Dukes The Palm Dubai Hotel Reviews: Everything Guests Say

From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with warm smiles, top-notch service, and an air of sophistication that set the perfect tone for an unforgettable experience.

From start to finish, our first trip to Dubai (and to the Dukes at The Palm) was absolutely top tier and it will certainly not be our last.

First time seen in 20 years of traveling such a worst 5 star hotel… not sure if the rating of 5 star is genuine or not.

A great stay , brought our 21 year daughter and she liked it that much she’s going back in May with her friends .

I went for my birthday and told the hotel, as a free surprise in our was balloons and a cake.

We truly appreciated the regal treatment and had a fantastic time staying here, feeling thoroughly pampered and spoiled❤️

I had an amazing time staying at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, from 3-10 March 2025.

I would not recommend the hotel. This is not a 5-star hotel, rather an inferior 4-star hotel.

My family and I had an amazing time at Dukes The Palm on our second stay.

For the price of approx £500 per night it was very expensive for what was provided

Just got back from a fantastic stay here , would highly recommend and would return here.

Hotel is a little outdated, and there was a change of ownership during our stay.

You can tell that the hotel once was a great hotel but has been neglected.

To summarise, great hotel, great facilities and friendly staff, situated in a very convenient location.

The Dukes has to be the most competitive price for a hotel in Dubai.

Having stayed in this hotel many times, I felt that the standard has slipped.

Great hotel , we’ve been here 3 times already and will certainly come back.

I will forever be looking for a Barcelo hotel in all cities I travel.

The hotel is cheaper than most and it shows. Not worth it.

We hope to return. Thank you Dukes for a lovely stay!

All in all, couldn't have asked for a better experience!!

Overall, a fantastic experience. Would definitely stay here again!

We really enjoyed our stay at the Dukes hotel,

For what we paid the hotel was fine.

Very nice and modern 5 star hotel.

Would definitely stop again and thoroughly recommend!

Would recommend this hotel to others.

I don’t receive the VIP access

Far superior in every way.

And a good budget hotel

We were told the table needed to be wiped and very firmly put elsewhere. Unnecessary and not the go out of your way to please customer service you expect to find in Dubai.

All that said, I left my charger behind and thankfully was in Dubai to collect. The process was very easy and I was thrilled they had found and kept it for me.

The great experience team were just on point. Special mention to Melody who welcomed us and checked us in. She was very lovely and made us feel very welcome.

The welcome team are always ready to open car doors for you and help you with your luggage even when you are just coming back from some shopping.

Manager in duty has only one thing to say… Senior management not available either due to evening (after 6 PM) or not available due to weekend…

We did have a minor issue during our stay, reported to the front desk and it was resolved promptly and professionally. Great service all around!

Vikas and Asif were amazing and a credit to the industry and without their help my time on holiday would have been a mess.

A particular rude receptionist called Chris seemed to have a very poor attitude and didnt listen nor take our complaints seriously.

Aggressive tipping culture: After every meal, staff chased us with receipts asking for tips — even for prepaid buffets.

The staff were friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived, which was particularly welcome after an overnight flight.

All the staff were friendly and extremely helpful, from the dining staff to the cleaning and concierge staff.

We had a lovely stay! The staff is so friendly, helpful and happy to make our stay excellent.

They learned my son’s name at check in and everyone greeted him and made him feel so special.

Therefore there is a sense of panic at all times at the desks. The poor poor staff!

The staff try hard but are disillusioned and they are too busy to provide genuine customer service.

All the staff were amazing and helped us whenever we entered the hotel with luggage or bags

However there is alot of good parts for instance the staff are very warm, respectful and courteous.

Thank you so much Melody & Akram for upgrading our room and your Excellent customer service!!!

With Hnin going above and beyond to make us feel we had the best experience ever.

All staff has been very friendly and keen to help out, especially Derrick&Linn, excellent service.

The customer service was just top notch 👌. I cannot even begin to explain it.

The concierge was able to find us an alternative option with no time wasted.

A very friendly hotel with effect staff go over and beyond for you.

The lady who served us was tremendous and couldn't help us enough

Staff are great at the hotel always willing to help.

No options were provided by the staff either for accommodation.

All of the staff were lovely and very helpful.

Mark was also very helpful.

Staff are lovely, very attentive.

Mary was welcoming, efficient

There is a fixed glass plate, wall to ceiling that is about 3cm from the bath and so long across, you cannot get to the taps without climbing into the bath and while you are showering the smell from the scum that has built up on the glass but no one could reach to clean without great effort is overpowering. The water from the shower also just runs down the glass and onto the floor. I cannot fathom what they were thinking when this was designed.

