The main reason is the mix of golf and location. Dubai’s courses are spread across the city, and the marina is one of the best bases for reaching them. The Montgomerie is close enough for a relaxed start, with its links feel, big contoured greens and plenty of water. Arabian Ranches offers true desert golf, Dubai Hills is a parkland layout set against the downtown skyline, and The Els Club asks for the most thought around the greens. Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates are also within reach for anyone adding a round. That is a lot of variety from one hotel.

The second reason is what happens after golf. Many Dubai golf hotels are quiet in the evening. Here, the promenade is right outside, with restaurants, bars and cafés along the water. Groups can walk to dinner, and nobody needs a taxi to find a drink. The infinity pool is a strong place to spend a free afternoon, with a view down the marina that few hotels in the area can match.

The hotel itself is easy to like. It is modern, the rooms are comfortable, and the staff are relaxed and helpful. Three in-house venues cover breakfast, coffee and poolside food, and the bikes are a nice touch.

There are trade-offs. There is no beach at the hotel, so a swim in the sea means a walk or a short taxi to JBR. It is a city hotel on a compact site, with no golf on the doorstep and no resort grounds. The marina is busy, and roads around it slow down at peak times, so it pays to allow extra time before an early tee time. Anyone after a quiet, secluded stay may prefer a hotel in Emirates Hills.

For golfers who want top courses by day and a lively waterfront at night, it is a very good fit. Scroll up to explore our packages.