amazing skyscrapers in the Financil district.
Taxi's readily available from Concierge.
Would go back if no other hotels available, but would like to try elsewhere.

Just returned from Dubai with my wife and would like to share our experience with you all. We stayed at the Sheraton hotel on jumeriah beach which was an excellent choice with great staff and service and a fantastic beach to enjoy. Went for evening cocktails at the Burj which is a must whilst out there if you can.Had an evening at the gold souk which is quite a daunting experience and purchased finally at caras in the gold and diamond district,felt safer there after reviews on TA. Visited the madinet jumeriah souks and hotels there what a time we had on the gondalas looking at the sights. All in all we had an amazing time in Dubai and can,t really find any faults in the whole experience. Can,t wait to go back..