Rixos the Palm, Dubai: My Honest, In-Depth Review

• Check-in starts at 3 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. The process was efficient and smooth. As soon as I exited my Uber, the staff promptly took my luggage to my room and provided me with a ticket to track it.
• When I arrived, the entrance and lobby didn't really have an outstandingly luxurious feel.

• I was unable to check in early, so I had to wait in the lobby. However, I was pleasantly surprised with a complimentary room upgrade.

• My first impression of the room is that there is nothing wrong with it, but it's not outstandingly good either.

• It's spacious and bright, the bed is large and comfortable, there are two cozy armchairs, and a sofa with a table. There's also a pretty good balcony, though unfortunately the view isn't spectacular. But to be honest, I wasn't blown away.

Food and Drinks Station

• Each room features a complimentary drink and snack station with a Nespresso machine, coffee capsules, tea, instant coffee and bottled water.

• The first drawer contains a selection of cups and glasses alongside the tea and coffee.

• The minibar contents were available for an additional charge, but the selection was extremely sparse and simple.

The Wardrobe

• The wardrobe contains hangers, bathrobes, an iron, an ironing board, and slippers.

• A safe, prayingm at and Quran is also available in the room.

The Bed

• While the king-size bed was quite spacious and comfortable, the pillows were a little too firm for my liking.

• On the "bed wall", you can find a smart panel, electrical outlets, and a light switch.

• The room features a comfortable sofa with a glass table, but there is no separate work desk.

• There are also two armchairs and a small coffee table in the room.

• The balcony also had two comfortable chairs and a small table. Unfortunately, palm trees partially obstructed the view, and I wish I had asked for a different room. While the trees are not an issue on the upper floors, the building is only five stories tall, so a truly high vantage point with a cityscape view isn't possible.

• The area directly below my balcony was primarily active in the evenings, with booth seating surrounded by water.

• My only complaint about the bathroom is that, contrary to the pictures, there was no door next to the bathtub that opened into the living room.
• Otherwise, it was fully equipped, providing towels, a hairdryer, bathrobes, shampoo, shower gel, and a vanity kit. For convenience, it was also equipped with a shower, a bathtub, and a bidet.

• Enjoy perfect water pressure and a consistent temperature with no sudden fluctuations. And, as expected from a five-star standard, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are all provided.

• The bathroom also includes a standard toilet and bidet.

• The vanity kit i ncludes cotton pads, cotton buds, a bamboo comb, a dental kit, mouthwash, an emery board, and bubble bath gel.

• The bathroom is equipped with a bathtub and all the essentials, including shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner, though these are located in the shower rather than by the tub.
• The bathtub itself was quite spacious, with the faucet positioned to allow you to fully stretch out and relax.

Rooms

• Deluxe Room
  • Also available with a sea view.
• Premium Room
  • Also available with a sea view.
• Wellness Room
  • Comes with pool access and a plunge pool.

Suites

• Junior Suite
  • Also available with a sea view.
• Senior Suite
  • Also available with a sea view.
• Two Bedroom Senior Suite
• King Suite
  • Has a panoramic sea view.
• Executive Grand King Suite Penthouse
• Two Bedroom Family Suite
• Three Bedroom Family Suite
• Four Bedroom Penthouse Suite
• Four Bedroom Suite with Private Pool
• Five Bedroom Suite with Private Pool

• The breakfast was satisfactory overall, but it certainly wasn't exceptional. It didn't come close to the standard set by the Atlantis, which is the benchmark for hotels on Palm Jumeirah. As for the staff, while they performed their duties, they were not particularly friendly or energetic. The breakfast selection leaned heavily towards Russian cuisine.

• The buffet breakfast is served at the A La Turca restaurant between 7:00am and 11:00am.

• Starting off, the selection includes a classic pastry section with items like croissants, pretzels and doughnuts.

• And even more pastry goods.

• Next, there was a quite varied bread section.

• Next, you can find a section with Russian-style pickles.

• I also have to mention the honeycomb, which I found to be a rather unique offering.

• Following that was a section with cured meats, salamis, and cold cuts.

• Naturally, there was also a section with various hot dishes.

• Next, we have a classic fruit section.

• Next, there was a classic breakfast section offering yogurts.

• The classic eggs and bacon section was also available.

• Following that was a section dedicated to dried fruits, nuts, and olives, each in their own separate box.

• Next, you can find a classic muesli and cereal section.

• Next, there was a vast selection of jams and compotes.

• Next, there was a classic section with fresh vegetables.

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• Lunch was similar to breakfast, offering a large selection with okay flavors / quality. However, there was ultimately nothing that truly stood out.

• Guests certainly won't find a shortage of desserts, which are beautifully presented. However, while the flavors are mostly good, they are not exceptional.

• They most certainly have a huge selection of desserts.

• Full already? Have another slice.

• You can also try a wide variety of cheeses here, as one might expect.

• The pickle selection for dinner was nearly identical to what was available at breakfast.

• The situation was better with the hot dishes department.

• Continuing with the main hot dishes.

• Next, there's a classic (I'm not even sure) section. Sorry.

• The next section is dedicated to steamed dishes.