We are Expedia vip members, I asked for a room upgrade non was available even though we went in off peak, and if you look to book a room there for higher grade rooms seemed to be availability for newly paying guests. Don’t expect a room upgrade ever if u are on Expedia.

We had 3 staying to a room, the bed was comfortable the sofa bed not so comfortable, the sofa bed squeaks and a little dip in it. There were two rooms in the executive studio, one room was oddly shaped and meant little passing room if you have a sofa bed.

We booked 2 identical rooms. One couple received an inferior room. After complaining, they were given another room, which, however, had a pipe problem that caused the room to smell bad. They could only partially fix the problem. There was no other room available.

During booking the reservation we had requested the two room be next to each other. instead they put us on two different floors on the first night and the the remaining nights we were on different end of the each other.

We were initially shown to a dark, dingy room with a cot (we did not have a child with us) and only one bedside table. The carpet was stained and the bed was a mismatched double and single pushed together.

The room was clean, spacious and the only comment i would of had that we could have done with a few more hangers in the wardrobe (but thats the only issue we had the whole time there)

The light switches were very annoying, they had an image on them for which switch did what but this has faded and is impossible to see when it’s dark and you need a light on.

The key card intermittently worked and then on final night did not work altogether which being late at night was not something you want to wait for security to then come and fix it.

Similarly the bathroom did not have a bath and I thought it did which was a bit of a pain for bathing my daughter but the hotel did it provide a portable bath.

It’s also quite difficult to get into as it’s a bath within a shower screen and there’s not anything to hold onto whilst climbing into the bath except the flimsy glass door.

Room cleaners always had our room immaculate, and even tidied and organised my partners make-up and brushes when cleaning the room.........she was over the moon!

The rooms and decor was so old fashioned, the bathroom had a smell with a broken toilet and a fridge opposite the toilet.

The suite we had was nice with a good view over the city but the bath was tiny and quite old looking.

Our apartment was far too small for our group!! Can’t believe there are different size and shape rooms for the same price!!

The fridge door in our room didn’t shut properly which was frustrating as it meant we couldn’t keep anything properly cool.

The shower wasn’t great, doesn’t have much power and wouldn’t stay a consistent temperature, kept going freezing cold or scolding hot.

I was supposed to have 2 rooms but unfortunately my wife and daughter couldn’t travel due to my daughter taking ill.

Christopher who was on reception managed to put me on a higher floor which was very much appreciated under the circumstances.

And my hotel was like the size of an apartment , it was better than I had imagined before getting here.

There’s also a delay between pressing the button and anything happening so you’re not sure if it’s worked or not.

Room conditions: Dirty carpet, stained towels, filthy balcony, non-functioning TV, very dim bathroom light, unemptied trash, and poor cleaning overall.

And the room we stayed in was more than adequate with a bedroom, kitchen area and two bathrooms.

Dukes also decorated the room for my husband's birthday which was amazing and made our stay more special.

The plush bedding, elegant furnishings, and a private balcony with stunning sea views made every moment feel indulgent.

Other than that, older design rooms and balcony does not overlook the beach as we expected.

It was a room for twin beds which were being together to make a king bed.

Only minor criticism is the lack of USB sockets in the bedrooms

The room is big ! Include living room, bedroom and 2 toilets.

And the rooms are wonderful – clean, comfortable, and well-maintained.

Situated on the ‘trunk’ of the the Palm, it is directly opposite Nakheel Mall (approx 5-10 min walk) which has great retail outlets and also houses the Palm Monorail, which will connect you to the tram/metro system and get you pretty much anywhere in Dubai safely and at a lower cost.

Saturday discrimination: On Saturdays, hotel guests are forced to eat outdoors in 39°C heat, while outside visitors with red wristbands take all indoor tables and receive free drinks and better service. Paying guests wear blue wristbands and are treated as second-class.

You are about 20-30 minutes from anything in Dubai and the seclusion you feel here gives you a much needed place to relax and unwind from all the loud hustle and bustle of the city.

There is a mall across the hotel with loads of shops and restaurants as well . The marina is only a short taxi ride away (or a 5km walk :-) )

The monorail will also take you to the top of the Palm and Atlantis Hotel, where you will find Aquaventure which is amazing (if water parks are your thing).

