Atlantis The Royal, Dubai: My Honest, In-Depth Review

💡 Since both Atlantis hotels are operated by the same company, they share many similarities, including check-in processes, buffet food selection, and the quality of service.

• Check-in starts at 3 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. The process was quick and painless.

• As soon as I exited my Uber, the staff took my luggage to my room and provided me with a ticket to track it.

• Early check-in is available but depends on room availability, especially for Atlantis Unlocked members. If you inform the hotel during booking, you might get lucky.
• I got lucky. I didn't request early check-in, yet I was accommodated by 11 AM.

• Check-out is at 12 PM. If you are a member of Atlantis Unlocked (membership is free), you can request a late checkout. You can leave your luggage in your room, and the staff will bring it down to your car at the entrance, ensuring a true 5-star experience.

• I stayed in the Sky Terrace Suite, which I was upgraded to for free. The suite offers stunning views of the hotel's inner courtyard and the Dubai skyline.
• The suite is exceptionally spacious and features modern luxury amenities such as a walk-in wardrobe, smart toilet, 6 types of pillows, two balconies, a king-sized bed, and a sophisticated aesthetic.
• The Wi-Fi in my room was reliable, and although the door lacked soundproofing, I didn't overhear any noises, as the bedroom is separated by the living room where the door is.

Food and Drinks Station

• Each room is equipped with a well-stocked refreshment station, featuring a Nespresso coffee machine, filtered water, a selection of snacks, and a minibar available for an additional fee.
• The room's refreshment station mirrors that of Atlantis The Palm, albeit with a more refined appearance.

• The minibar selection was superior to what I experienced at Atlantis The Palm, offering a more exclusive range of drinks.

• In the first drawer, you'll find a selection of snacks available for an additional fee. For the price of booking a room here, it would be nice if these snacks and the minibar were included.

• In the bottom drawer, you'll find a selection of glasses, cups, and a bottle opener.

• Following that, there's a kettle along with cups, trays, and spoons for making coffee and tea.

• These smart control panels allow you to adjust the air conditioning, lighting, and curtains in the living room.

Walk-in Wardrobe

• All rooms and suites boast walk-in wardrobes, much to the delight of fashion enthusiasts.

• The wardrobe includes two pairs of slippers and bathrobes, a safe, an iron and ironing board, a flashlight for emergencies, and hangers.

The Bed

• The king beds at Royal Atlantis are incredibly comfortable and spacious, offering a choice of six different pillow types to suit your preferences.

• Options include buckwheat, memory foam, spelt and lavender, cool down, and luxury down pillows, each explained in detail with sample pillows provided.

• The lights, temperature, and curtains in the bedroom can be controlled via these smart panels on the nightstand.

Workdesk

• The room features a marble work desk equipped with a universal power adapter and multiple electrical outlets.

Balcony / View

• The suite features two balconies, each offering a stunning view of the Dubai cityscape, accessible from both the living room and bedroom.

Safe

• As with every hotel, you will find a combination safe

Praying Mat

• Muslim guests will appreciate the inclusion of a luxurious prayer mat in the room.

• The bathroom is pristine and well-equipped with essentials such as towels, bathrobes, shampoo, shower gel, and a vanity kit, ensuring a comfortable stay.

• Included in the vanity kit are cotton pads, cotton buds, a comb, a dental kit, mouthwash, an emery board, and bubble bath gel.

• Additionally, more filtered water and soap are available at the sink.

• The bathtub kit ensures a a soothing soak.

• The main bathroom is equipped with a shower, complete with shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner.

• The luxury experience wouldn't be complete without a smart toilet, featuring a heated seat, various water spray options, and an automatic seat-lifting function.

• The room includes two pairs of plush indoor slippers and two pairs of outdoor slippers.

• The room also includes two bathrobes, two handbags, and laundry bags, with laundry services available for an additional fee.

Second Bathroom (No Bathing)

• In addition to the main bathroom in the bedroom, there's a small bathroom in the living room with only a sink and toilet, but no shower option.

Guestrooms

• Royal Club King Room
• Royal Club Queen Room
• King Room
• Queen Room
• Family King Room

Suites

• Junior Suite
• Family Suite
• King Suite
• Two-Bedroom Suite
• Three-Bedroom Suite
• Palm Villa
• Pool Villa

Penthouses

• Penthouse
• Palm Penthouse
• Panoramic Penthouse

• The breakfast buffet at Atlantis The Royal is called Gastronomy.

• The food selection is exactly same as what they serve over at Atlantis The Palm.