• Next, there was a fresh salad section.

• Finally, even more mains.

Lobby

• The hotel lobby is the most significant part of the indoor space, as there isn't much else to do or see inside.
• My only complaint, and I apologize for repeating this, is that for the same price, I could have stayed at the Royal Atlantis. The lobby, in my opinion, simply did not deliver the ultra-luxury quality that one would expect at this price point.

• Upon entry, you step into a vast area featuring seating, a few shops from less-familiar brands, and the concierge.

• Go down the stairs to the left of the entrance to reach the outdoor area or the A la Turca buffet restaurant, which serves both breakfast and dinner.

• There are one or two luxury brand shops in the lobby, but they are not from well-known brands.

• A small cafe is also available, offering complimentary snacks and drinks.

• There is not much to see in this corridor other than a few seating areas. It serves as the pathway from the lobby to the otherwise excellent gym.

• First, take a quick detour to a secluded open-air area. Here, you'll find cabanas with privacy curtains, nestled within a water feature and complete with armchairs for casual relaxation.

• Leaving the main building, you step out into the hotel's vast outdoor area.

• Immediately to the left is the open-air section of the A La Turca buffet restaurant, complete with tables for dining.

• To the left, you can reserve semi-covered luxurious poolside beds,

• Next, you will arrive at the large central pool area, where you'll find the Bodrum restaurant. It is important to note that this eatery primarily offers drinks and beach-friendly snacks rather than full meals.

• The pool area is very child- and family-friendly, so you should not expect much quiet here.

• The rows of sunbeds at the pool felt a bit too crowded and were placed too closely together for my liking.

• There is a covered outdoor area where fitness classes are held for guests.

• There is also a very interesting gym section filled with wooden hand weights.

• Continuing on, you will reach a quieter beach section and a bay where a luxury yacht is docked which can be rented.

• Water sports enthusiasts have several options available, such as jetskiing, water skiing, banana boating, and more.

• This map provides a general overview of the hotel from a bird's-eye view.

• Continuing on, you will find a restaurant with outdoor seating and a stage, which likely hosts various shows.

• A beach area is classically packed with sunbeds, and there is a designated swimming area in the sea.

• More beach!

• You can also rent unique, wooden boat & sunbed combos, which would likely impress children.

• There is also a large grassy area where guests were playing soccer.

• Next, there is a lap pool for guests who wish to do some serious swimming.

• There is a dedicated, high-quality play area for children, which is both separate and supervised. It features a mini merry-go-round, and sunbeds are also available for adults who want to relax while keeping an eye on their children.

• There is also another part of the play area that is just like a small playground, complete with a sandpit and climbing structures.

• You'll also find a slide.

• A second pool area is located at the back of the hotel.

• Additionally, you will find a small jacuzzi pool here.

• The first pool also features a very shallow, child-friendly section.

Gym

• I was pleasantly surprised to find that the gym at the Rixos is exceptionally well-equipped. It is open from 7 AM to 9 PM.

• The gym is quite well-equipped. The Technogym machines are new and high-quality. While the room is not huge, you can find the main machines for every muscle group.

• You can find towels and water in the gym, free of charge.

Rixy Kid's Club

• The Rixy Kids Club at Rixos The Palm Dubai is an well-equipped facility that stands out for its wide range of activities and dedicated staff.
• The club provides an incredible variety of activities, from fun, hands-on experiences to unique outdoor adventures. Children can participate in creative pursuits like canvas and bag painting, and engage in dynamic activities like kids fly yoga and even a dragon boat trip.
• The club also offers a diverse program of children’s evening entertainment. The animation team is a huge part of the club's success, with their incredible effort and care in looking after the children.
• The staff's personalized attention, such as a team member taking the time to get to know a child so well, is a common experience, and it is a testament to the club's appeal that children often struggle to leave.

Spa

• The Anjana Spa at Rixos The Palm Dubai is a Turkish-inspired spa known for its focus on traditional Hammam rituals. It provides a luxurious and serene escape, offering a wide array of treatments from authentic Turkish experiences to various massages, facials, and body therapies.
• The spa is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring a classic Hammam, saunas, a steam room, and an ice fountain. Guests can indulge in signature treatments like the Anjana Hammam and Sultan Ceremony, which involve traditional techniques such as foam massages and body scrubs. The spa also offers a range of international therapies, including Swedish, Balinese, and deep tissue massages, and uses high-quality products from brands like Vagheggi and Hydropeptide. It operates from 9 AM to 9 PM and is an adults-only space, welcoming guests aged 16 and above.

From the luggage handler to the concierge, the staff was kind and efficient, and they fulfilled all my needs. An early check-in was not possible, so I had to wait, but I understand that this depends on room availability and I didn't give prior notice. A kind hotel employee even accompanied me to my room with my luggage.

However, the staff at the main buffet restaurant was less perfect. While they did their jobs, they were not particularly cheerful or energetic. Elsewhere, I had no issues with the staff, including those in other restaurants, security, and the gym receptionist.

Overall, there was a sense of weariness among the staff. They were not as consistently kind and professional as the staff at the benchmark hotel, the Atlantis. 3.5 out of 5.