For me, the sign of a good hotel is when on your first full day, you’re already looking at costs for a second visit later on in the year; and that’s exactly what I did on our recent trip to the Amwaj Rotana, Dubai.
Located on ‘The Walk’ on the infamous Jumeirah Beach, as far as location is concerned you could not be in a better spot. However, it’s the staff that make this hotel so special.
As soon as our taxi pulled up into the grand hotel entrance I knew we had picked the perfect family friendly hotel. After a night flight to Dubai from London’s Heathrow with a one-year-old in tow, my husband and I were desperate to get to our hotel, freshen up and soak up some sunshine. As our taxi doors were opened, I breathed a sigh of relieve as a group of lovely, polite and attentive staff, whisked away our suitcases, leaving us time to take in the grand hotel foyer and finally relax! After a quick and efficient check-in, we were shown to our King classic sea view room, which was wonderfully spacious with great storage (this really matters when there is a family of three in one room), and amazing views from the balcony across the sea and Ain Dubai (the world’s biggest Ferris Wheel) – utter bliss!
After a quick change (and not wanting to waste a second) we headed down to the hotel’s pool area, which consisted of one adults pool and one baby pool, each of which were manned by a lifeguard. Since becoming a parent, I’ve really struggled to find good hotels that cater for families with small children without feeling like a crèche and that still have an element of luxury, but the Amwaj Rotana really both. One thing for parents to note, is that most kids pools in Dubai have a canopy over the baby pool, meaning your little tot can splash around all day long if they wish, without you having to lure them in for some shade which is utterly brilliant, and something I know I will make the most of in the future when our little one can swim.
After a lovely few hours enjoying the sunshine we had a quick cocktail at the pool bar before a quick change for dinner. That night, we dined at hotels Italian restaurant ‘Rosso’. We sat outside under the trees which were wrapped in fairy lights, adding a bit of romance to our trip, as the DJ spun some mellow house music in the back ground. The food was brilliant, and the staff super attentive, making sure we were warm enough and had everything we needed.
The hotel is also home to the infamous Benihana restaurant – a restaurant I went to on special occasions on London’s King’s Road when I was a child. A MUST if you love Japanese food! The camaraderie of the chefs as they cook live at your table is simply amazing – and the food? Incredible!!
After an early night, in a gigantic bed with sheets that I swear only exist in Dubai, we woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed and eager to tuck into breakfast – and what a treat it was! With live egg and omelette stations, (the omelettes are cooked to perfection) an array of beautifully presented fresh fruit, cooked breakfast or continental there wasn’t anything missing from the menu! Each morning we dined on the hotel’s, enjoying the views and exceptional staff who could not have been more accommodating with our little girl, from learning her by her name and always on had to help with new spoons or a high chair, which couldn’t be more welcomed.
So, if you’re a young family, looking for easy luxury then the Amwaj Rotana is for you; with fantastic staff, right on the beach, with a huge choice of shops and restaurants to go to should you wish, then this is the hotel for you! However, this comes with a warning as you may not want to come home!
Address: The Walk – Al Sayorah St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 2000
