Food wise, you can enjoy lip-smacking Mediterranean delicacies in the all-day dining restaurant of the hotel, known as 'Esca'. With gorgeous hues, intricate wall decorations, as well as evocative poolside dining, any meal - whether buffet or a' la carte, leisurely or snappy - is a cut above the rest in its category. "The formidable challenge for a four star property under stringent return on investment parameters, is to offer a delicious menu and ensure impeccable product delivery at the right price for all concerned" explains Esca Manager Sanjay Bhoola. "Gone are the days of white truffles and vintage champagne, but the pleasure of serving fine food with a gourmet twist are still very much here".

This is why the 'Antipasti' platter sampled didn't just have ham and cheese, but rather sweet Parma ham, gently marinated artichokes and a 'haute cuisine' presentation that did not reflect its reasonable rate. Or why the 'Crusted queen prawns' were as succulent and plump as any in a restaurant charging 40 per cent more. Explains Executive Chef, Bernd Geiger, "As professionals in a field that is growing rapidly, we are proud and delighted to be in Dubai which is fast becoming a culinary hot spot and a favoured location for all of us in this field. Therefore only the best will do and quality and creativity in my kitchen reigns supreme". The poached salmon and Moroccan chicken tagine were respectively a perfect case in point: the first was probably the juiciest steak enjoyed in a long time and the latter was served with the chicken and cous cous separately - "this is because we have such a mix of diners that we have to innovate and create dishes suited to their taste buds and ways of eating" he adds.

Managed by Southern Sun Hotels, Africa’s leading hotel brand, boasts a sister property, the Al Manzil, just down the road, replete with a souk and additional restaurants, is more Arabesque, whilst the Qamardeen has a more sedate, but equally appealing vibe. Its contemporary accommodation, clean minimalist design, with the perfect blend of Arabic and contemporary, is reinforced by its excellent staff which is the cornerstone of the properties' success. They have ensured high occupancy rates and 42% repeated business since the 186-room hotel launched in 2006. "We believe in offering genuine service to guests that is based on being intuitive and pre-empting their needs at all times", says General Manager, John Aritho. uperlative service notwithstanding, this modern hotel with its imposing Arabian façade is also a winner because it's ideally located in the Burj Dubai commercial and residential complex, seven kilometres from the beach and other attractions. A complimentary shuttle bus makes regular scheduled runs to Jumeirah Beach Park, the Mall of the Emirates and the Gold and Diamond Park in Al Barsha to make commuting easier for guests.

And last but not least, the heart of any hotel is its lobby that should be a genuine expression of any properties character. Even here, the Qamardeen does not disappoint. The lobby lounge is a veritable meeting place with a buzz and a 24-hour coffee shop that opens onto an outdoor terrace and is equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. With a fitness centre and outdoor pool boasting a sun terrace and poolside bar close by, it abounds in everything - except for steep rates.