Such a disappointment!
From being local in Dubai for ages, I was excited to return to my once favourite brunch & hotel. That was the first mistake - it became an apparent disaster from the start. The one star given above is even being generous!!
Mina A.S Brunch - From booking this in March 2017 for our return to DXB in July 2017 I thought I knew what I was getting. I got emailed in April 2017 confirming the change of venue but assured that I was still attending the brunch that I had reserved. After having 2 separate phone calls to check this was accurate, I turned up yesterday to realise it was an entire shambles! The hotel has since divided into 3 separate hotels, none of which have access to the other - parking and getting to venues through the hotel is impossible unless you are a resident of the hotel (regardless is you are or have just paid £1000 for their brunch)! We were left to park the car outside of the hotel and to walk to the hotel in 56 degree heat. Previously when I lived here, this was no trouble to park and walk through to your reservation... When we finally arrived to brunch (dripping with sweat) I mentioned that this was not the brunch I paid for / had reserved and they informed me that their menu's had reduced significantly. Basically the room is TINY and only serves a handful of dishes which is a total rip-off for the original brunch value and the options you were provided with. Upon arrival, the bill was also printed as we were seated (12:30) despite the brunch only starting and due to finish at 16:30. Slightly rude. With this, the turtles in the sanctuary there have been moved - which was a real asset of the brunch as they were adorable. The grounds around them still remain but these can no longer been seen by non-staying hotel residents. Again being forced to walk back round to the main entrance outside!!! When speaking to Isaac (concierge) & the duty manager 28/07 (name begins with K), they were the most rude hotel staff I have ever had to deal with. They informed us that we were wrong despite providing evidence that the booking had since been amended by their reservations team and that we should have been clearer. After £1000 this was the best service they could provide. Before I could not recommend this hotel enough, now I will avoid it like the plague and will tell anyone & everyone who visits to be careful of this shambles!! The hotel staff simple spoke over you or about you to their other colleagues in front of you. Two days later and I am still annoyed and am still awaiting a promised email from the duty manager which still is yet to arrive in my inbox having "investigated the situation". SIMPLY TERRIBLE! I thought the Madinat was having a bad day, so I returned to Segreto this evening (30/07) for an anniversary only to be told that there is now no longer parking for this hotel (valet) and that it is at a different entrance. When arriving, only to be chased in the car space by a worker demanding change from us because he assisted in our space. (Despite we were already parked, he insisted that he needed money).... not something that I would expect at an apparent 5* hotel. After offering a few AED, he turned his nose up and said it was not enough. We didn't have anything less than £100 so we said we would return with something, only to find loads of liquid had been spilt up the side of our car..... of which we just left afterwards without further correspondence. Not happy. With this also, despite living locally (South Ridge) - the staff wrote 'tourists' on our table booking.... something I find weird. When I asked about this, we were told there are different taxes for tourists and residents... of which I think is outrageous! We are residents but are still being charged tourist rates. In short, after 2 days of disasters I can safely say that I will never return here and will inform anyone who goes to avoid. Disgusting service, total ripoff & despite its pretty viewpoints, I would rather see them from the public beach without all of the hassle! If you want a hassle free holiday,...
