Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah: Great, But Not for Families with Kids

If you are planning a trip to Dubai, you will need to be prepared for a heavy spending – the sunny emirate is known for its luxury recently rated 2nd most expensive worldwide hotels, iconic landmarks, and exclusive services for the traveler with luxurious tastes.

In January, the city welcomed its first Waldorf Astoria hotel, a Hilton top-rated brand, on the Palm Jumeirah which is advertised  as one of the most luxurious, most stylish and one-of-a-kind properties in Dubai. However, it may not be as great as it is said, if you are staying with children travelers say.

The 319-room ultra luxurious hotel is located on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Gulf and Dubai’s skyline. Its 200-meter private beach with soft sands and azure waters makes it one of the best beach resort destinations, but there are also temperature-controlled pools, a water sports center, a gym and a tennis court for those looking for physical activity. However, guests should purchase separate pool and beach day passes, which also include the Coco’s Kids club. This is very unusual practice for 5 five star hotels, but  rather common for Waldorf Astoria’s hotels.

The rooms at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah are spacious, elegantly furnished and decorated beautifully in contemporary style and light, warm colours. There are all kinds of extras such as flat-screen TVs and coffee machines, while the bathrooms are stunning – marble, glass, and ultra expensive décor. In fact, the accommodations are so new, clean, luxurious and decadent, they have a somewhat cold and sterile feeling rather than the warmer, welcoming touch that Waldorf Astoria is so famous for. Being so polished, tidy and spotless, while looking empty, the hotel will be more attractive for business travelers than for families with children. Basically, there is nowhere to go with the kids, besides to the dedicated area in the Kids’ club. It could be really boring if mom and dad are not really great full-time entertainers.

There are several restaurants and bars, including Mezzerie, a buffet restaurant which offers a good variety of international and Arabic meals. The pricing at the other restaurants may be a little higher than what’s expected by frequent travelers, even for a 5-star hotel, especially considering the fact that it’s not yet so extraordinary. Rather than a truly fine dining, you will experience an average service. In fact, this is true for almost all services in the hotel. Although the staff is extremely nice and helpful, they are apparently not very experienced. As a whole, not everything is perfectly organized even eight months after the opening. The advertising promises more that the hotel can offer.

The location, though considered top-level and highly sought-after, isn’t the best either. The hotel is away from the city centre and major attractions such as the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Mall. There isn’t a bus or a subway service, so you will need to take a cab to the city, which isn’t very cheap. Prepare approximately $30. And with the lack of shops and other entertainment facilities on the property, visiting the city is the only option.

However, besides the few setbacks, this is one of the new luxury hotels in Dubai. Moreover, it has the potential to become great in the near future. It may not be the perfect place for you and the kids unless sunbathing only is perfectly satisfactory for you. But if you are on a honeymoon or with a group of co-workers and friends, you won’t find better accommodations and more stylish settings. It is a 5-star hotel for a reason!

Normally, rates at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah are high, but now, you can save up to 33% off your room during the Hilton Summer Sale. This will be the good option for relaxing in Dubai – to stay at a comfortable, luxurious hotel while paying for the ordinary five star.