Although food/drink is relatively expensive (which is generally the same in all the hotels) there are cheaper options in the Mall which may suit a lower budget.

The hotel is directly opposite Nakheel mall which is great for food shopping at Waitrose, cafes and the odd bit of shopping if you have forgotten anything.

The hotel is at the end of West Beach on the Palm, which is perfect for walking and choices of places to eat and drink.

Dukes is on the beach with a great view of Dubai city and is also close to Naheel Mall, Monorail and Aura Sky pool.

The hotel is right on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, and the views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline are simply breathtaking.

The location in relation to the city is good, and with a beautiful view of one of Dubai's many skylines, from the pool area.

The mix of British charm and Middle Eastern luxury creates an ambiance that’s both elegant and welcoming—perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Only thing we liked about this hotel was the location was close to the palm jumeirah mall and the beach.

Other hotels all seemed to be competing in who can play the loudest music over the top of each other!

Private beach and location at the Palm Jumeira in front of the mall and monorail is a plus.

We moved from the Anantara hotel to Dukes the palm as we heard a lot of goods things.

Hotel is literally opposite the Naheel Mall and the monorail so access to the water park was perfect.

The location absolutely the best, the Nakheel mall is a short 5 minute walk from the hotel.

Walked down the beaches to the left and was happy with our choice of the Dukes.

We moved after one night to the Fairmont Palm 200 metres along the road.

And it is a good location on the edge of the palm.

The hotel was quite noisy from the road when sat on balcony.

Palm Jumeriah Mall is literally right in front of the Hotel.

Lovely hotel set on its own private beach on the Palm.

The convince of the hotel being in front of a mall.

Loved the hotel location. Easy access to private beach.

Location of the place is convenient to everything

Also want to mention this location is fantastic.

Location was convenient for most things.

Location, Location, Location!

The trip was with my 4 year old and I didn't find the pool area very conducive or welcoming to small children. No jumping allowed, boring and the pool is too deep for little ones that can't swim. There is no shallow end. The lazy river was also out of action.

Again, only comment would be that there was a lot of towels sitting on loungers that were not in use for well over an hour while people were looking for sun loungers.

The garden next to the pool was closed on one day for a private event meaning we could not get one of the few sun beds around the pool.

I don’t know if we were there a busy week but the outside pool very quickly ran out of sunbeds and we were sent down to the beach.

Only issue was the lazy river which was shut for two weeks for maintenance which was a huge shame as I really wanted to use with my daughter.

The pool is way to deep for children so you if you cant swim or have small kids there is a limited shallow end.

Outdoor pool is cold although looks nice, its not heated. Lazy river was closed for months and was not communicated beforehand.

Childrens pool was closed for the duration of the stay, with the adult pool too deep for children under 12.

The main pool and beach have an amazing view, although again, the pool was damaged and felt grubby.

Pool and beach were lovely but the pools tiles weren’t coming off a lot in the pool.

The indoor pool was nice and quiet, and the outdoor pool and beach area were brilliant.

The Beach Umbrellas need updating as all have rips in and do not stay in place

Lazy river had mould at tide level all the way round. It felt grubby.

Only downside was the lazy river wasn’t working and it had not been advertised.

The views from the pool and private beach are really nice across Dubai.

And main outdoor pool was few minutes walk from main hotel building.

The pool area was huge but old and needs som maintenance.

Beach service: Guests must carry towels and open heavy umbrellas themselves.

The pool and private beach are great, with abundant sun loungers.

The pool area was open until 10pm which was great.

And there were never enough sun loungers by the pool

Need to wake up early to get bench for poolside

The pool are is big enough to not feel crowded.

The only things redeeming about Dukes were the pool

The infinity pool is lovely and good for pics.

The pool area is perfect and music playing.

The pool was also amazing with spectacular views

The pool is absolutely amazing,

Shame lazy river was closed.

Nice pool and beach area.

When booking, it said that we would receive 25% per day off drinks and food. At the hotel, they suddenly said it was only for VIP guests. This was not stated anywhere.

3. I got from hotel 25% for food and beverage but it’s not including the pool area (and this was the main use )

Both the GBR and Khyber great options, GBR can be limited for vegetarians and the Khyber repetitive from a set menu.

We didn’t like the trick of asking for paying for drinks even water at dinner and noon meals.

The hotel has a variety of restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, from international to local.

There are great restaurants in the hotel and Ula beach/pool bar is great, with friendly and efficient staff.

Food in the hotel is very expensive unless you have a plan ( FB, HB etc ).

