Aloft Palm Jumeirah — Hotel in Dubai

Located on the Palm with gorgeous sea views and quiet location, I thought this would be the best place to stay for a quick work trip in Dubai.

Unfortunately this was not a great stay and was quite shocked that this hotel falls under the Marriott umbrella. I booked this hotel as I was attending a conference in Dubai and wanted to be close to the venue.

From the moment I arrived I was just disappointed.

The front desk is in poor condition, messy and unorganised, guests can see the admin chaos behind the check in team - papers, cables, boxes everywhere. The person who facilitated my check in didn't give any information about the hotel - ie where is breakfast and the timings, additional information about the facilities, restaurants, pools, beach access etc. I even second guessed myself if I even booked breakfast for my stay.

Heading up to my room, the corridor had a damp smell and was very dark. Housekeeping was cleaning other units so their trolley and supplies were left all over the passage.

My room was spacious and had a gorgeous view with a spacious balcony, however, as I looked a little closer I was unimpressed.

The overall maintenance of the room is poor - scratches on the walls, doors and skirting boards. The front door did not close securely without a push and the latch loose. The carpet, vanity stool and arm chair were disgusting full of stains and dirt. Thank goodness I brought my own slippers so that I didn't have to walk barefoot.

The sliding door didn't seal sufficiently so I could hear any noises outside throughout the night. The railing at the bottom of the door is rusty and the carpet underneath is filthy.

The mirror in the bathroom is broken, small bin is dented and rusted and corners of the walls had stains or mould (I wasn't sure). The shower didn't appear clean so I opted to shower wearing the hotel provided slippers.

The TV remote was broken so I could not turn off the TV or reduce the volume. I called down to reception twice with no answer, when the concierge came to drop off my luggage I asked him to send someone and luckily an hour later the issue was resolved. The maintenance team who assisted did not present well and was unfriendly and couldn't assist with my questions about WiFi.

When I returned in the evening around 11pm I was asked to park my car around the corner as there were no parking spaces and the valet wasn't there.

Breakfast was okay, there was a wide selection of pastries, cereals, teas and coffees but the food was cold. The head chef was rude to a junior chef in front of guests which was uncomfortable and the omelette station was messy - spilled ingredients and missing spoons. The porridge station is placed in front of the omelette station so guests have to lean over a hot bowl to reach for their prepared omelette. The omelette was not cooked through and the cheese not melted, the hash browns were good but cold and the pastries were dry. The coffee was just warm brown water - awful.

The dining room had poor ventilation so I left smelling like fried food, oil and eggs.

Upon leaving, the front desk team didn't ask about my stay and simply took the key card asking if I want a print out receipt or not. The valet was on his phone and didn't offer to assist in fetching my car or carry my luggage to the car for me.

It was a short business trip and I had higher expectations seeing as this falls under the Marriott chain. I won't...

A Memorable Stay My recent stay at the Aloft Palm Jumeirah was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, I was captivated by the hotel's vibrant and contemporary design. The check-in process was seamless, and the staff were incredibly welcoming, ensuring I felt right at home.

Location Nestled on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the hotel boasts stunning views of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s impressive skyline. The location is perfect for those looking to explore Dubai, with easy access to popular attractions like the Atlantis, The Palm, and Aquaventure Waterpark, which are just a short drive away.

Room The room was modern, spacious, and impeccably clean. The design struck a perfect balance between style and comfort. I particularly loved the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breath-taking sea view. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room was equipped with all the amenities I could need, including a large flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Facilities Aloft Palm Jumeirah has an array of excellent facilities. The rooftop Gym was a personal favorite, offering a serene oasis with panoramic views. The gym was well-equipped, allowing me to keep up with my fitness routine. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, from the vibrant Luchador Rooftop Cantina & Lounge to the more casual by Aloft, ensuring there is something to suit every taste. We had a half board.

Dining The culinary experience at the hotel was outstanding. I enjoyed a delightful breakfast each morning at East & Seaboard, which featured a diverse selection of both local and international dishes. The quality of the food was excellent, and the staff were always attentive and friendly.

Service What truly sets Aloft Palm Jumeirah apart is the level of service. Every staff member I encountered was genuinely friendly and eager to help. They went above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. Special mentions go to the concierge team, who provided excellent recommendations and assistance throughout my stay.

Conclusion Overall, my stay at the Aloft Palm Jumeirah was unforgettable. The combination of its prime location, stylish rooms, excellent facilities, and outstanding service makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Dubai. It offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, making it a true gem on the Palm Jumeirah and it also has a private beach within 3 minutes walking distance. I want to thank all the hotel staff especially the following, Kalim, Amr, Daniel, Mahmoud, Anjukali, Abidnan, Chris, Raj, Sanjiv, Kamal, Dini, Christine,...

I stayed at Aloft Palm Jumeirah in July 2025, and while there are many nice things to say about the hotel itself, for me the true highlight was without question: the people who work here.

I’ve rarely experienced a hotel where literally every single staff member was this genuinely friendly, attentive, kind, and professional. From the front desk to housekeeping, restaurant, bar, and beach – everyone was present, helpful, and real.

What impressed me most was how genuinely interested the staff were in every guest. It wasn’t just polite smiles – it was true hospitality. Every morning started with warm greetings, and whenever I had a request – whether it was food-related, activity advice, or something small – they never hesitated. They just made it happen.

Special praise goes to the lifeguards – not only were they constantly attentive and focused on safety, they were also kind, approachable, and brought a great vibe to the beach area. They created an atmosphere where you felt relaxed and safe, without it ever being forced or strict.

The restaurant staff also stood out. Yes, the buffet food was a bit repetitive over a longer stay – that’s the one small thing I would improve. But the staff completely made up for it: Whenever I had a special request (especially as a vegetarian), they would happily prepare fresh, personalized dishes with absolutely no issue. Every plate felt thoughtful, and it was always served with a smile.

And then – the moment that truly touched me: On our last night, the entire team surprised us with a handmade, beautifully plated dessert, just as a kind gesture. We hadn’t asked for anything – they simply wanted to do something nice. That moment showed me that these are people who genuinely care about their guests. It wasn’t about money or reviews – it was about connection.

The rooms were clean, modern, and practical. The hotel has the typical Aloft vibe – youthful, creative, and easygoing. The location on the eastern side of the Palm is peaceful and perfect for unwinding, yet still well connected via taxi or Uber if you want to explore JBR, Marina, or Downtown.

But honestly – the design, the location, the comfort – none of it would mean much without the people who make this hotel special.

Final verdict: If you’re looking for a hotel that stands out not just through good facilities, but through human warmth, authentic service, and a team that goes the extra mile, then Aloft Palm Jumeirah is the place for you. I would return in a heartbeat – just for the people.

Thank you, Aloft team – for making this more than just...