• The Royal's Gastronomy has significantly more space, with a larger restaurant area that feels more sophisticated, which is in line with the ultra-luxury experience of The Royal.

• Without further ado, let the picture speak for themselves.

• I had a half board arrangement, so lunch wasn't included in my stay. I honestly don't think it's necessary, as you can easily last the whole day after a good breakfast from their delicious buffet.
• If you do decide to have lunch, I'd recommend checking the dinner section for restaurant options, as many of them offer lunch menus as well.

• Atlantis The Royal offers a huge range of dinner experiences, from the lavish live-station buffet at Gastronomy to signature fine-dining spots like Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (modern British), Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, La Mar by Gastón Acurio (Peruvian), Estiatorio Milos (Greek seafood), Jaleo by José Andrés (Spanish tapas), and Nobu by the Beach (Japanese-Peruvian).
• For a lively late-night vibe, there’s Ling Ling or Hakkasan, while casual options like Cloud 22 and the Royal Tearoom cater to lighter dining.

• Since I only spent one night here and could only have one dinner, I chose Ariana's Persian Kitchen. I wasn't disappointed.

• I had the pleasure of trying Persian cuisine for the first time, and I was impressed by the rich and diverse flavors.
• The restaurant offered a fantastic selection, with what was in the ballpark of over 10 starters, around 5 main courses, and 3 desserts. Everything I tasted was absolutely delicious, though I couldn't finish it all by myself!
• Beyond the amazing food, the service was truly exceptiona l. I'd rate it an 11 out of 10. The hospitality I experienced was unbelievable.
• I highly recommend trying Persian food if you haven't already!

Lobby

• The Royal Tearoom, located in the lobby area, is the first thing you see. It features a range of exquisite pastries and desserts, refreshments, and a luxury afternoon tea experience with Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Devoille, available for 620 AED.

• The pâtissier at Royal Atlantis is reputed to have traveled the world to source the finest and rarest ingredients, creating delights that must be savored to be believed. I haven't tried them, but they certainly looked appealing.

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Lounges

• As you explore the hotel's interior, you'll find several cozy spots perfect for taking a break and unwinding.

• For those staying in suites, royal club rooms, or penthouses, the Royal Club Lounge provides exclusive access to unlimited alcohol, premium menus, and afternoon tea.

Shops

• As part of my visit to Atlantis The Royal, I ventured into its retail wing, showcasing a collection of the world's most prestigious designer brands and luxury boutiques.

• The lineup is seriously high-end, with names like Dolce & Gabbana x Ounass, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Graff, 100% Capri, avanti, and Level Shoes, along with a selection of other premium labels.

• There are also hairdressers and barbers available for men, and beauty salons for women.

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Garden

• The outdoor areas of Atlantis The Royal are designed with adults in mind, featuring restaurants, pool areas, and a private beach. Families with younger children might prefer Atlantis The Palm, which offers a wide range of entertainment options for kids.

• As you step outside, you'll be welcomed by an outdoor extension of the Royal Tearoom, set amidst a vast pool-fountain area.

• If you continue straight, you'll inevitably reach the Estiatorio Milos Greek restaurant.

Pools

• As you continue to either side from the middle, you'll come across one of two pools with sunbed areas.

• It's perfect for tanning and enjoying peace and quiet, as there are relatively few children around here.

• There are private sunbeds available separately from most of the sunbeds, likely for an extra charge.

• There is an additional, more secluded pool located next to the gym.

Beaches

• Atlantis the Royal offers a private beach with direct sea access, and private cabanas are also available for rent. The beaches and pools at Atlantis The Palm tend to be more adult-friendly, as many families opt for Atlantis The Royal.

• If you are looking for a quieter and more relaxing beach experience, the beach at Atlantis The Royal would be a much better fit than the family-oriented outdoor areas of Atlantis The Palm.

Cloud 22

Atlantis Explorer's Club

• The Atlantis Explorers Club at Atlantis The Palm is a top-tier kids' facility for ages 4–12, featuring ten themed zones like cooking workshops, creative crafts, interactive games, and role-play villages. It blends fun with education through expert-led programs on marine life and conservation.
• For toddlers (0–3), there's a safe, supervised play area. Staffed by multilingual childcare pros trained in pediatric first aid, it ensures a secure and enriching experience. Read more about it here.

• The level of service was consistently outstanding, no matter who I interacted with.
• Across the board, every staff member I encountered—from security and cleaning staff to clerks— was incredibly polite, helpful, and smiling.
• They were always eager to assist with any request and happy to engage in conversation. For instance, during my dinner at Ariana's Kitchen, my waitress was truly one of the most hospitable and gracious individuals I have ever met.