You are right, the hotel classification there is different than in Europe (I experienced this first hand), but unfortunately the hotel we stayed at was one of the cheapest in the Marina area, the 5 star hotels were way over our budget.
We also went here for the first time and used a travel agency and that's how we ended up here, anyway we want to go to Dubai again (we still have a lot to do here), but now I have a different opinion about the accommodation, I found some apartments that look much better than this hotel and at a much better price.
I've already done my homework about flying and accommodation so I just have to choose my period and ready for my holiday.
To be honest I'm not that amazed by Dubai either, but I go there for the areas less visited by tourists there I will be able to live the true Emirati experience.
Have a wonderful weekend.