The Taj is brilliantly located, walking distance to the metro and marina. It is located in a pedestrian area around a lake with shops and local restaurants selling a large range of really good, diverse foods.
The hotel itself if beautiful, spacious and comfortable. The breakfast options vary daily, but there is always a huge choice of great food. The bars are of different styles and have many specialty nights.
For us the staff made the place. From when we walked into the lobby at 10pm to when we checked out, everyone was incredibly friendly, helpful and efficient. There was a good level of staffing to make sure you did not wait and the quality of service was exceptional.
The rooms were serviced excellently with plenty of water and tea & coffee options. (Only point I would make is it would be great to reduce the number of plastic water and milk containers, perhaps replacing them with refillable, glass water bottles, that the hotel can re-fill.) One day we hit the DND (Do not Disturb) button by the door by mistake so the room was not serviced. When arrived back to the room we got a call to highlight that they could not service the room but then offered to come in, when we went to dinner, to service it. This really makes you feel special.
There are so many hotels to choose from in Dubai, but this is a great choice.