Should I Stay or Should I Go?<\/h2>\nPros<\/h2>\n\n- Location is everything.<\/strong> \u00a0When we lived in Doha, we would regularly return to Dubai, and this was always my preferred location. \u00a0Why? \u00a0Dubai Mall and all it has to offer is but a short walk away. \u00a0There’s a Spinney’s practically in the hotel. \u00a0Cab drivers know exactly where it is. \u00a0You can easily make plans with friends and be close to everything.\u00a0 In the span of a day, without a car, I could take care of so much, and then have a clean, fresh hotel room to return to.\u00a0 Certainly, there are other nearby hotels in the city, but when you factor in value for money, service, and other intangibles, for me, the Manzil Downtown always comes out ahead of the others.<\/li>\n
- Excellent F&B options…<\/strong> Both in the hotel and close by.\n
\n- Nezesaussi Grill.<\/strong> \u00a0As I have been both before and after renovation\u00a0(yes, seeing things become ‘new’ again is one of the perks of living in a city for ten years), this neighborhood bar is without pretension and (shh!) offers one of the best value for money brunches in the city.\u00a0 Going with a group?\u00a0 No problem.\u00a0 Want to bring the family along?\u00a0 Also, okay.\u00a0 Is there a sporting event you’re interested in watching?\u00a0 One of the many televisions in the venue will ensure that you can watch no matter where you sit.\u00a0 \u00a0The menu isn’t particularly memorable, it’s nice enough pub grub, but they do offer pork, should you be in the mood.<\/li>\n
- The Courtyard.<\/strong>\u00a0 I can remember stumbling through this location before the space was opened up — it was a bit cramped and not at all pedestrian friendly.\u00a0 After the renovation, the courtyard (located just off the lobby, at ground level), might be one of the best-kept secrets in the city.\u00a0 Hubs and I popped down for a pre-theater drink and shisha and were impressed by the atmosphere and service.\u00a0 With a double apple hubbly bubbly and a few cocktails, we quickly passed an hour enjoying the cooled space.\u00a0 Given the under the radar feel, this is a venue I would definitely take out of town friends to.<\/li>\n
- Baker & Spice.\u00a0<\/strong> Located in the neighboring souq, I always love popping over to buy some of the market items before checking out or the hotel or picking up a healthy salad to take back to the room.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- The views.<\/strong> \u00a0While Dubai is home to countless superlative experiences, to me, there is nothing more iconic than a view of the Burj Khalifa.\u00a0 Honestly, this is a room category that is well worth the extra spend.\u00a0 With all of the construction in Business Bay, the views from the Manzil are unobstructed.<\/li>\n
- A four-star that over delivers<\/strong>.\u00a0 I found plenty of small details throughout the hotel that makes this hotel punch above its weight.\u00a0 Fresh flowers in the lobby.\u00a0 Sophisticated, modern design elements.\u00a0 Friendly and helpful staff throughout the hotel.\u00a0 These are all elements that deliver better than some of the five-star star properties in the country<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Cons<\/h2>\n\n- A weird breakfast.<\/strong>\u00a0 While it was a weekend, I was a bit shocked to have no one greet us at the restaurant downstairs and overall, the experience was basically one step above chaos.\u00a0 A dedicated hostess would easily solve most of the problems, as would seating structure for larger groups, and a clearly defined explanation of what is offered.\u00a0 A few extra staff would also help in clearing plates and delivering dishes.<\/li>\n
- Smaller, less private rooms.\u00a0<\/strong> While not the same experience as the Marriott Al Forsan<\/a>‘s attempt to hide the bathroom behind a screen, the size of the Manzil Downtown rooms (at least those in the standard category) require you to be in a relatively intimate relationship with the person you’re sharing a room with.\u00a0 The layout doesn’t offer as much privacy as other hotels do.\u00a0 If traveling with a friend and not a spouse, you might want to consider another nearby hotel (or be prepared to take your relationship to the next level).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Would I go back to the Manzil Downtown? \u00a0Yes, I am happy to continue to recommend this hotel, and look forward to my next visit!<\/p>\n
Where is your favorite place to stay in Dubai?<\/strong><\/p>\nA to Za’atar was a guest of the Al Manzil, as well as the listed F&B properties. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Location is everything.<\/strong> \u00a0When we lived in Doha, we would regularly return to Dubai, and this was always my preferred location. \u00a0Why? \u00a0Dubai Mall and all it has to offer is but a short walk away. \u00a0There’s a Spinney’s practically in the hotel. \u00a0Cab drivers know exactly where it is. \u00a0You can easily make plans with friends and be close to everything.\u00a0 In the span of a day, without a car, I could take care of so much, and then have a clean, fresh hotel room to return to.\u00a0 Certainly, there are other nearby hotels in the city, but when you factor in value for money, service, and other intangibles, for me, the Manzil Downtown always comes out ahead of the others.<\/li>\n
