Queen Elizabeth 2 — Hotel in Dubai

A Truly Unforgettable Experience at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel My recent stay at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel in Dubai was nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s all thanks to the incredible efforts of the exceptional teams who made my experience unforgettable. From the moment I stepped aboard this historic floating hotel, I was welcomed with warmth, professionalism, and unmatched hospitality.

Front-Desk Reception Team: (Megan, Mary, Shine) Warm and Professional Welcome The Front-Desk Reception team deserves the highest praise for setting the tone of my stay. They greeted me with radiant smiles and handled my check-in process with effortless efficiency. Their deep knowledge of the ship’s history was impressive, and they took the time to provide me with a brief overview of what to expect, including recommendations for tours, dining, and entertainment. Despite the bustling environment, they made me feel valued and attended to every question or request with care. The personal touch they provided was remarkable

Concierge Team: (Rasheed, Win) Whether it was securing last-minute tickets to the city's attractions or arranging a seamless transfer back to the airport, their expertise and commitment to making our trip memorable

LIDO Restaurant: A Culinary Masterpiece and Stellar Service Dining at the LIDO Restaurant was an experience I will never forget, and much of the credit goes to the extraordinary team of Chefs, the Restaurant Manager, and the phenomenal waitstaff.

The Chefs: (Chef Wasil, Chef Bakri, Chef Dhanush, Chef Shibhu). The culinary team at LIDO worked magic with every dish served. The buffet was a spectacular feast of flavors, with a wide variety of cuisines that catered to every palate. Each item was prepared to perfection—flavors were rich and balanced, and the presentation was nothing short of artful. From the freshest seafood to decadent desserts, every bite felt like a celebration of culinary excellence.

The Restaurant Managers: Usman & Joseph - The leadership at LIDO was evident in the smooth, orchestrated service. The Restaurant Manager was highly attentive, making rounds to check on every guest, ensuring all dining needs were met with precision. Their ability to create a welcoming, organized atmosphere where every guest felt special was nothing short of commendable.

Chief Hostess: Niwanjana & Vimelsa, Ko Ko The Waitressing Staff: (Sabina, Faith, Vimelsa, Promod, Mohammad) The waitstaff at LIDO were the unsung heroes of my dining experience. Always attentive and friendly, they anticipated my needs before I even voiced them. Their knowledge of the menu was impressive, and their recommendations were spot on. They balanced professionalism with a personal touch, engaging in pleasant conversations while ensuring that service remained impeccable. It was clear they took immense pride in their work, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

Final Thoughts My stay at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel was unforgettable, not just because of its rich history and luxurious accommodations, but because of the dedicated, passionate, and highly skilled people who brought the experience to life. The Front-Desk Reception team made me feel at home, the Concierge team made everything effortless, and the LIDO Restaurant team delivered a culinary experience like no other.

To anyone considering a visit to this legendary hotel, rest assured that you will not only experience a piece of history but also meet some of the most amazing hospitality professionals in Dubai. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made my stay so special—I can’t...

Suprise Birthday Staycation

When a friend first mentioned the QE2 to me, my curiosity kicked in. I had read a few reviews about the docked ship and thought, why not give it a try? My friend and I had been toying with the idea of booking a cruise vacation in the future and we figured this would be the perfect prelude.

As fate would have it, another friend was celebrating her birthday, so we decided to make it extra special by surprising her with a staycation on QE2.

The convenience started right away — parking was free and there was plenty of space available. From there, we walked toward the terminal where the check-in counter was located. The process was a breeze. Meagan, the receptionist, greeted us warmly and made us feel instantly at home. To our delight, she even gave all of us a complimentary room upgrade. Meagan went the extra mile by arranging a surprise slice of birthday cake for our friend, which made the celebration even more memorable.

Stepping onto the ship felt surreal. The cabins assigned to us had all been newly renovated. The beds were cozy, and the toilet and bath, though basic, had everything we needed. For a ship that’s docked, the experience still carried its own charm.

Instead of joining a guided tour, we decided to explore on our own. That’s when we stumbled upon “The Special Relationship” — a fascinating display that showcased the ship’s rich history. Wandering further, we discovered that many areas were quiet, almost abandoned, with decks and levels eerily empty. It was like walking through a piece of living history.

We eventually made our way up to the upper deck, where we paused to soak in the view — peaceful, with hardly anyone around. The next morning, we took advantage of the complimentary breakfast. There were plenty of options available, enough to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Though we didn’t get to try the pub and other dining spots, they added to the charm of having multiple options. We also spotted the gym and indoor pool, where we spent a relaxing hour enjoying the water. The pool itself looked nice but was quite deep, making it less ideal for kids.

All in all, it was a memorable staycation. The rate was affordable, the service exceeded expectations, and the novelty of staying aboard a historic cruise liner made it more than worth it. It may not have been sailing, but it certainly gave us a glimpse of what it’s like to stay on a...

A stay that promised grandeur but faltered on experience

We were truly looking forward to our stay aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) in Dubai, drawn by its iconic legacy and promise of a unique historical experience. And while the vessel itself delivers on the sense of history and grandeur...with its classic architecture, grand halls, and preserved charm...the actual experience left much to be desired.

Our first impression, was marred by a chaotic and poorly managed check-in process. Despite arriving at 2:30 PM with fully paid, confirmed bookings, we didn’t receive all our rooms until close to 6 PM. The reception area was completely overwhelmed, with guests crowding in from all directions. What was most frustrating was watching new guests walk in after us, book and check in ahead of those already waiting. It was evident the front office was understaffed and struggling to manage the volume...several other guests, like us, had to wait for hours.

Once we were finally settled in, the QE2 itself was a sight to behold. The ship exudes a quiet, old-world elegance that transports you to a different time. Simply walking its corridors or sitting out on the deck evokes the nostalgia of transatlantic voyages. It’s a unique setting, and remains a majestic piece of maritime history.

Brandon, the historical guide was the line man who was really doing all he could, valiantly, to placate the guests tempers.

That said, the facilities and service within the ship don’t quite live up to the same standard. Several beautiful open decks with stunning views had no service at all...guests were left sitting without so much as a water station or a menu in sight. The boat deck balcony, with arguably one of the best vantage points, was equally underutilized.

While the Lions Bar offered a pleasant atmosphere and a glimpse of what the experience could be, the overall service levels and lack of clear directions or attention to guest needs diminished the potential of the stay.

Breakfast was a great surprise...well spaced out spread, huge place, and accommodated all the guests, with hardly any wait.

In all, the QE2 is a wonderful place to visit for its heritage and character...but if the guest experience and hospitality were even half as well maintained as the ship itself, it could be truly...