Source: Jumeirah Group
Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel has always been our favorite hotel in Dubai. Belonging to the Jumeirah Group this is naturally a luxury hotel that caters to high-end customers. If you think that celebrities like Beyonce`, Jay-Z and Tom Cruise stayed here, you probably start to get the picture of what you can expect.
Source: Jumeirah Group
TOPOGRAPHY
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If you are new or have never been to Dubai it can be a little daunting to understand the synergy of this part of town, but don't worry, it's often confusing even for some residents, so let's break it down.
On the stretch of road where Jumeirah Beach Road becomes Al Sufouh Road there are four luxury hotels part of the Jumeirah Hotels Group. One is theJumeirah Beach Hotel with the adjacent Wild Wadi Waterpark and perched opposite to the water park like a white diamond against the sapphire blue waters of the Persian Gulf stands the 7 stars iconic hotel Burj Al Arab. |
Continuing South, just after passing the water park you'll find the first entrance to Madinat Jumeirah.
From this entrance you can access the Mina A' Salam Hotel and the Conference Halls where the Dubai International Film Festival is hosted. Madinat Jumeirah is a resort which hosts as mentioned the Mina A' Salam, the Royal Fashion Souk and Al Qasr that's split into the palatial building and the Dar Al Masyaf complex with the very exclusive, and most luxurious accommodations of the resort: the Malakiya Villas. |
AL QASR - THE PALACE
Jumeirah Al Qasr has its driveway entrance and in recent times the hotel has relaxed a little its access control, but it was until not long ago when it was strict that you could only access it if you had reserved a table in one of the restaurants, bars or the hotel itself.
That gave Jumeirah Al Qasr an utmost feel of exclusivity.
Jumeirah Al Qasr is perched on a hill overlooking the resort. Palm trees and horse' statues, decorate the driveway a clear homage to the pride and glory of the region.
That gave Jumeirah Al Qasr an utmost feel of exclusivity.
Jumeirah Al Qasr is perched on a hill overlooking the resort. Palm trees and horse' statues, decorate the driveway a clear homage to the pride and glory of the region.
Checking in wasn't as impressive as the architecture. Rather the opposite. It was one of the worst check-ins we experienced.
 The grand staircase and chandelier in the lobby of Jumeirah Al Qasr
Walking into the lobby you cannot but be in awe of the marvels before you. The choice of marbles and blue tones impresses you with their elegant designs.
Unfortunately, our check-in was not as impressive, in fact, it was disappointing to say the least. We arrived at 10 AM on a Friday morning. If you know anything about Dubai, then you'll know this is a very quiet time. Almost no traffic on the roads and very few people around apart from expats families with young toddlers having breakfast around the city. Even though the room was booked three weeks in advance, and it was part of a special package that included early check-in and late check-out among other things, they had no rooms ready for us. They asked us to wait at the side of the desk, and so we did. For almost an hour! Quite frankly it felt as if they had forgotten about us and as if we were just hanging out there out of choice. Once the guy who originally attended to us stepped away from the desk no one came to see why we were sitting there and if they could do anything to assist. Not one staff. During this time, we were not offered any beverages which again, I found very poor as with most hotels in Dubai you are offered fresh juice or a lemon and mint drink with some dried fruits or nuts almost as soon as you step inside to check in. After waiting almost an hour, the original guy who assisted us, returned and saw us still there, realizing the incident he whispered something to his colleague |
who offered to store our luggage while we could go to kill some time outside because our room was still nowhere to be ready.
We had no choice but accept. Honestly, I wasn't happy about this, because, without our luggage and chance to get changed, we couldn't even be outside enjoying the facilities like the private beach or the pools. This situation may sound like a first world problem, especially as I am writing this from an old Uruguayan colonial house that has cobwebs on the ceiling and nothing in common with the word luxury. The issue in the truth is that Jumeirah Al Qasr is not an old run down establishment and Jumeirah is not a down the street hotel brand, but rather a boutique brand that prides itself in being at the height of luxury and hospitality service. So, with this in mind and also knowing that: A) we booked well in advance B) we were celebrating a special occasion (our wedding anniversary) and the hotel knew it C) a luxury brand like Jumeirah has the "Stay Different" as motto - This kind of delays should not happen at all. And if they do, the hotel should make it up to the guest in some way. That to me would be staying different. We finally entered our Arabian Deluxe King Room at 1 PM, a whole 3 hours after our arrival. If this is acceptable for a 5-star luxury hotel, I'll let you decide. 
