Atlantis, The Palm

Our 5th visit to Atlantis with the family, we came back a week ago and are looking forward to another visit next year. We stayed in room 3463 looked after by Saikat, he looked after us really well and nothing was to much trouble for him, lots of little touches in the room which made the stay more comfortable, and very often came back to beautifully crafted animals out of towels. The Atlantis has certainly got a hardworking young man who along with all the rest of the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. This year we did snorkelling in the Ambassador lagoon and a flight in the Dubai balloon all of which I would recommend. Read less

Where should I even begin? Maybe with the fact that this was our ninth stay at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai in the last decade. That includes visits by my mother, my sister and nephew, and of course, my own family—my husband, our two children, and myself. When it comes to choosing a hotel in Dubai, nothing compares to Atlantis for us. Now, before anyone says, “That’s just for the rich or the lucky,” let me say this: you’re not entirely wrong—we are lucky. But luck doesn’t just fall from the sky. It’s the result of countless hours of hard work, sleepless nights, and dedication. So when we treat ourselves to this kind of experience, it’s not just about indulgence—it’s about celebrating the effort behind it. I’m not here to justify the price. I’m here to share why every pound spent at Atlantis is truly worth it—not only for the emotions it stirs but also from a practical point of view. Think of this as a cost-benefit reflection, especially from someone who has stayed in both standard rooms and the Imperial Club, which offers exclusive lounge access, a private beach, and several extra perks. Breakfast: A Culinary Journey The breakfast buffet is truly exceptional. With stations catering to every taste—Arabic, vegetarian (including detox juices), European, Asian (Indian, Chinese, Japanese), and more—there’s something for everyone. The bakery section could easily rival some of the finest in France—and I say that as someone who knows and appreciates a good pastry. Juices, cereals, cheeses, pastries—the variety and quality are outstanding. Even though we’re not big eaters, if you were to have a similar breakfast outside the hotel, it would easily cost £30 per person. For a family of four, that’s £120—just for breakfast. The Room: Rest and Comfort Redefined A good night’s sleep is priceless, and the rooms at Atlantis are designed to ensure just that. The mattresses are top-quality, the bedsheets are linen made, and the pillows—especially the German brand ones—so good that I plan to buy the same for home. The slippers are soft and plush, far superior to the thin, see-through ones many hotels offer. The amenities are thoughtful and refined: a high-quality hairdryer, wooden hairbrushes and toothbrushes, Aqua di Parma toiletries in suites, and even prayer mats for Muslim guests. Housekeeping is impeccable. Every time we left the room, we returned to a spotless space—beds are made, towels replaced, amenities refilled, everything neat and fresh. Bottled water, Nespresso pods, and a variety of teas are restocked daily—and generously, not sparingly. Special thanks to Ushanna from housekeeping—his service was as exceptional as everything else in this hotel. Even the smallest touches are carefully considered: velcro cable ties that match your charger color, sunglasses cloths, seahorse-shaped cable clips, and towel animals for the kids. One morning, I found a bookmarks in our books that said, “Make the next chapter extraordinary.” It was a simple gesture that touched our hearts. Pools & Water Adventures The pools are pristine and cater to all age groups. Lifeguards are highly professional and attentive. Guests can enjoy complimentary ice lollies in flavors like mango, watermelon, and strawberry, and you can also order meals from the poolside menu. Staying at Atlantis gives you free access to Aquaventure Waterpark, where buggies run constantly to and from the hotel during working hours. Entry normally costs around £70 per person—that’s £280 daily for a family of four. Plus, you get complimentary entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which alone is about £30 per person. The water activities are endless—snorkeling, diving, and more—with options for every interest and age. Guests who book Imperial Club rooms can also enjoy drinks on a private beach exclusive to club members. Imperial Club Lounge: A Private Retreat The Imperial Club Lounge is like a peaceful sanctuary within the hotel. It offers daily breakfast, light lunch, evening canapés, soft drinks, coffee, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We personally enjoyed the mocktails, while other can appreciated the Moët and wine selection during happy hour. If you were to pay separately for food and drinks for a family of four—especially for lunch and dinner—you’d easily spend around £200 per day. All of this is included when you book an Imperial Club room. For the Kids: Pure Joy Atlantis is a paradise for children. The Explorer’s Club for ages 4–12 runs several four-hour activity sessions daily, offering things like basketball, cooking classes, painting, fish feeding, falconry, and more. You can leave your child for as little as 30 minutes or the full four hours, knowing they’re in safe hands. The security is excellent, and staff will contact you immediately if needed. Image, how much would it cost you to hire a private nanny to look after your kid should you decide to dedicate some hours for yourself. Gym, Spa & Shopping The gym is modern, spotless, and well-equipped. While your kids are at the club, you can easily sneak in a workout, unwind at the spa, or shop. The resort has it all—souvenir shops, pharmacies, luxury boutiques, and even Michelin-starred restaurants. Is It Worth It? Without a Doubt. When you tally up the cost of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, access to the waterpark and aquarium, and the level of service and comfort provided—you’re easily getting over £800 worth of value per day, before even counting your room price. Some say, “Atlantis is expensive.” But if you value quality time, comfort, and extraordinary experiences, you’ll find that every pound spent here has a purpose. Plus, you can always book your room on Atlantis website; by registering you are getting 10% discount. If you subscribe to offers and promotions, you can definitely get a good deal. And if you’ve never tried it—at least once in your life, you should. It’s not just a hotel stay—it’s a memory that becomes part of your family’s story. The suite experience is truly extraordinary, but that’s a chapter for another day. P.S. I’m not a blogger, and this isn’t a sponsored review, just our family’s sincere perspective on a stay that felt truly special. Read less