Atlantis The Royal — Hotel in Dubai

We chose Atlantis The Royal with high expectations, drawn in by the lavish marketing and dazzling images promising a premier luxury experience. Unfortunately, our stay fell far short of these promises, leaving us feeling more like inconvenienced observers than valued guests.

One of the most glaring issues was the iconic rooftop pool, heavily advertised as a centerpiece of the hotel. Not only does it require an additional fee, but it is also nearly impossible to reserve. For example, when we tried to book a slot mid-week, the earliest availability was the following Monday—making the pool effectively off-limits for much of our stay.

Rooftop Pool: The So-Called “Crown Jewel” • We specifically chose Atlantis The Royal for its iconic rooftop pool, heavily featured in promotional materials. To our dismay, this facility was essentially off-limits. Guests are restricted by four-hour, paid reservation slots under the watchful eye of a hostess who appeared intent on reminding us that our presence was more tolerated than welcomed. • At such a price point, it is unacceptable for your principal amenity to be rendered practically unusable for regular hotel guests. The exorbitant fees and rigid scheduling around the rooftop pool are not befitting a hotel of your supposed caliber. Other Pools: Overcrowded and Uninspiring • The alternative, near Nobu, is overcrowded with lounge chairs packed so tightly that it borders on claustrophobic, further marred by excessively loud music. • Another pool is designated only for children, leaving no suitable option for adults seeking a peaceful, refined atmosphere. Beach Facilities: Underwhelming and Unremarkable • The beach offered no unique appeal. In a city where spectacular beachfronts are commonplace, Atlantis The Royal’s beach feels generic and lacks any impressive design or “wow” factor. • Compounding this mediocrity was the unreliable Wi-Fi, which repeatedly disconnected, making even simple online tasks frustrating. Customer Service and Rate Negotiation: A Complete Letdown • Needing to extend our stay by one night due to a flight scheduling error, we requested a rate aligned with our existing booking—common practice in premium hotels, particularly after a six-night stay. • To our surprise, your staff insisted that we book through a third-party site (at a higher rate), dismissing any notion of loyalty or practicality. The manager’s unhelpful demeanor and refusal to offer a sensible solution were profoundly disappointing, especially given the substantial amount we had already spent. Pricing Tactics and Diminished Value • The sense that we were constantly being nickel-and-dimed was inescapable. Virtually every desirable aspect—whether prime access to the rooftop pool or a cabana—came with inflated costs. • For a hotel portraying itself as ultra-luxurious, such an approach undercuts trust and fosters resentment rather than loyalty. Dining and Spa: Crowded and Subpar • While the breakfast buffet was of decent quality, the scene was chaotic, with guests practically bumping into one another. This is not the level of comfort or ambiance one expects from a five-star resort. • The spa services, likewise, were disappointingly average, lacking both the tranquility and high-end sophistication your marketing would lead guests to expect. Overall Experience: Style Over Substance • Despite aesthetically pleasing images and social media buzz, Atlantis The Royal appears more invested in maintaining an Instagrammable façade than delivering genuine five-star hospitality. • If the primary draw of a property—its acclaimed rooftop pool—is nearly impossible to use without additional fees or endless scheduling restrictions, it raises serious questions about the hotel’s commitment to guest satisfaction.

Conclusion and Requested Response In summary, our experience was defined by off-limits amenities, dismissive staff, questionable pricing practices, and lackluster facilities. Below pictures of nobu beach swimpool and beach - for you to judge if it’s really...

I would like to share a shocking incident that happened to me here. My family and I were in Dubai for a few weeks, and at the end of our wonderful trip we decided to have dinner at the restaurant of this hotel. The dinner itself was great. Apart from the cockroach that my son found on the wall - we called the waiters, but they somehow weakly reacted to this, and my children killed this insect themselves - this can probably be seen on the cameras - on the evening of June 28 at about 9:45 pm near the meat counter. But this unfortunate incident could have been overlooked, given the really good food and atmosphere.

The worst thing happened later. After a short walk around the hotel and looking at the wonderful fountains, we headed to the central entrance, where I gave the parking card and a few minutes later my car was brought to me. It took some time to get into the car (my son uses a mobility scooter due to his disability, and it takes some time to fold the scooter and load it into the trunk). Once in the car, I tried to hang my phone on the charging station hanging on the front air vent. However, I was unable to do so, as my charging station was lying in the cup holder area. The station itself was well-fixed, and has never fallen before, so I was a little surprised, but in order not to hold up traffic, I moved forward, planning to hang my station on the air vent, driving a little further down the road. But when I stopped about 15 meters from the central entrance, I discovered that the air flow guide and clip had been torn out and neatly folded into the cup holder, as if that was where it belonged.