The Lobby at Jumeirah Al Qasr
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SETTLING IN AT THE AL QASR ARABIAN DELUXE KING
Al Qasr in Arabic means "palace" and because after all we are in the Middle East, this is going to be an Arabian Palace and more specifically the hotel replicates a Sheikh’s summer residence.
The whole resort of Madinat Jumeirah is in fact inspired by old Arabian architecture. This is a place that although it was built 11 years ago, it will transport you into a sumptuous Arabian experience like those you read of in fairy tales.
The whole resort of Madinat Jumeirah is in fact inspired by old Arabian architecture. This is a place that although it was built 11 years ago, it will transport you into a sumptuous Arabian experience like those you read of in fairy tales.
The Arabian Deluxe King looks and feels just like advertised. A huge comfy bed, with rich bed linen crowns the spacious room . The Arabian design permeates the space.
I must say this is one of the best-designed hotel rooms we ever stayed.
I must say this is one of the best-designed hotel rooms we ever stayed.
The traditionally appointed Arabian Deluxe King room at Jumeirah Al Qasr
The bathroom is another of my favorite parts of this room. It's presented with elegant marble tiling and surfaces in three separate sections.
The main room boast "His and Hers" sinks and a lush bathtub, whilst the WC and shower are inside their own independent enclosures.
Toiletries are of generous quantity and are all provided by luxury brand Amouage.
The main room boast "His and Hers" sinks and a lush bathtub, whilst the WC and shower are inside their own independent enclosures.
Toiletries are of generous quantity and are all provided by luxury brand Amouage.
Traditional Arabic features are found all over your room and bathroom
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Indulge in a luxury bath
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The Arabian Deluxe King also offers a balcony overlooking the waterways and the Burj Al Arab.
We left the room to get some lunch and at our return we found a complimentary bottle of red wine and some roses with a card wishing us a Happy Anniversary.
This is something else that the Jumeirah and other hotels in Dubai do; if you are celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or an anniversary you receive a little something. Whilst I am being grateful for the gift, it would also have been nice if they'd check whether the guests drink wine or not. I would assume this apply especially in a city like Dubai. Sadly, neither of us like red wine so the bottle remained unopened. However, as they say it's the thought that counts, so thank you Jumeirah for that.
We left the room to get some lunch and at our return we found a complimentary bottle of red wine and some roses with a card wishing us a Happy Anniversary.
This is something else that the Jumeirah and other hotels in Dubai do; if you are celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or an anniversary you receive a little something. Whilst I am being grateful for the gift, it would also have been nice if they'd check whether the guests drink wine or not. I would assume this apply especially in a city like Dubai. Sadly, neither of us like red wine so the bottle remained unopened. However, as they say it's the thought that counts, so thank you Jumeirah for that.
A gift to celebrate our wedding anniversary
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Complete with a Happy Anniversary card.
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AL QASR FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Even though it's tempting to lock yourself inside your blissful room, Jumeirah Al Qasr has much more to offer you. For instance, you could book a treatment at Talise Spa. A state of the art facility, Talise Spa offers beauty and grooming services as well as sauna, steam rooms, plunge pools and relaxation areas. In a few words, a true oasis of tranquility.
Relax or revitalize, either way, Talise Spa offer a luxurious experience in a perfect oasis of peace
Alternatively, you can lounge by one of the many pools or by the private beach, where you can also enjoy water sports. The grounds are taken care by attentive staff which will pass around throughout the day with cool water and ice lollies. to keep you hydrated.
