The Media Rotana sets a sophisticated tone from the moment guests enter the lobby. Cream-colored marble covers nearly every surface, and a massive, tiered crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, shimmering like the patterned gold wall behind the front desk. There are several sleek leather couches and chairs arranged in the middle of the room, though Connexions, the casual lounge just off the lobby, offers another place to relax with a drink or light snack. The hotel's restaurant Prego’s draws crowds from all over Dubai to its simple, shiny red-and-light-wood space for its Italian food and Friday brunches. The hotel has several other bars and lounges throughout its two towers, from Nelson’s, an English-style pub, to The Terrace, a chic outdoor lounge with resident DJs. The clientele is mostly couples and business travelers, but with Flippers Kids' Club offering plenty of activities for children, families should feel welcome here, too.

Dubai is rarely walked, though the expanding two-line metro system offers an alternative for reaching some destinations from this hotel. Dubai Internet City metro station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, putting a trip to the massive Mall of the Emirates (with its famous indoor ski slope) within a 10-minute ride. (It's about a 15-minute drive.) The closest public beach at Al Sufouh is a little more than 10 minutes away by car, while lively Jumeirah Open Beach is within a 30-minute drive. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, is 25 minutes away by car, while the Emirates Golf Club can be reached in about 10 minutes, and Alserkal Avenue Arts District, packed with galleries and studios, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Dubai International Airport is about 30 minutes away by taxi, depending on traffic, though the trip takes less than an hour on the metro.

Guest rooms are large with understated elegance. The carpets, from brown stripes to deep purples depending on the room, complement the massive hardwood headboards over the twin or king beds plump with duvets and blankets. Classic Rooms start at 355 square feet, while Premium Rooms and Suites can reach 936 square feet. Off-white contemporary loveseats match the walls, while orange throw pillows and lamps provide pops of color, and artsy light-box bedside lamps add an innovative edge. All rooms have dark-wood furniture, electric kettles with tea, minibar snacks, desks, safes, and 32-inch wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. But some guests complain the TVs are not adequately sized for the space. Black-and-white abstract landscape photos add to the rooms’ relaxing vibe. Bathrooms are spacious, with marble and granite surfaces, recessed wall art, terrycloth bathrobes, separate bathtubs and showers with contemporary fixtures, and a full line of toiletries. Premium Rooms have a bit more depth and elegance, but essentially feel like larger versions of Classic rooms, and have an abundance of unused space.

The hotel has a long outdoor pool that stays open late and is adjacent to The Terrace lounge, which serves cocktails and light fare -- set to music -- in the evening. Prego’s, which serves good Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner, is known for its brunch and draws people from around Dubai to its dining room and outdoor terrace. Channels, a more casual setting, serves an international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (But breakfast is included only with certain room packages.) Nelson’s offers traditional British pub fare and a happy hour, with plenty of TVs showing international sports; pastries and various coffees are also available in Connexions, the lobby lounge; room service is available 24-hours a day. 

The on-site Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Center is open 24 hours a day and has an array of cardio and weight-training machines, personal training, a hot tub, sauna, and massage services. Flippers Kids’ Club offers toys, game consoles, and activities for children and swimming lessons are also available for a fee. The hotel offers an array of meeting and event rooms, and specializes in wedding planning and catering for a variety of traditions. Audiovisual services are available for business meetings, and there's a small on-site business center with computer stations. Wi-Fi is only free in the hotel’s public spaces, and costs an additional fee in rooms. The hotel can provide laundry and dry cleaning services. A shuttle bus can take guests to major shopping malls and public beaches around Dubai. Club Rotana bookings receive additional perks, such as access to the Club Rotana Lounge, free breakfast, free in-room Wi-Fi, and free evening cocktails.