The Meydan Hotel

"How did it strike you on arrival?Shaped like a wave in motion, the modern Meydan is set in the outskirts of Dubai, across from the Meydan Racecourse. The multi-story lobby is a blend of glass and steel, with neutral furniture and minimal decor compared to its more opulent competitors. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Horse racing fans and businessman attending various conferences. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.All rooms overlook the racetrack and if there's a race going on, it's impossible to miss out on the action, either from your window or on the screen—rooms have monitors in the entryway and bathroom. Aside from a balcony, the Grand Deluxe Balcony King room has a comfortable desk and small sitting area. Walls are covered in a light ash-wood paneling that blends in well with the chocolate-hued carpet and white linens. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Comfortable bed with plush, clean linens. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are high-tech, featuring somewhat complicated control panels to adjust water temperature and pressure, and massive corner tubs overlooking the bedroom. Toiletries are by Gilchrist & Soames. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wifi is free. Not outstanding, but gets the job done. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The pool is on the 11th floor and has outstanding views overlooking the racetrack. Because The Meydan is on the outskirts of town, there’s no public transportation and taxis can be hard to come by. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?If you’re a horse-racing junkie or are in town for the Dubai World Cup, The Meydan is a natural (and really, outstanding) choice. Otherwise, you might become frustrated by the distance from most of Dubai’s main attractions—although watching the horses workout as the sun rises over the track is pretty spectacular. Bottom line: worth it, and why?A standout for horse-racing fans." - Laura Ratliff