Julie added in September 2013
Loved it, although I just visited for the day rather than staying - lucky Gary! The One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai really is as Gary describes, a tranquil Oasis with a discreet 5 star ambience, luxurious rooms and public areas. Everything is on hand to keep the children happy too.
This is a hotel where you could give your children a fab holiday to remember, but without compromising your own ‘perfect’ holiday ideal.
Gary's review from September 2012
See full hotel details or get a quote go >>
See inspection reports for other Dubai hotels go >>
From the moment I arrived at the One&Only Royal Mirage I was overwhelmed by its tranquillity. It is my favourite hotel in Dubai – superb food, excellent service, delightful low rise buildings, the most beautiful gardens, one of the best locations on Jumeirah Beach and very family friendly. I guess though partly it was the escape from the buzz that I love, a true oasis for a luxury family holiday but if the buzz is your reason to be in Dubai then this might not be your best choice!
The Hotel is split into 3 different areas: The Residence, the Palace and the Arabian Court. All are within walking distance and share the same facilities with the lovely sandy beach running along in front of each.
I was staying at the Palace on this occasion but I kept in mind during the hotel inspection which I would prefer for my family holiday. The Residence is the quieter, spa area and therefore least suited to family holidays but there is little difference between the Arabian Court and the Palace, both are perfectly suited to any family. The Arabian Court has a Middle Eastern feel whereas the Palace décor is more contemporary chic. Prices and access to facilities are the same in both. On balance I preferred the Arabian Court as it felt Middle Eastern and after all that was where I was, plus they will guarantee interconnecting rooms here.
My room though at the Palace, a Palace Superior Deluxe Room with a balcony and views over the picture-perfect gardens, was fantastic. Luxuriously appointed throughout, spacious and as a family you can share this with 1 extra bed for a child and 1 baby or toddler in a cot, which would be OK but of course it is only just 1 room.
My room:
My only niggles, WiFi was not free and there were no tea or coffee making facilities in the room.
If your budget would stretch then there are interconnecting rooms perfect for families with 2 or more children over 2 years. The interconnecting rooms had a main lockable front door (shown in picture below) leading into a hallway with then a door to each room off so plenty of room to store your pushchair if required. The other picture is of a typical bathroom.
Of course if you prefer a suite, there is also plenty of space:
The food options were fantastic and as the half board option allows you to eat in any restaurant the choice was good too.There were watersports on the beach and of course the children's club from 4 years or there are paid daytime babysitters to care for younger children which works well in Dubai.
In summary I think it was my favourite as the location is superb yet it is smaller, more spacious, more peaceful and more personable for a luxury family holiday than the other hotels I visited.
For an excellent family trip to Dubai, fill out an enquiry form on the left and our family holiday experts will create the perfect trip for your family..
See full hotel details or get a quote go >>
See inspection reports for other Dubai hotels go >>