- Excellent F&B options…<\/strong> Both in the hotel and close by.\n
- \n
- Nezesaussi Grill.<\/strong> \u00a0As I have been both before and after renovation\u00a0(yes, seeing things become ‘new’ again is one of the perks of living in a city for ten years), this neighborhood bar is without pretension and (shh!) offers one of the best value for money brunches in the city.\u00a0 Going with a group?\u00a0 No problem.\u00a0 Want to bring the family along?\u00a0 Also, okay.\u00a0 Is there a sporting event you’re interested in watching?\u00a0 One of the many televisions in the venue will ensure that you can watch no matter where you sit.\u00a0 \u00a0The menu isn’t particularly memorable, it’s nice enough pub grub, but they do offer pork, should you be in the mood.<\/li>\n
- The Courtyard.<\/strong>\u00a0 I can remember stumbling through this location before the space was opened up — it was a bit cramped and not at all pedestrian friendly.\u00a0 After the renovation, the courtyard (located just off the lobby, at ground level), might be one of the best-kept secrets in the city.\u00a0 Hubs and I popped down for a pre-theater drink and shisha and were impressed by the atmosphere and service.\u00a0 With a double apple hubbly bubbly and a few cocktails, we quickly passed an hour enjoying the cooled space.\u00a0 Given the under the radar feel, this is a venue I would definitely take out of town friends to.<\/li>\n
- Baker & Spice.\u00a0<\/strong> Located in the neighboring souq, I always love popping over to buy some of the market items before checking out or the hotel or picking up a healthy salad to take back to the room.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- The views.<\/strong> \u00a0While Dubai is home to countless superlative experiences, to me, there is nothing more iconic than a view of the Burj Khalifa.\u00a0 Honestly, this is a room category that is well worth the extra spend.\u00a0 With all of the construction in Business Bay, the views from the Manzil are unobstructed.<\/li>\n
- A four-star that over delivers<\/strong>.\u00a0 I found plenty of small details throughout the hotel that makes this hotel punch above its weight.\u00a0 Fresh flowers in the lobby.\u00a0 Sophisticated, modern design elements.\u00a0 Friendly and helpful staff throughout the hotel.\u00a0 These are all elements that deliver better than some of the five-star star properties in the country<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nCons<\/h2>\n
- \n
- A weird breakfast.<\/strong>\u00a0 While it was a weekend, I was a bit shocked to have no one greet us at the restaurant downstairs and overall, the experience was basically one step above chaos.\u00a0 A dedicated hostess would easily solve most of the problems, as would seating structure for larger groups, and a clearly defined explanation of what is offered.\u00a0 A few extra staff would also help in clearing plates and delivering dishes.<\/li>\n
- Smaller, less private rooms.\u00a0<\/strong> While not the same experience as the Marriott Al Forsan<\/a>‘s attempt to hide the bathroom behind a screen, the size of the Manzil Downtown rooms (at least those in the standard category) require you to be in a relatively intimate relationship with the person you’re sharing a room with.\u00a0 The layout doesn’t offer as much privacy as other hotels do.\u00a0 If traveling with a friend and not a spouse, you might want to consider another nearby hotel (or be prepared to take your relationship to the next level).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Would I go back to the Manzil Downtown? \u00a0Yes, I am happy to continue to recommend this hotel, and look forward to my next visit!<\/p>\n
Where is your favorite place to stay in Dubai?<\/strong><\/p>\n
A to Za’atar was a guest of the Al Manzil, as well as the listed F&B properties. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em><\/p>\n
- Smaller, less private rooms.\u00a0<\/strong> While not the same experience as the Marriott Al Forsan<\/a>‘s attempt to hide the bathroom behind a screen, the size of the Manzil Downtown rooms (at least those in the standard category) require you to be in a relatively intimate relationship with the person you’re sharing a room with.\u00a0 The layout doesn’t offer as much privacy as other hotels do.\u00a0 If traveling with a friend and not a spouse, you might want to consider another nearby hotel (or be prepared to take your relationship to the next level).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Courtyard.<\/strong>\u00a0 I can remember stumbling through this location before the space was opened up — it was a bit cramped and not at all pedestrian friendly.\u00a0 After the renovation, the courtyard (located just off the lobby, at ground level), might be one of the best-kept secrets in the city.\u00a0 Hubs and I popped down for a pre-theater drink and shisha and were impressed by the atmosphere and service.\u00a0 With a double apple hubbly bubbly and a few cocktails, we quickly passed an hour enjoying the cooled space.\u00a0 Given the under the radar feel, this is a venue I would definitely take out of town friends to.<\/li>\n
- Excellent F&B options…<\/strong> Both in the hotel and close by.\n