Every hour that passed on our 16-hour flight from SFO to Dubai, the stakes became higher and higher for Atlantis Dubai to measure up. Not only did it exceed our expectations, but we loved it so much that I’d do that flight again in a heartbeat and not even leave the resort (no offense Dubai!). Oh, by the way, that’s a 16-hour flight with a toddler and a five-year-old, so that’s sayin’ somethin’. We skipped out on some of our Dubai plans because we didn’t want to miss our free happy hour, all day Club access, amazing balcony views, and of course – the water park! Here’s everything you need to know for your best hotel stay ever at Atlantis, Dubai.
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Table of Contents
- The Suite Life for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
- Imperial Club for the Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
- Kids Club for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
- Money-Saving Tips for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
- Toddler and Baby Tips for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
- Safety Tips
- Aquaventure Tips
- The Perfect Vacation for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
The Suite Life for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
Those views!!!
I was stunned when we walked in, and again at night, and again when we woke up the next day. The view never got old. Our terrace suite was on the Royal side of the hotel during our first stay:
When we returned from Abu Dhabi three days later, I was excited that our new room was on the Pointe side of the hotel where the water show takes place. Only come to find out thirty minutes later – the final water show (yes, ever) had taken place four days earlier. Bummer.
Despite the panoramic of the glowing city lights, I preferred our first room. It was much quieter during the day, away from the pool noise. There’s also something incredible about seeing the balloon, the Royal towers, both Burj’s in the distance, and overlooking the shark tank!
We booked a Terrace Club Suite (meaning Imperial Club benefits) and I’m so glad we did! I’m a hotel snob, and I thought the room looked a bit cheesy from the pictures, but our bedroom, bathroom and huge walk-in closet were totally chic and classy in person.
The hotel, suite, restaurants, service, everything – definitely exceeded my expectations and then some! If you want to see for yourself, I can book your trip (at no extra cost) to get you a discounted stay, hotel credits, perks and upgrades as a certified Fora travel advisor. Email me for more info.
The living area was spacious enough for both kids to sleep in, with room for a crib and a rollaway bed at no extra charge. The best part? Well, after the views…our own separate bedroom!!
Imperial Club for the Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
The “club level” truly made our vacation. The room, the service, the gourmet breakfast and happy hour, nearly-all-day snacks, all of which took place in this gorgeous, relaxed setting.
That sure beats the long line of hungry guests anxiously waiting for a table at the crowded, non-club breakfast restaurant.
I can count on one hand the number of date nights out that my husband and I have had in the last five years. So, imagine this… you put on your summer vacay dress, walk down to your table with sunset views, indulge in the best food and drinks for two hours while the kids drink fruity mocktails and zone out on their heaven-sent tablets. It was the closest thing to a date in a while, and we got to do it 14 nights in a row (our Abu Dhabi hotel had the same thing!).
The spread of food was so good that it just turned into a full-on dinner for us. Tandoori chicken, pot stickers, samosas, pastas, I mean, just never-ending, delicious food. And every night was different.
The drinks were even better. “Would you like a glass of champagne while you wait for your cocktail?” Um, sure, why didn’t we think of that?! Brilliant.
The service at the Imperial Club was top of the line from check in to check out. We quickly learned their hand-over-chest sign of respect with every greeting. We always did it in return as we were so gracious for their friendly and outstanding service. They work so hard, always with a smile, despite the heat and long hours.
Some say Dubai lacks culture. But IMO, this is the culture of Dubai – resilient, hard-working individuals who make the city what it is.
Our Club concierge delivered chocolates and a cupcake-making kit as a “welcome back” when we returned from Abu Dhabi after a 3-day Atlantis hiatus. Ahh, we were home again. Or so it felt, anyway!
The kids were psyched for days – two days of cupcake making, plus all the talk about it afterwards. I was just as excited as they were. How cool was that surprise?!
Housekeeping was over the top with their service and tiny little gestures that made you feel welcome. Here’s an example – they organized all of our charging cords with little velcro ties. They also gave us several huge, bottled waters every day, which was more than enough to last us all day at the water park. And of course, the kids got a kick out of these crazy guys…
Our flight leaving Dubai was so early that they weren’t serving breakfast yet. But the Club staff brought our breakfast directly to the room so we could stuff our faces before we checked out. They brought way too much! I wish we could have taken it with us.
Kids Club for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
Included with our suite was unlimited entrance into the aquarium and daily kids club sessions. The club is for ages 4-12 so our youngest couldn’t go, and unfortunately our oldest only got to check it out for a few minutes one day.
It is a bit limited in that they only offer the scheduled activities, and there is not a play area to just run and climb around, which is what our kids love.
