The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm — Hotel in Dubai

Nothing but great service at The St. Regis on the Palm. This property was so welcoming, clean, and a wonderful getaway from the bustling dubai streets.

Our check-in process was easy and straightforward. We were welcomed by Hajar at the front desk who made arrival very easy. She explained everything there was to know about the property, and told us about on site amenities and dining. While we were waiting for our room to be ready, (We arrived early), they provided us with some amazing cappuccinos in the hotel lobby. They were great! Our bags were brought up to the room by Prakash who was very professional, and handled our bags with care. He made sure we were comfortable in the room and wished us a pleasant stay.

Down at the fitness center and spa, we met Grace. She was beyond kind and showed us such an amazing welcome. She explained the current spa offerings, and even arranged a quick tour of the fitness center and facilities for us. The gym had the perfect amount of equipment for us to use on site, and gave us a way to keep our routine going - even at the hotel. All equipment was new, clean and in great condition. There was plenty of water and towels for all guests as well.

That afternoon we went to the pool where we were helped by Krishna. He took great care of us and provided a true St. Regis experience. From towels, to drinks - Krishna was always available to help. The food and drinks at the pool were delicious, and moderately priced. The water temperature was fantastic in both pools. The entrances were not easy to find or access from the elevators, but once you’re there it’s great. The adults-only pool has all of the afternoon sun which is also great.

Dinner at Cordelia was ok. It was a buffet style experience that the hotel had set up for the Christmas season. Around 400 AED per person (including free-flow drinks). The restaurant was empty, with only one other table having guests. It’s a massive space, with tons of seating. The atmosphere felt a bit lacking, and awkward with about 15 staff and only 3-4 customers. Gael was our server and did a great job. He gave us great conversation throughout and was very kind. Our first wine was obviously spoiled, and tasted like vinegar. Gael was quick to replace it and provide us with a new glass. The same restaurant was used for breakfast, and had many guests. While I am ok with the buffet experience during Covid-19, the staff were not enforcing mask requirements at the buffet. I believe it would be acceptable for the hotel to offer a simple a la carte menu instead, or allow guests to use their included breakfast in the room if desired (or a small surcharge)

We visited the St. Regis bar for the nightly champagne sabering. When we entered, there were no other guests, no music on (or very quiet), and only one staff member. It felt so weird walking in with no real welcome, and again - awkward. We sat down in a back booth, but again being the only guests in a massive bar made it feel stale. We decided to leave and grab a drink somewhere else. The butler service was a wonderful addition, and we had a butler bring us coffee in the room once we woke up. The coffee was ok, obviously out of a machine. This was a slight letdown after the AMAZING coffee we had in the hotel lobby the prior afternoon.

Our suite was in great condition, and beautifully clean. We felt so comfortable in the room and really enjoyed it. We had a slight issue without bathtub which was leaking water throughout the floor and made it slippery. Staff were quick to come fix it, and that was appreciated.

Small issue: At check-in, I was told that with my Marriott Convoy Platinum status that I would not need to choose between the breakfast or welcome points.I was told that since breakfast was included with the “Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Package”, that my 1,000 points would be automatically credited to my account. Overall, a great experience and I highly suggest this property...

Utterly disappointed in my 5 night stay. This was my first stay and the palm and with the St. Regis brand. I expected a pleasant stay; however it morphed quickly into a mini nightmare. (In full disclosure - I have lifetime Titanium Elite Member status with Marriott Bonvoy. I also have high expectations of brands which charge at the rate St. Regis does).

Upon my arrival, I was attended by Miss Nishita. She thanked me for my loyalty to Marriott and exchanged pleasantries. Normally, due to my status, usually I am offer an upgraded room. I requested one in advance as I was traveling with my family. I was sent to my room, without a bellhop, and given a closet. The room was literally so small that I opted to cancel my reservation (we are a family of 3, and there was no room for the roll away bed). However, when attempting to secure another reservation at a different Bonvoy property, the Manager pleaded me to stay and offered a suite. He also offered the excuse that the suite was not ready and Ms. Nishita only offered me the small room so as to “freshen up” while the suite was being prepared (this was absolutely not true). Given we were tired from the flight, we decided to give St. Regis the benefit of the doubt.

We were sent to suite 1816, which has a wonderful view of the Palm. However, unbeknownst to us, during the remainder of our stay, there was NON STOP construction being performed above our room. There was incessant banging noise from power tools, heavy items being pulled across the floor, loud talking, etc. The wonderful view does not compensate for the lack of sleep we suffered. The breakfast was ok, but somewhat sterile. There is no club lounge for elite Bonvoy members, no drink discounts…….NOTHING! While everyone raves about the St. Regis butler service, we never received this perk. To be fair, I must say the room was cleaned very well. The suit was spacious; however, I would have went stir crazy in the first room (I’ve seen prison cells larger than the room that was offered). For the life of me I can’t imagine paying up to 500 USD per night for the first room as value for money. What upset me most was how the hotel tried to play off the mistakes made at the arrival. There was never any intent to move us into a suite. Looking back, we should have went to another Marriott property located near the JBR or Downtown. There is more to do in those areas as the AlNakeel Mall is very limited in diversity of restaurants. Overall, not impressed with the service given the cost or treatment given to elite...

On our way back to DXB airport, I had to start my review to express our thanks and share highlights of what made our stay at St Regis, the Palm, truly a First Class experience.

[For context, my wife and I have traveled extensively around the world throughout EMEA and APAC with a few trips now to Dubai having stayed at the REN downtown (now a turned St Regis) and Ritz JBR.]

PROS: SERVICE: Each and every interaction was enjoyable, positive, and/or helpful. It started actually back at home with pre-arrival support from Concierge with arranging airport transportation and sending their tourist and dining recommendations. Once checked in, butler and housekeeping service provided us a comfortable and enjoyable stay with even surprising us with a thoughtful Anniversary welcome gift and decoration, and last the Bell service team was always attentive and prompt with any transportation, direction, or luggage needs. ROOM: Immaculate and luxurious suites with great views (we had both Atlantis and Burj Al Arab) AMENITY: Two pools with different views. Suite came with a spacious tub w ability to view out or watch TV Lobby Cafe has great drinks pairing perfectly with gorgeous and delicious desserts MISC Vacation Experience: Great afternoon tea options available that can be served poolside, DJ & bar on adult only pool side (& fact that there is an adult only pool side), great on-site dining with great ambience, St Regis Evening Ritual with sabrage, and more.

CON: LOCATION: The Palm is central to most of Dubai offering stunning views of the Marina, downtown and the Palm itself; however, there are somethings left wanting for walkablility. The property has direct access to the Nakheel mall for convenience which expands the food, entertainment, and retail options but it is not as grand or exciting as Dubai mall or Mall of Emirates as a tourist attraction. Also, a big element missing compared other neighboring hotels is the SR's lack of beach access. VIEWS: Although able to get great view facing Downtown or the Marina, the major setback is height. The St Regis is only occupying the first 18 floors of the Palm Tower which may limit views due surrounds buildings.

OVERALL: We were impressed with the level of attention to detail, professionalism, and warm hospitality embodied by every staff we encountered at St. Regis, the Palm. Thanks again having a hand in making our holiday in...