If you fancy a little shopping therapy before lunch or dinner, the Souk is only a 5 minues Abra ride or walk away from the hotel main lobby. In the Souk you'll find over 95 selected boutiques.
When it comes to food and beverage outlets, you are simply spoiled for choice. There are over 50 restaurants in the resort with a number of cuisines ranging from Italian, to Chinese and Lebanese, to Arabic and many more. Jumeirah Al Qasr is also famous for hosting some of the most opulent brunches in town as well as fabulous traditional afternoon English and Arabic tea.
If you fancy a little shopping therapy before lunch or dinner, the Souk is only a 5 minues Abra ride or walk away from the hotel main lobby. In the Souk you'll find over 95 selected boutiques.
When it comes to food and beverage outlets, you are simply spoiled for choice. There are over 50 restaurants in the resort with a number of cuisines ranging from Italian, to Chinese and Lebanese, to Arabic and many more. Jumeirah Al Qasr is also famous for hosting some of the most opulent brunches in town as well as fabulous traditional afternoon English and Arabic tea.
Source: Jumeirah Group
A golden Buddha welcomes you to Pai Thai
For our celebration, we reserved a table at one of our favorite restaurants in town, and definitely what we feel is the best Thai restaurant in Dubai.
I'm speaking of course of Pai Thai, a fine dining restaurant that is constantly booked up any day of the week and any time of the year. The reason why this restaurant is so popular, is because as mentioned it serves unbelievably good Thai food. The Tom Kha Gai soup is probably the best one I've ever tasted outside of Thailand and the Massaman Curry is to die for.
Pai Thai can be reached by a 10 minutes walk or with a golf cart or by boat. I recommend the boat as it adds to the experience. There's an outside terrace ideal for al fresco dining and which is very popular despite the hot or cooler temperature. The only times I haven't seen diners on the terrace were during the really hot and steamy summer months, otherwise as soon as the humidity goes down a bit people will always opt for a table on the terrace. Who can blame them. The atmosphere here is super romantic and magical.
I'm speaking of course of Pai Thai, a fine dining restaurant that is constantly booked up any day of the week and any time of the year. The reason why this restaurant is so popular, is because as mentioned it serves unbelievably good Thai food. The Tom Kha Gai soup is probably the best one I've ever tasted outside of Thailand and the Massaman Curry is to die for.
Pai Thai can be reached by a 10 minutes walk or with a golf cart or by boat. I recommend the boat as it adds to the experience. There's an outside terrace ideal for al fresco dining and which is very popular despite the hot or cooler temperature. The only times I haven't seen diners on the terrace were during the really hot and steamy summer months, otherwise as soon as the humidity goes down a bit people will always opt for a table on the terrace. Who can blame them. The atmosphere here is super romantic and magical.
As a guest of Jumeirah Al Qasr and any other Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai you will also get complimentary access to Wild Wady Waterpark. We visited this attraction the following day. The water park is smaller than other UAE parks, however is jam packed with thrilling rides and decent size waves pool, a splash and games area for the little ones, lots of lazy rivers to enjoy the hot sunny weather.
Also due to its central location it's actually our favorite water park in Dubai. Access is very easy: if you are driving, the car park is adjacent to the entrance and if you are going by taxi, the fare won't be high. Of course, if you are staying at any of the nearby Jumeirah Hotels, the staff will be also happy to give you a lift by golf cart.
Also due to its central location it's actually our favorite water park in Dubai. Access is very easy: if you are driving, the car park is adjacent to the entrance and if you are going by taxi, the fare won't be high. Of course, if you are staying at any of the nearby Jumeirah Hotels, the staff will be also happy to give you a lift by golf cart.
SIMPLY DOOZY THOUGHTS
Jumeirah Al Qasr definitely offers a stay filled with luxury and indulgence whether you choose it for a stay-cation or a full blown holiday. It's unfortunate that for us the check-in incident cast a dark cloud on an otherwise wonderful stay.
Rooms at Al Qasr start from $ 408 (USD) a night.
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