I immediately contacted the parking manager, but communication with him, as well as with the hotel security service, led to nothing. Then another manager got involved in the process, then a parking attendant was called to the scene. The dialogue was something like this: Did you do it? No, I didn't do it (with fear in his eyes) Really? Yes, exactly, I didn't do it. Well, you see, he didn't do it. He couldn't do it. Why would he do it?

Then they showed me a photo of my broken air grille (for some reason claiming that this is proof that the grille was already broken at the time the car was handed over). In fact, I assume that the parking attendant accidentally broke the grille and took photos to show that the car was already damaged. Then they checked the camera recordings, which showed nothing (which is natural, since the damage was inside the car, not outside).

Since my car was rented and insured with zero deductible, all I needed was damage paperwork. But no one was going to issue it to me.

Calling the police was also unsuccessful (this point is the subject of a separate complaint, which will be brought to its logical conclusion).

As a result - about two hours of time wasted. And asking friends to repair the car (an insured car that I did not break).

So, overall impressions of this place are as follows:

great food, but beware of insects

wonderful fountains (especially while the fountains in Downtown are under repair)

breathtaking architecture

complete lack of security where there are no cameras - that is, if someone breaks your nose in the toilet or spoils your car inside - you will not prove anything, so be careful and take care of yourself in this place. Your safety here is solely your concern, no one will take care of it. And this hotel does not bear responsibility for the car.

before you give your car here, take photos of the entire interior and exterior. Without photos, you will never be able to prove that the car was damaged here. They will break your car, take a photo of the broken area and present it as proof that it was you who broke the car.

PS For senior management - such problems are solved very simply - by insuring the liability of the personnel. It is much simpler and cheaper than getting into long disputes and deceiving your clients and consumers. You look very bad...

Atlantis The Royal is more than just a hotel—it’s a destination that redefines what luxury means. Nestled on the crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, its jaw-dropping architectural design is a work of art. The interconnecting towers and open spaces make it one of the most unique structures in the world, and the experience it offers is just as exceptional.

From the moment you arrive, the grandeur of this resort becomes apparent. The lobby welcomes you with an enormous water sculpture, a dynamic piece of art that sets the tone for the sensory journey ahead. Check-in is seamless, and the service throughout the resort is impeccable, with every staff member going above and beyond to ensure your stay is flawless.

The rooms and suites are nothing short of extraordinary. My suite offered panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the Palm through floor-to-ceiling windows. The interiors blend modern design with opulence, featuring plush furnishings, advanced technology, and bespoke amenities. The bathrooms are like mini-spas, with deep soaking tubs and rain showers that add a touch of indulgence to your daily routine. Every detail, from the curated artwork to the pillow menu, is tailored to perfection, ensuring maximum comfort and luxury.

Dining at Atlantis The Royal is an experience in itself. With an incredible array of restaurants led by world-renowned chefs, the culinary options are unparalleled. Dinner at Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner is a sensory delight, where every dish is a masterpiece. For something lighter, La Mar by Gastón Acurio offers exquisite Peruvian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. And no visit is complete without a trip to Cloud 22, the resort’s rooftop bar. With panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, sipping a handcrafted cocktail here at sunset is simply unforgettable.

A standout feature of Atlantis The Royal is the water fountain show, a mesmerising spectacle of light, music, and water. Held several times each evening, this multi-sensory performance captures the magic of the resort, leaving you captivated by its beauty and artistry. It’s a must-see for guests and visitors alike, adding a touch of drama and grandeur to an already extraordinary setting.

The resort offers a wealth of amenities to suit every traveller. The infinity pools, each with their unique vibe, provide stunning views of the Gulf and plenty of space to unwind. For adults seeking tranquillity, the Royal Pool is a peaceful haven, while families can enjoy dedicated spaces that are just as luxurious. The private beach is a pristine escape, with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters.

For those looking for adventure, the resort offers direct access to Aquaventure Waterpark, the largest waterpark in the world. Whether you’re speeding down thrilling water slides or floating along the lazy river, the waterpark guarantees fun for all ages. Guests also have access to a variety of exclusive experiences, from marine encounters to luxurious spa treatments.

The service at Atlantis The Royal sets it apart from even the best luxury resorts. The staff is professional, attentive, and intuitive, often anticipating your needs before you even express them. Whether it’s the concierge arranging a special dinner or housekeeping adding thoughtful touches to your room, the service here feels personal and genuinely heartfelt.

Atlantis The Royal is not just a hotel—it’s a destination that immerses you in a world of unparalleled luxury, innovation, and beauty. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for leisure, romance, or business, this resort offers something truly special. With its stunning architecture, world-class dining, awe-inspiring fountain show, and top-tier amenities, Atlantis The Royal sets a new standard for hospitality.

If you’re seeking an experience that is unforgettable, Atlantis The Royal is the ultimate choice. It’s more than just a stay—it’s a journey into a world of luxury that will leave you dreaming of...