However, later I did find the FREE play zone for kids in the arcade of the Atlantis, which is in the Wavehouse.
Our two-year-old wasn’t old enough so she and I got our game on in the arcade while Jameson climbed like crazy in the free play zone. The arcade is more fun when it’s “free” – we used our complimentary $50 in gaming money that was included in our Club level upgrade.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
Speaking of money…
While we got more bang for our buck at the hotel than we would have in the States, we still spent a decent amount on a giant suite, so we wanted to save money where we could elsewhere.
The Imperial Club level rooms cost a bit more, but if you can eat and drink even part of your fair share, then the upgrade more than pays for itself. We saved hundreds by taking full advantage of the Club perks.
It’s actually open for more hours than what is posted on their website. But during the day there are just light snacks like popcorn and chips, in addition to the nearly all-day availability of fruit, cheese, juice, and treats.
Save money on food when the Club isn’t open by packing snacks/food from home. When traveling with toddlers, I find it easier to bring shelf stable boxed milk so there is always some ready to go. We haven’t tried the chocolate milk but that one sounds even better. If you don’t bring milk with you, you can ask the club for a small milk to go. I learned that on one of our last days.
To save on drinks and enjoy our balcony views, we ordered lunch to go from one of three places immediately inside the hotel by the water park entrance. They were all pretty darn tasty. The massive burgers hit the spot, but the shawarma was my fave and the pizza was my husband’s and kids’.
Staying in Abu Dhabi for a few days also saved us money because I found a five-star hotel for cheap! We left the Atlantis for three days and rented a car bound for Abu Dhabi.
Our Atlantis suite included private transportation to and from the airport, and they were kind enough to grant my advance request to drop us and pick us up at our car rental location (instead of the airport), so we got to take full advantage of the included transportation. The driver was so nice, going out of his way both times to make sure we found the rental car station, as it wasn’t easy to find.
Lastly, don’t waste money on bottled water at Aquaventure. Instead, bring a big, insulated collapsible water bottle. You can fill it with the room service bottled water and ice.
After you’ve had your fill of slides and splashing at the water park (included in your stay), do these can’t miss activities in Dubai. There are plenty of free things to do there – stay tuned for that post.
Toddler and Baby Tips for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
Atlantis has it all when it comes to family amenities. Whatever you need (crib, stroller, diaper bin, etc), try to request it in advance. Even our transportation came with safely installed car seats that I requested. That’s a first.
The stroller they provided in our room was much nicer than what we have at home. Don’t get too used to this Miss Elle!
They even give slippers to the little ones. Our daughter was so happy to have matching slippers with mama, until…
Well, our ‘little one’ wasn’t quite “little” enough,
If you go with the separate bedroom, consider bringing a travel night light (our kiddos like this cute color-changing egg) and baby monitor (this is the cheap $35 one that we use at home). Don’t forget to hit the “Do Not Disturb” button by the door during nap time.
Of course, there’s a fridge in the room to store milk and other cold ‘necessities’.
Safety Tips
There are a few things to be aware of if you’re bringing small children:
The bathroom –
They had a blast in the bath, as usual. But it’s not exactly toddler-friendly because of the shape and depth. Place towels all around it, because the tile floor is beyond slippery. I’m surprised one fall and zero injuries was all we had after 10 days. Our little ones loved taking turns with the handheld sprayer (hence, the wet floor), but at least it made it easier to bathe them.
The balcony –
Just your typical railing balcony. Educate the kids of course, pull the furniture away from the railings, and keep the sliding doors locked. But for peace of mind the doors are very heavy and difficult to open. Whew.
The playground –
It’s like third-degree-burn kinda hot with no shade cover. Maybe go late in the day, like after sunset, haha. Morning in May…not fun at all. It didn’t stop them though.
Aquaventure Tips
I have so many tips for the water park that I had to create a separate article. Also, check out my post on family beach essentials so you can start prepping.
The Perfect Vacation for Your Best Hotel Stay Ever at Atlantis, Dubai
After ten days at Atlantis, it was time to say our goodbyes. Noooooo!!!
Water slides and Imperial Club… we will miss you!!!
Contact me to help book your stay at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai. As a certified Fora travel advisor, I can hook you up with free upgrades, perks and discounts, at no extra cost to you (the commission is already built into the price you’re already paying, but the hotels are getting it instead).
Thank you Atlantis, Dubai for the best hotel stay ever. We had the perfect balance of fun and relaxation when we weren’t exploring Dubai, so it actually felt like vacation.
Imagine that…not needing a vacation when you get back from vacation. What?!
