W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is a lively new lifestyle hotel that excels in personalising stays in creative ways. Part of Marriott International’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, W Hotels Worldwide opened the 31-storey W Dubai – Mina Seyahi in spring 2022, marking the third W hotel in the UAE. With hundreds of hotels in the emirate, standing out can be challenging, but this property is an excellent choice for everyone, more noteably business travellers who also seek an outdoor pool and trendy bar for relaxation.
Situated on the Jumeirah Beach coastline, this adults-only hotel offers unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf and the Ain Dubai observation wheel.
Upon arriving, you step into a modern lobby lounge with lots of black and gold decor and a snake-themed welcome desk. I was promptly checked in by a very friendly member of staff and issued a key card. Like every W Hotel, this one has a playful sense of style and a more avant-garde approach to chain hotel design.
True to the W brand, there are no fancy chandeliers or silent, formal reception areas. Instead, the vibe is lively and fun. The Arabian Nights-inspired decor adds to the charm with floating carpets, snake-basket walls, and crystal storybook pages hanging in the air. It’s definitely not subtle.
It also has its own boutique, a nod to the emerging trend of “Shoppable Stays”.
The Rooms
Rooms in the W feature a signature W brand Mix Bar, with a hidden coffee machine, adding a touch of luxury and pleasure. The best part of the room was the large balcony with uninterrupted views of the marina, the perfect place to wake up in the morning.
W Dubai – Mina Seyahi boasts 318 rooms, including 27 suites – all sea-facing with private balconies. Mine had a table and chairs, offering a dramatic setting for a sundowner. Each room also features separate living, vanity, and sleeping spaces, as well as the brand’s signature Mix Bar with a hot drink station.
My favourite part? The bed. I sank into it
The Dining Options
Overlooking Ain Dubai and Dubai Harbour, Ginger Moon offers stunning views, making it ideal for outdoor dining by the pool. The exotic atmosphere features tiki candles, laid-back house music, and decor with a woven roof, wall rugs, and bamboo sticks.
Ginger Moon’s menu, with its New Californian menu, has a global flair with sections like fresh and natural, seared and fried, and garden gems. Notable dishes include buffalo burrata with smoked peaches and diver scallops with fried chorizo. The black mussels with a coconut milk, galangal, red chilli, and kaffir lime sauce, paired with garlic bread sticks, are a highlight. Lamb chops with paprika, garlic, and rosemary are also commendable.
While Ginger Moon may not become a top dining spot, its international menu and poolside setting make it a likely favorite for daycations.
There is also a Middle Eastern lounge called Farrago, Bussola for Italian food, Fish Beach Taverna, Bounty Beets for organic, gluten-free, and vegan food, and Mare by Bussola, which has a beach vibe. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to explore these.
For a more elevated experience—both literally and figuratively—head to the rooftop Attiko, a “social supper club” perfect for sunset drinks and pan-Asian small bites. Part of a group with locations in Bodrum and Bali, this Attiko offers a touch of glam, complete with Instagram-worthy cocktails and DJs keeping the party going late into the night, all set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s illuminated skyline.
The Verdict
W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is a fantastic addition to the Dubai hotel scene, offering more restaurants than I had time to try and a good selection of leisure facilities that make a work trip feel like a holiday. My room was spacious with iconic panoramic views of the Dubai harbour.
