DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Lovely hotel, very friendly staff very clean and well maintained. Food for was good for meat eaters, not so good for Vegetarian who do not eat eggs as food labels were hit and miss. No dessert caterer for such Vegetarian . Nothing to do in the evening as no entertainment in the evening and also the resort is excluded from main dubai therefore not much to do in the evening. Hotel itself excellent. Ideal for anyone who just wants to relax in one location. Read less

So honestly this place would have got a 3* if it wasn’t for the staff! The staff all of them were very friendly and I would put out there always happy to go the extra mile! The kids loved the hotel and the best time however it was just a bit underwhelming from other hotels we have visited! From the start had a poor check in mix up with the rooms, never knew at the time of booking different colour of bands! Premium All inclusive and standard. If it wasn’t for the bar man Saroj I wouldn’t have known any different! He took his time and explained the differences and timings. Which I was so appreciative of! Took the kids to the Anchor bar expecting to get a seat and chill with the kids it felt we walked into a youth club and all the young teens getting drunk taking over the place! Not a nice experience to be honest. The entertainment was non existent and the seating area was poor! Everyone has their own opinions and I wouldn’t be put off about trying the hotel, the kids loved it just as adults wasn’t that enjoyable. Location was good. Special mention to Saroj & Tharanga, the kids loved them and they were always happy to help! Beach bar they were at and it did make the stay 5* with the level of service they provided! Read less

We arrived at the hotel at around 2am. Unfortunately, our first impression wasn’t great—there was a heated argument taking place in the lobby between a guest and staff, with other guests joining in. It was unsettling to walk into, and my little boy was so frightened he became unwell shortly after. I was surprised to see this kind of behaviour in the UAE. When we got to our room, things went from bad to worse. The bedding was dirty, and we realised the door had been left open and cats had been inside. Not the welcome we were expecting. I went straight back to reception, where Walid was extremely apologetic and quickly arranged for a room change. The new room was smaller but clean, and we appreciated Abdul, who came in the early hours to set up extra beds for our children. He was so kind and helpful. The deluxe rooms are in need of refurbishment—tired décor, chipped tiles, weak shower pressure—but the bath was a good size. Bedding was comfortable, and the room had the basics (coffee machine, fridge, iron, hairdryer, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries). The air con worked but was noisy, and I suspect not very clean as I developed respiratory issues in the second week that worsened each time I was in the room. Housekeeping came daily but at inconsistent times, which didn’t work well for us as a family. A booking system or time slot option would be much more convenient. Beach & Pool The beach is beautiful—soft white sand, clear sea, and plenty of sunbeds. The pool area, however, was disappointing. Guests “reserved” beds the night before and left them empty for hours, and staff didn’t intervene. This really needs addressing, as it doesn’t reflect a 5-star standard. The poolside area itself is also in need of a deep clean—parasols, sunbeds, and tiles were all dirty, and some hazards (such as pool grates) could cause injury. No drinks service is offered by the pool, so queues at the bar get long. A simple self-service fridge with water and soft drinks would make a big difference. Food & Drink The food was typical all-inclusive: plenty of variety, with lovely salads and bread, but seafood night was a let-down compared to other hotels we’ve visited. The restaurant itself was clean, staff friendly, and hostesses in particular left a great impression. However, some guests’ behaviour (pushing, poor hygiene sticking their fingers in, greediness) really spoiled the dining experience. I am so surprised how other nationalities speak to staff who are serving them - no manners, disrespectful and demeaning. The staff deserve medals for tolerating this behaviour. We preferred the quieter Brasserie for breakfast and lunch, though there was less choice. As we were just all inclusive there were no snacks included despite on the beach selling us otherwise. Entertainment & Bars Entertainment was minimal. The bars didn’t have enough seating, and the Anchor Bar allowed indoor smoking, which made it unpleasant for non-smokers. Other UAE hotels have designated smoking areas, which would be a better approach here. Spa The spa staff were friendly and knowledgeable, but the constant hard-sell approach around the complex was off-putting. A menu in the rooms or WhatsApp promotions would be better. Treatments themselves were very good, but the spa facilities (sauna, steam room) need a deeper clean. Also, robes and slipper as you enter the spa would be a good idea for hygiene and the experience itself. Staff Without a doubt, the staff are this hotel’s greatest strength. From Martin at the beach bar, to Imalka in reception, to the housekeeping, and the very lovely young lady we thought of as Cinderella who worked in the brasserie and wore a beige dress. She was always at work! Always smiling! —everyone we met was polite, hardworking, and welcoming. They are a credit to the hotel and I truly hope they are treated well for their commitment and hard work. Other Guests Sadly, some guests were inconsiderate—loud music until the early hours, door slamming, reserving tables or sunbeds unnecessarily. This really affected the atmosphere for us. Some of the clientele could be considered ‘rough’ from first impressions however I can tell you it was the ones who thought they were above others who were the issue! Entitled and selfish. Overall This was a pleasant break and good value for the price we paid in August, but it definitely does not meet 5-star standards. The hotel feels more like a busy all-inclusive in Spain or the Canaries than a UAE resort. With some key improvements—especially tackling the sunbed issue, deep-cleaning the pool areas, and updating the older rooms—this hotel could deliver a much better experience, particularly with new competition (like the Wynn) on the way. Read less