Hi Noushkey
You're right Mina A Salam is a fabulous hotel (i stayed only last month), friends stayed at Jumeirah Beach and i though that was more family orientated and also looking a bit dated.
To be honest i found the Burj looked more impressive viewed from our hotel than it did inside. It's like a Las Vegas casino - very flashy, bordering on tacky. They also have strict dress codes so i'd say stay at the Mina, Al Qasr or Dar Al Masyaf (all part of Madinat Jumeirah) where you'll get luxury and pampering in a very relaxed atmosphere. If it's a special occassion request a room with a view of the Burj (all have seaview but some overlook Burj and some overlook the waterways).
I tried Afternoon Tea at the Burj and though the views from Skyview Bar were great i wasn't over impressed by the food or service. I have heard that the Friday Brunch Buffet is good though so that might be worth a try.
All of these hotels are owned by the same company so you can book dinner in any of the hotels or Souk Madinat and there are golf buggies that will run you from one hotel to the other.
FORGOT TO MENTION - Do mention when booking your hotel, restaurants, etc that it's a 40th Birthday. If they know it's a special occasion they'll make a real effort to make it extra special!!
