The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel — Hotel in Dubai

We were ‘upgraded’ to the same room category I had booked, after a delay of 30 minutes, despite receiving a call that our room was ready at 2:32pm for a 3pm check-in, we got the key to the room at 3:03. Granted, it says check-in is 3 on the main booked, so it’s only 3 minutes ‘late’ by the receptions book. I asked if the construction noise at the back of the hotel would be an issue for us during our stay, knowing that I’d booked a Palm view room at the front of the hotel so didn’t expect it to, but wanted to make sure. The receptionist informed me that we had been ‘upgraded’ so the noise wouldn’t be an issue. She handed us the keycard and pointed in the direction of the lift lobby. We took ourselves up to the room and arrived in the same layout and type of room that I had originally booked, no idea what had been ‘upgraded’ about our stay. Bags took about 20 minutes to reach the room. Given that the hotel had requested both of our IDs, they would have seen that we were staying for my husbands birthday which was on day 2 of our stay. I thought maybe the ‘upgrade’ might have been for this. Instead, the room itself could do with a makeover, or ‘upgrade’ itself. It smelt damp when we walked in and looked tired. Cracks in the paint, scuffs on the walls, blocked basin sink and a shower that drips for far too long after you’ve finished using it. The balcony is also interesting, only half of it is useable, the other half is blocked off by a glass screen and has no floor, so you can see perfectly into the balcony on the floor below, you could even throw down a beach ball to them if the needed, the hole is literally half of the balcony size.

Anyway, we’ve checked in to a retreat, we’re looking forward to peace and tranquility for a nice birthday weekend…interrupted shortly into our stay by the couple in the room next door to us speaking loudly to one another. My hope of soundproof walls and oxygen enhanced rooms were gone. This was a hotel stay, not a retreat. The echos from the pool also made it feel like the kids were in a pool on our balcony, rather than 4 levels below, but best they weren’t on the balcony, with that huge hole!

It was a nice touch that the beach towels were warm when we collected them, but the fact we had to scour the beach to find the remaining 2 sun loungers wasn’t ideal, maybe the Iftar pop-up on the beach was taking up space that’s usually filled with sun loungers, but you would expect the sun loungers would be moved further down the beach, not removed completely. Space on the beach was tight, no privacy space between beds, just all lined up. We headed up to the room to shower and change, when we turned the lights on in the room we discovered handprints on the wallpaper and further marks and scuffs. We weren’t sleeping on the wallpaper so we decided to ignore and not raise to the hotel, we’d already unpacked and the thought of being ‘downgraded’ didn’t seem too interesting.

Breakfast was ok, a good enough selection. We had hopes of securing a lounger by having a early breakfast, but despite signs saying that loungers couldn’t be reserved, there were sun glasses and sun lotion dotted around almost every bed to reserve them for later. No point having the sign if you don’t enforce the rule.

The rest of the stay was just ‘ok’ we didn’t use the spa as it was very overpriced and we didn’t order room service. We also left the DND light on and came back to a sign hanging on the door that they were unable to clean our room, which was fine as we didn’t want to be disturbed.

I think this hotel is definitely clutching at the word ‘retreat’ it doesn’t seem to offer anything retreat like apart from the fact it’s dry, sells juices at the pool bar rather than cocktails and has an overpriced spa. We won’t be coming back, we were not made to feel special, the rooms are tired and I feel like it could offer...

Hotel was disappointing it’s definitely not a 5 star as rated especially for a hotel on the palm in Dubai.Food was basic and took ages to come and often arrived cold.Breakfast was like a cattle farm not enough seats for the amount of rooms and if you were lucky enough to order drinks with waiter they took ages to arrive for example I ordered a vanilla ice coffee it arrived 20 minutes later after I’d finished my breakfast with no ice no vanilla syrup and no straw for a 5 star this is not acceptable.We got our pool towels one morning and were followed by a staff member and had them taken off us and told we had to pay to rent them even though we hadn’t every other morning and no one else was told this.The cleaner was in and out are room all day knocking first at 8am back in at 2 and then was in our room again at 10pm when we were going to bed this is unnecessary why do staff access your room so often.Shower cubicle was leaking on the bathroom floor when shower was on and the bath had dirt and dust in it.The bedside light was broken so it was bright on a nighttime as there was no switch.People next to us at breakfast waited 45 minutes for there eggs and then it arrived cold.The room wasn’t facing the beach but a building site was noisy from 6am until late at night so difficult to sleep and couldn’t sit on balcony.The Turkish restaurant was nice and service was better but very quiet and no atmosphere.No alcohol served either this is fine but something to be aware of before you go.It was difficult getting a bed around the pool on a morning my partner got up at 6am and they were all taken a few couples had 6 beds to themselves around the pool to move for the sun lifeguards didn’t do anything about this like other hotels who remove towels if beds are empty all day.Only one shower around the pool as other was broken the whole time we were there.It was stated no smoking but several guests were and weren’t asked to stop by staff.Staff seemed like they did not care and weren’t interested in helping or making sure you were enjoying your holiday and had everything you needed.We were sat at the bar it was empty and they stood and had a chat for 10 minutes before taking our order.The all inclusive wristbands don’t last 2 minutes before there hanging off we had to keep changing ours.No atmosphere in the hotel no music in reception or seating areas.Apart from this it was a nice trip with a amazing view from the beach but definitely wouldn’t recommend or return to this hotel you could definitely find better value for your money elsewhere on the palm or...

Theorem: We recently visited this retreat for our first family getaway, and it caught my eye as a perfect escape. Although the hotel's exterior didn't exactly scream 'retreat' stepping inside was like entering a different world. The atmosphere transformed completely and we were enveloped in a sense of tranquility. Room configuration with the kids was a bit of a challenge. The hotel was at full capacity, and we couldn't get the room we initially booked. But after some time, the staff kindly upgraded one of our rooms A huge shoutout to Timothy, who was incredibly helpful throughout our stay. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a smooth experience. -The overall vibe of this place was truly spectacular. The views were unparalleled, and every detail seemed carefully curated to create a retreat like atmosphere Special mention goes to Nikita, who went out of her way to accommodate my dietary requirements. Her kindness and attention to detail didn't go unnoticed.

Truism: We were warmly welcomed with a thoughtful gift to kick-start our retreat, setting the tone for a wonderful stay. Our rooms were spacious and open-plan (in some of the specific rooms) providing a comfortable and airy feel. The retreat offered a wide range of activities, some complimentary and others at a fee, ensuring there was something for everyone. Appreciated the separate ladies gym, which added to the overall sense of relaxation and tranquility. The attention to detail throughout the retreat was impressive, showcasing a genuine care for guests experiences. A special mention goes to Ajai from housekeeping, who was pleasant and helpful in attending to our needs The beach water sports are overpriced Overall, facilities/beach/pools gets a thumbs up. We had a great time and appreciated the thoughtful touches that made our stay special

Adage: The room was lovely, cleaned well and the special treats left were always welcomed. Enjoyed my walks on the beach and chill out at the pool area.

Aphorism: This hotel was one of my favourite, the club lounge was tops and the beach was private and beautiful.

Maxim: Kids club was way too small but the pool area was a lot of fun. The games on the beach was great and we would play all night.

Axiom: The kids pool was shaded and the slides kept me entertained most of the day- beach had so many crabs and starfish

... And that's our 6...