Read moreFrom the very moment our taxi pulled into the stunning entrance of Mina A'Salam, we knew this was going to be a special holiday, but we never could have anticipated the sheer level of perfection that awaited us. Our five-star rating doesn't do it justice; this hotel operates on a level all of its own.||The welcome experience set the tone for the entire trip. The valet team, led by the absolutely brilliant manager, Ishmael, was a masterclass in efficiency and hospitality. He and his team were phenomenal, not just on arrival and departure, but every single time we returned to the hotel. Ishmael always ensured our return was a positive and seamless start to the next part of our day, greeting us with a genuine warmth that made us feel like valued guests, not just room numbers. This exceptional service extends to every single member of staff we encountered. From the reception team who could organise anything with a simple phone call, to the security guards who offered a friendly welcome, to the housekeeping staff who worked miracles, the service was impeccable. We were treated so well, with staff offering to carry our shopping and opening every door, that we almost felt guilty! They have truly perfected the art of attentive, but not intrusive, service.||Our room was a spacious and tranquil sanctuary. The super king-size bed was one of the most comfortable we've ever slept in, and the children were thrilled with their large double-sized pull-out sofa bed. The room and the magnificent bathroom were kept spotlessly clean, thanks to an amazing twice-daily service that left the space feeling fresh and new every time we returned. We did notice a tiny gap in the balcony doors that let in a little sound and heat, but once the high-quality blackout curtains were drawn, it was completely unnoticeable and had zero impact on our comfort. The view from our balcony, looking out over the resort, was simply breathtaking.||The amenities at this resort are simply beyond expectations. The breakfast buffet is a gastronomic marvel – a seemingly never-ending selection of every food imaginable, from fresh pastries and fruits to live cooking stations catering to every cuisine. The staff in the dining hall were incredible, clearing plates instantly and always on hand to bring fresh coffee or a specially requested dish directly to our table.||The true magic of the resort, however, lies in its grounds. The private beach is spectacular; a stretch of powder-soft, immaculately maintained sand leading to the calm, bath-warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. With lifeguards always on duty at both the beach and the pools, it felt incredibly safe for the whole family. The main pool was a highlight for us – perfectly cooled to provide a refreshing escape from the 40-degree heat, it was an absolute lifesaver! But what makes this place unique is the 3.5km of Venetian-style waterways. Taking a complimentary "Abra" boat ride around the resort, stopping off at the Souk Madinat or another hotel, was a truly magical experience. The complimentary buggies were also a fantastic and convenient way to get around, especially for the quick trip to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which our family loved having free access to.||We dined at a couple of the on-site restaurants, an Indian and a Thai, and found the food to be very good. While they are at a premium resort price point, the quality and ambience are undeniable. Besides, with the entire Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the other Jumeirah hotels just a boat or buggy ride away, your dining options are virtually limitless.|Our stay at Mina A'Salam was more than a holiday; it was an experience that created lifelong memories for our family. It exceeded our wildest expectations in every single department. We cannot recommend this hotel highly enough and are already planning our return. Thank you to Ishmael and the entire team for making our trip truly...
Read moreOur recent stay at Mina Al Salam Hotel was an unforgettable experience that left us eager to return next year—twice, in fact! Having lived in Dubai for around five years and having first visited Mina Al Salam back in 2004, it was incredible to see how the hotel has maintained its exceptional standards. The facilities are immaculate, and the service is beyond compare, making it clear why this remains one of the top destinations in Dubai.
From the very start, we were in excellent hands. Affan, the front desk manager, was in touch with us before our arrival, ensuring that every detail was perfectly arranged. Throughout our stay, he was always available, providing personalized service that made us feel truly cared for. This level of attention, along with the warmth and professionalism of the entire staff, is why we’ve decided to make Mina Al Salam our go-to hotel in Dubai. We won’t be looking for alternatives—this place has our hearts.
The hotel’s atmosphere is a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, and we were thoroughly impressed by the housekeeping team, especially Paulina and Varinsekhar, who kept our room in impeccable condition. Their meticulous attention to detail made our stay even more comfortable. The pool was another highlight, where Ismail, the pool boy, provided exceptional service. He was always attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our time by the water.
We also took full advantage of the hotel’s fantastic amenities, including the spa, which we visited twice during our stay. The treatments were absolutely rejuvenating, set in a serene environment that offered the perfect escape from the bustle of daily life. The Wild Wadi Water Park, which is just a short stroll away, added an element of fun and adventure to our vacation. We spent a thrilling day there, and it was great to see that the park remains a top attraction, offering something for everyone.
Dining was a true highlight of our stay, especially with the half-board option, which we highly recommend. We had the pleasure of dining at some of the finest restaurants in the Jumeirah collection. French Riviera provided a taste of Mediterranean luxury by the beach, while Zheng He's wowed us with its exquisite Chinese cuisine. Tortuga was a vibrant Mexican experience that we thoroughly enjoyed, and Amala at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray delivered an authentic and memorable Indian meal. Al Nafoorah’s Lebanese dishes were absolutely delicious, and our evening at Pai Thai, accessible via a peaceful boat ride through the Madinat’s scenic waterways, was nothing short of magical.
The Amal Lounge quickly became one of our favorite spots in the hotel. The afternoon tea was delightful, offering a wonderful selection of treats, while the evening happy hour was the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploration.
In summary, our stay at Mina Al Salam exceeded all our expectations. The impeccable facilities, exceptional service, and beautifully maintained surroundings make this hotel a true gem in Dubai. Thanks to the incredible staff, especially Affan, Paulina, Varinsekhar, and Ismail, we’ve already planned our return visits for next year. Mina Al Salam is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination that keeps drawing you back, and we can’t wait to experience it...
Read more