Built in 1994, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is one of Dubai’s oldest beach resorts, though its immaculate sweeping curves have stood the test of time. Inside, the presentation is no less pristine -- swathes of polished stone reflecting gold-crowned columns, prim traditional furnishings, and innumerable ceiling spotlights combine to create elegantly conservative interiors. The hotel comprises three main buildings, which overlook the vast grounds made up of large terraces and great stretches of manicured lawns criss-crossed with stone paths lined with palm trees that extend down to a wide strip of white sand beach. Even when full, there's always plenty of space for the numerous couples with kids who enjoy vacationing in one of Dubai's most welcoming and family-friendly resorts. 

The hotel backs onto a side street at the end of the very popular Jumeirah Beach Residence in the south end of Dubai. While relatively quiet, just around the corner is the start of a long strip of cafes and restaurants called “The Walk” that sits opposite the beachfront -- it is more than a mile long, and great for a leisurely stroll both day and night. The location is a little away from many of the main tourists attractions -- the Mall of the Emirates is around 20 minutes by car and the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building) is at least a 25-minute drive away. This also means that Dubai International Airport is relatively far away, at around a 35-minute drive (in good traffic).

The hotel has over 500 rooms, most of which are decorated in very conservative and dated -- though still very well maintained -- styling with traditional furnishings. Some rooms have been renovated in a more fresh and contemporary style with modern furniture and sleek dark woods. Bathrooms are also split between traditional marble-topped spaces and those with smart contemporary design. Most rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding doors that open onto furnished balconies -- many with sea views (though some sea-facing rooms suffer from noise from the beach club). Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, bathrobes and slippers, well-stocked minibars, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Guests in Royal Club rooms and suites also have access to the Royal Club Lounge and use of a call-on butler around the clock.

The resort's extensive facilities include three large temperature-controlled pools (one is free-form with a swim-up bar and another lap-pool is for swimming). There's plenty to do for children, with an excellent kids' club offering a wide range of entertainment and activities. A real draw, however, is the vast private beach decked out with plenty of loungers and offering abundant water sports from water skiing to fishing. A spectacular Roman-themed spa and health club also offers plenty of pampering while 14 good-quality restaurants and bars provide more than enough eating and drinking options. Wi-Fi is free throughout.