The Renaissance Business Bay Hotel is a five star Marriott property set right on the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay. The hotel was rebranded in 2024 from the former Grand Millennium, bringing a refreshed design and updated facilities to the area. Its location is ideal for exploring the city, just a five-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, with the canal promenade running directly outside for walks or cycling.

The 251 rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, and the hotel offers three main restaurants, extensive leisure facilities including a pool, gym, and spa, and a range of amenities that make it suitable for both work and relaxation. All this comes at a price point that’s competitive for the area, making it a practical yet comfortable choice for city breaks, local staycations, or a convenient base for business. This is a hotel that’s easy to recommend.

*Kindly hosted as part of a press stay with Marriott International.

Checking in to Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai

As we arrived, valet parking was available, our luggage was taken at the door, and check-in was quick and seamless. We were immediately impressed by the stunning tonal decor, subtle scents and calming atmosphere. Within minutes we were shown to our room on the twelfth floor, which had been prepared with personalised touches — plates of cakes, small treats, towel animals on the bed, and welcome cards printed with a photo of my husband and me alongside the RUNAWAY logo. It was clear the team had taken extra care to prepare the room for our arrival, making it feel instantly welcoming.

Room Options

Rooms at the Renaissance Business Bay Hotel range from Superior King Canal View and Deluxe Twin Bay View to the Deluxe King Bay View, which is the room we stayed in. There are also Club King and Club Twin rooms, which offer additional benefits such as access to the Club Lounge with complimentary refreshments, private check-in, and extra amenities. Larger options include Junior Suites and the Royal Suite. The Royal Suite adds a level of privacy and luxury beyond size, with separate living and dining areas, panoramic views, and enhanced in-room features.

Our Deluxe King Bay View had a seating area, a desk, and a large bathroom with a separate walk-in shower and bathtub. His and hers robes and slippers were provided, and the bathroom was stocked with full-size TokyoMilk toiletries. There was also a tea and coffee making station, which was refilled every day. The layout made it easy to work or relax, with plenty of space to unpack and move around without feeling cramped.

Dining Options

Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10:30am at The Podium, with a buffet offering hot dishes, made-to-order eggs, fresh pastries, breads, fruit, cereals and cold options. In-room dining is available 24 hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks.

THE BANC

The Banc is the hotel’s Mediterr-Asian restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. The menu covers everything from light bites like caviar pancakes, truffle mushroom tartare and salted edamame to seafood dishes including char-grilled octopus, halibut and whole wild seabass. Meat options range from wagyu steaks and slow-cooked short rib to baby lamb ribs and chicken yakitori, alongside fresh pasta, seasonal salads and vegetarian mains such as cauliflower with sweet potato and chimichurri.

Lunch and dinner are à la carte, and the restaurant can accommodate both small tables and larger groups. They also offer a business lunch menu, shisha and a cigar menu, with the kitchen serving until 1.30am. The space has large windows overlooking the canal and Business Bay, with an outdoor terrace open during the cooler months. The restaurant self-proclaims to have the best tiramisu in Dubai, which was confirmed by my husband.

ASIA ASIA

Next, we tried Asia Asia, which brings its well-established pan-Asian dining experience to Business Bay. The restaurant is part of the Dubai-based brand that started in Pier 7, Dubai Marina. The menu covers Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other Asian flavours, served sharing-style, and is complemented by a full cocktail list. The Business Bay location keeps the signature dark, atmospheric interior found in its other Dubai restaurants. We joined the Saturday night brunch, which featured more than 20 dishes including sushi and sashimi, noodles, tempura, salads, and desserts. The variety makes it easy to sample multiple flavours in one meal, perfect for groups or a longer evening out.

If you’re searching for a standout Asian dining experience in Dubai, then Asia Asia should be at the top of your list.

LOCK, STOCK & BARREL

Lock, Stock & Barrel is the hotel’s casual, all-day dining and entertainment venue. The menu focuses on comfort food, including burgers, flatbreads and sharing platters, with a selection of beers, cocktails and mocktails. The restaurant has a lively, informal atmosphere, with both indoor seating and tables along the canal.

Wellness and Leisure

The hotel’s wellness and leisure facilities are extensive for a city property. The gym is a standout, with a double-height ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the canal. It is fully equipped with Matrix cardio machines, free weights, resistance equipment, and space for stretching or floor exercises.

The outdoor swimming pool sits on a raised deck with a clear view of the Burj Khalifa. Sunbeds are plentiful, both in sun and shaded areas, and towels are provided on arrival. The water is maintained at a comfortable temperature, making it enjoyable even in Dubai’s summer heat. The pool area is spacious, allowing guests to swim, relax, or work by the water without feeling crowded. There is also a pool bar serving drinks and light snacks, making it easy to spend the entire day by the pool.

The spa offers a range of treatments in private rooms, with a jacuzzi and sauna available to guests. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, and appointments can be booked at short notice. There are separate male and female jacuzzis, saunas and treatment rooms. Together, the gym, pool, and spa provide everything needed for both fitness and relaxation during a city stay or staycation.

Nearby Highlights

The Renaissance Business Bay Hotel is ideally located for exploring Dubai. Downtown Dubai is less than five minutes away by car, with the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera all within easy reach. The hotel sits on the Dubai Water Canal, providing a pleasant walkway for strolls or cycling. Business Bay’s dining and nightlife options are nearby, while easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road makes other areas of the city, including Dubai Marina and Jumeirah, convenient to reach.

Final Thoughts

This stay reminded me how easy it was to forget I was only a short drive from home. Even over two nights, the hotel felt like a proper escape, with thoughtful touches in the room and friendly staff who made everything effortless. From time by the pool to the Saturday night brunch at Asia Asia, I could truly unwind and enjoy the city without any stress.

For a budget-friendly, comfortable base in Dubai that works just as well for work as it does for leisure, with a great location and all the amenities you need, this hotel is an easy recommendation.