Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, the Palm is an excellent family-friendly hotel with the highest standards, friendly stuff, tons of entertainment - we visited Atlantis for the 3rd time in a row and happy to consider it for the 4th time! Let me highlight the outstanding service provided by Vishal (East Tower 10th floor) who has taken special care to ensure our room was always clean - thank you! Read less

The Journey We travelled to Dubai 48 hours after the floods. Our Thursday evening flight from Manchester with Emirates got cancelled due to this, however, we departed the next day early afternoon. I had never flown with Emirates before, but I must say they were excellent in this situation, providing us with accommodation in a great city centre hotel and offering dinner and breakfast. The airline was also great to fly with, and I'll definitely be looking to fly with them again. On Arrival It seemed we just missed the worst of the Dubai Floods. Taxis were plentiful at the airport, and everything seemed to be running smoothly. For your information, all taxis accept card payments, so you don’t need to worry about having cash with you. In fact, I didn’t need to use cash anywhere for our whole stay. The taxi cost was very reasonable, approximately £25, for four large pieces of luggage and a family of four. We arrived at night instead of in the morning, so we got to see Dubai lit up in all its glory, which transformed the city. All the taxi drivers were friendly, and ours gave a complete running commentary as we passed all the tourist hot spots. The highlight, though, was entering the palm, then eventually seeing the Atlantis from a distance. With the lights on, it really did take centre stage, and even after a delayed wait to get there, it started to feel rather magical. It’s not until you actually pull up that you realise how vast and stunning the actual building is. From the valet opening the doors to the bellboys taking your cases, the red carpet that takes you to reception, you already feel looked after no matter who you are. I must also add that everything is absolutely spotless. As we arrived so late, there was no one checking in, so that was a very smooth and easy process. The entrance is stunning and a massive wow. We missed our meals that evening, but the reception suggested we can get room service, and that would be included in our Half Board package. It was a late meal, but we dug in straight away and started to enjoy what the hotel would offer. The Rooms We stayed in the west tower of the hotel. Most of the activity is in the East Tower, but it was nice to be in this tower as the foyer and lobbies were quieter. That being said, the longer you stay there, the shorter everything feels, and it’s not far away to anything. We booked a family inter-connecting room (we have 2 children aged 13/15) which consisted of a room with a super king bed and a room with 2 queen beds. The beds were extremely luxurious and comfortable, and we all slept like babies in them. The double room had no balcony and was slightly longer to accommodate both beds. Our room had a balcony, but there was no furniture on it, however, it was nice now and again to step out and see the view, that’s if you can stomach doing that on a higher floor. The bathroom was extremely spacious with a separate shower/toilet and bath. A nice feature was sliding doors that opened the bathroom to the bedroom. The towels were soft and fluffy, and you have shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner (all separate) in each shower room. Also available are toothbrushes, combs, nail files, cotton buds, cotton pads, mouthwash, and bath salts if you require them. The hanging space was OK, but if you were a family sharing one room, that may have been a bit of a squeeze, but there are plenty of drawers to put your clothes in, and for us, it worked absolutely fine. There are loads of plug points and USB sockets dotted around. Every night water is provided/topped up for you in the room free of charge with fresh glasses and ice provided. We just used these bottles around the hotel during the daytime. Just remember to take them back to your room. The Housekeeping We were staying in room 9343/9341 (Sea View). Special thanks go to Anisha, who made our stay incredibly comfortable, especially when she spotted the cards for my wife’s birthday and made the bed extra special (see image). I won’t ruin the surprises of what they do here, especially the morning after you arrive, but they work incredibly hard to make the stay as magical as possible, and they fully deserve the recognition. The turn-down service is also such a great touch to the experience. The Restaurants We booked a half-board experience, and we didn’t stray from that path to the likes of Nobu or Bread Street Kitchen, etc. The half-board allows for breakfast, then you have the choice of lunch or dinner. All soft drinks while having your meal are included with this package. Make sure to download the app when you arrive so you can book your tables, as some time slots can disappear if you leave it too late. I think booking early that day would be fine. We had the choice of Saffron, Kaleidoscope, Anyamna, En Fuego, Wavehouse, etc., without paying any further supplement. Saffron and Kaleidoscope offer buffets. I can only describe this from my experience as the best buffets in the world. The quality of food is unmatched to anything I have had before, and you must see this yourself and experience it. Don’t worry about lunch, as breakfast can fill that void very easily. We always had breakfast in Saffron (located in the west tower), and we tried dinner