Jumeirah Al Qasr, hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jumeirah Al Qasr is a hotel within Madinat Jumeirah surrounded by man-made waterways and gardens, with buildings resembling a collection of guesthouses from Arabian tales. Wide corridors are decorated with rich fabrics and antique-style furniture, and spacious rooms feature private balconies overlooking waterways or gardens, along with marble bathrooms and rain showers.

The hotel was built as part of Madinat Jumeirah, a large resort complex designed to recreate traditional Arabian architecture and medieval waterways. This design introduced a new approach to luxury hospitality in Dubai, blending cultural elements with modern hotel services.

Al Qasr translates from Arabic as "the palace", a name given to the resort's central building rather than to a former royal residence. The sand-coloured facade carries a square tower with a crenellated parapet and a tall arched opening, and carved columns frame the dark glass doorways at ground level. The long shallow staircase and the palms in front set the arrival sequence.

The property is best explored on foot along paved pathways and canals, with traditional abras offering small boat rides across the water. Note that the grounds are extensive, so wear comfortable shoes and plan time to discover the various dining venues, souk, and spa facilities.

Al Qasr's name means "the palace" in Arabic, and the hotel's lobby displays a scale model of the entire Madinat Jumeirah resort, giving visitors an overview of the waterways and buildings before they set out. The property also keeps a private stretch of beach along the Persian Gulf, reached by abra from the resort's canal network.