We always like to make Eid feel special, even if we aren’t able to travel outside of the country. This time, since the break was so short, we decided to stay local and booked a room at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah. Eid in Dubai is usually hectic and we definitely did not want to be in the middle of bumper-to-bumper traffic, so we chose this hotel because it’s more of a resort thats all the way on the edge of the Palm (which means once you get there, there is no traffic!).

Let me start by saying that we’ve stayed at loads of great hotels, both within in the UAE and abroad. I nitpick a lot of things when it comes to hotels. I used to even do professional hotel reviews for magazines back when I was working. This hotel is by far one of the best hotels we’ve ever been to. Screw 5 stars, this place is even better than what Burj Al Arab claims itself to be– if there’s a hotel that deserves 7 stars in Dubai, Waldorf Astoria is definitely a contender.

Our check-in was swift and easy, as was all of the other service and staff-related occurrences that we had during 3-day stay. Our room was beautiful and tended to very well. You can really see that the hotel is very new because the room still looked perfectly in tact — absolutely no wear and tear. We stayed in a Superior King Partial Sea View room, and it was very spacious! Along with the main area that includes the bed/couch+coffee table/work desk area, there’s another desk in the walkway as well. Yes yes, that’s my husband in the mirror reflection slaving away for me as my photographer.

There is also a very generous walk-in closet that could have easily accommodated our clothes comfortably even if we had chosen to stay a week. Along with that, there is a 3-part bathroom, and the bathtub even has a TV! Super luxurious, I must say. Unfortunately I barely have time to pee in peace without a toddler trying to harass me, so I didn’t get a chance to use the bathtub or that TV. Better luck next time, I guess.

The room also has a wonderful balcony with comfortable seats. The only con I have about our room is that we didn’t have the best of views and it might be partially our fault, since we got there so late in the day on the first day of Eid. We had a view facing the cooling facility, but had partial views of the Palm as well as a partial view of the sea. Had we been one floor higher, it wouldn’t have mattered, but unfortunately we were on the last floor that was blocked by the what I believe is the Palm District Cooling building. No it’s not the best view, but I was on the balcony for a total of 2 minutes the whole time we stayed there, so it didn’t affect me. However, I would highly suggest that you request a room that doesn’t face that direction, especially if your going to be visiting in the coming winter months when the weather is balcony-freindly.

The breakfast is a gorgeous spread, and both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even our 1 year old Khalifa loved it. Oh by the way, they have Stokke baby chairs at their dining areas, so you can really see that they put thought into small things like that. The breakfast buffet has such a huge variety of breakfast options available. It doesn’t, however, go beyond the Western and Arab options and into Asian or other exotic flavors, like most 5 star hotels do. Still an amazing spread nonetheless. Here’s what we typically indulged on:

One of the things I love most about this hotel is that they really think about every possible way that they can keep you happy. From the Salvatore Ferragamo amenities, to the amazing array of pools, jacuzzis and saunas, they really have it all covered. They even have a huge family-friendly pool and a small toddler/kiddie pool which is kept in a separate area from the 16+ pool. We really enjoyed our time at the family friendly pool and the beach right in front of it.

Would we coming back here? Yes, a hundred million percent, yes! If your vacationing in Dubai, this should definitely be on one of your must-stay hotels. It is Dubai at it’s best. If you live in Dubai and need a get away, this is your spot! It feels like a world away from the hectic city life, but only a 10 minute drive down the palm right back to where ever you need to be.

The price for one night is around 1700 Dhs (September 2015). 

Ratings (0-5): 

• Location: 5
• Hotel Ambience: 5
• Staff (Friendliness and Helpfulness): 5 
• Rooms: 5
• Amenities: 5
• Housekeeping: 5
• Value for money: 5

Overall Rating: 5

To book at Waldorf Palm Jumierah, call +971 4 818 2222.