in both restaurants, which offer a different vibe. I personally preferred Saffron, but I can see why others would prefer Kaleidoscope. En Fuego is a Mexican-inspired restaurant. There is a set half-board menu with optional supplement items. There is enough choice without worrying about the supplement dishes. The portions are humongous, and the entertainment was excellent (DJ, Live Singers, Dancers). This is a great themed restaurant and one that you should try if your length of stay will allow you to. Great for families and people who want to have a fun meal. Not advisable for those who want a quiet meal. Anyamna is a Lebanese restaurant. The food here worked like En Fuego, but again you don’t have to supplement it. Here was like going to a fancy restaurant. The service was exquisite, the décor very tasteful, and the food delicious. Ruben from Argentina was our waiter that evening and made it very enjoyable. Think hot/cold mezze plates and grilled meats in a beautiful setting, and you’ll really enjoy this. Wavehouse is the entertainment area of the hotel. It has the bowling alley, arcade machines, shisha lounge, and bar area where they can play the football for you (Anything on BEIN). We didn’t really use it apart from to watch the football. The Shore and White Beach we just used for occasional snacks. I would personally use your half board on Saffron, Kaleidoscope, Anyamna, En Fuego if you don’t want to pay any additional supplements. The Aquarium There is no doubt that seeing the fish tank in the hotel is quite magnificent. Every time you pass, it’s always great to stop and look, as you’ll see something different. We had a daily pass to the Aquarium, which we only used once. That was just us. Others we know went more frequently; however, it was definitely worth it, and we’re happy we got to experience this. The Waterpark This is a real highlight of the hotel. It was amazing to have access to this incredible place on a daily basis. We spent every day but one at the waterpark for a period of time. TIP: Go early in the morning to avoid any queues and experience all the rides before it gets busy in the afternoon. This is a super well-organised waterpark. There is so much to do, and it’s also spotless. The rides are the best I have ever been on. Blackout and Leap of Faith are a must, but we chickened out of Poseidon’s Revenge so I can’t comment on that. Aside from that, we did them all, and there is something for all ages there. For residents, you can get a buggy straight to the waterpark and stay on the buggy while they check you in (it’s very quick). Towels are provided free of charge, as well as water socks from guest services in the park. Get the water socks or bring water shoes (can’t wear on all rides) as the ground is boiling. The Pools & Beaches Every afternoon we chilled at the pool or beach before it was time for dinner. The beach is nice, however, nothing like I have experienced in Thailand. The music they play all day is brilliant, so chilled, I wish they made a Spotify play list. The staff can’t do enough for you, and towels are plentiful. You can order drinks or food to your sunbed if you want to. There are also some activities around the pool, but check that out at the hotel when you get there. There were 6 lifeguards around one pool, and there are no deep parts, so no worrying if you have smaller kids and you take your eye off them for a moment. The Atlantis Royal Wow, you have to go and see this hotel. There is a free shuttle bus that will take you to and from the hotels. Make sure to go and see the water fountains. If you’re only making a special trip to the Dubai Mall to see the water fountains and not going around the mall, then just go next door instead, as it’s just as incredible. In Summary If you’re a family of 4 like us and want the most incredible and memorable family holiday, then I fully recommend The Atlantis. Everything from the food, service, and amenities are first class, and you should be guaranteed to have an amazing time. We went from 18 Apr – 27 Apr, so we were out of the Easter holidays. We experienced no queues for breakfast like others have mentioned, but maybe that’s why. I give it 5 stars from my personal experience. Thank you, Atlantis! Read less

Housekeeping was fantastic! Emmaline was absolutely lovely. The room was a delight everytime I walked in. Everything was pristine clean and tidy! The slippers were the fluffiest and comfiest I’ve ever had! There were little extras that just added to the luxury of the hotel room such as the way the tissues and toilet roll ends were folded into triangular shapes and the way the bed was turned down. My phone charger cable and hair straightener cable were even kept tidy with fun and colourful animal cable ties which were extra special and made my day, and were a lovely souvenir to take home reminding me of how wonderful my stay was at the Atlantis hotel x Read less

We have enjoyed a great week at Atlantis! We have one person with gluten allergy and the service at Saffron Buffet Restaurant was outstanding. Chef service is ensuring you know exactly what you can eat. Also all dishes have labels with all common allergies so you always know the ingredients without the need to always ask or the uncertainty if it has been understood what you are asking for. At Saffron you have the peace of mind to always know what you eat. Also great options for Vegan and Vegetarian, of course we look forward to see these options even more extended in the future. Also big THANK YOU to our room cleaning: Emmaline did a phenomenal job and we felt like at home from the very beginning! We look forward to a next stay. Read less