Food not quite what it was in years previously, limited vegetarian selection but still very good indeed.

I had the pleasure of trying a few different dishes, and they were all absolutely delicious.

Restaurant is poor. Long queues and food tbh is not good. Not compared to other places.

The food is delicious and especially restaurant Khyber on the 15th floor is recommended.

Breakfast and evening meal were always very good and plenty of variety.

The food and drink from ULA at the pool area was great

Restaurant tables and outdoor chairs were filthy and not cleaned between seatings.

The service was also top-notch, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

And other onsite restaurants, especially the Khyber for authentic quality Indian cuisine.

We didn't put a single item in our mouths that wasn't scrumptious.

We ate at ula which we would rate and a must.

So I cannot comment on the other food and beverage facilities.

And the food in the Khyber restaurant was top tier!!!

Dining Experiences That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing!

The dining options in the main restaurant were fabulous.

The food was exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

And let’s not forget about the dining experiences!

And in the all round amazing Khyber restaurant.

Food in the main restaurant was just ok.

And the Ula restaurant is very good.

And nice lunches from ULA.

Restaurants and bars.

Dukes bar

Deceptive meal policy: I prepaid for lunch and dinner, but drinks — including water — were not included. Only low-quality tap water was served at breakfast.

The only downside was breakfast – it can get very busy. But with so many guests and lots of hungry people, it’s understandable.

When my reservation was made I was given the option to add breakfast for $5US, it's definitely worth it.

At breakfast we asked for a table overlooking the fountain, we were there super early and it wasn't busy.

Breakfast was a chaotic shambles. The food was good though. The poor staff are overworked.

Good choice of food at breakfast but too small a space to sit, very cramped.

The breakfast buffet had a really great selection of food which we enjoyed.

Breakfast had a wide range of options and came free with the room.

Breakfast and evening meal were always very good and plenty of variety.

Superb breakfast, one of the best we’ve ever had at a hotel.

The variety of breakfast options is so vasts and of great quality.

The free breakfast has so many selections of food

We only used the breakfast buffet which was fine

Breakfast service at GBR had a goo selection

The breakfast spread was also really good.

We love the breakfast buffet !

Good breakfast at the hotel

And a good breakfast.

Breakfast was great !!

Breakfast was also superb.

Breakfast was very average.

The breakfast was huge

Breakfast was amazing.

And the breakfast!!

Excellent breakfast

Excellent breakfast

The beach umbrellas are not sufficient for the sun loungers. However, the summer umbrellas they have are very damaged. They do not really protect against the sun. The hotel is showing its age in some areas.

The lift call touchscreen devices are ridiculously complex, it’s too easy to call the wrong floor and therefore create delays in the system. Just go back to a normal call button system.

Privacy violation: One morning, staff dumped my personal bag into a trash bag due to a small cream spill — without my consent.

We were free to use all the facilities and take a shower etc while waiting for the room.

Very clean, with a wonderful flower display in the foyer every few days or so.

Hotels.com VIP Reward only available in the hotel bar not all bars on complex

The amenities were beautiful from the pool, Dukes bar, tea room (A MUST),

The grounds had peeling paint all through. The lobby was poorly designed

The outside flooring lets the look of the property feel dated

This made us appreciate Dukes private and quiet beach front more.

And there were lots to do for the whole family.

No inside area for family to have drinks

Service and refreshments at the beach were better.

The Dukes bar is also cozy to visit.

And a beach club which was very relaxing.

The entrance hall was something to see....beautiful.

Hotel is looking dated in some areas.

Multiple places to hang out

I liked the grand reception

Offering yea, coffee and juices

Hotel and facilities excellent!

Tea room (A MUST),

With great facitlities

Great amenities

Spotlessly clean

Every interaction with the computer took the poor check in staff ages. Check out took even longer. It literally took 7 mins of tapping to check out our two rooms….there were no incidentals or issues. That should’ve taken a minute at most!

And Riza assisted us with a late checkout when leaving as our flight wasn't until 0130 the next morning.....it was slightly expensive to keep the room on the extra 7/8 hours, although we would have been struggling if we hadn't.

Final insult: The night before checkout, they wanted to send someone to my room to remove the minibar. Only after I refused did they agree to charge the deposit.

We immediately raised with the night staff who were unhelpful and we had to stay in the room and were moved to another room the next day.

Also there is a security deposit to be paid at check in, which I was unaware of when booking the property.

And before we knew it we were checked in and on our way up to our room.

Few issue I had 1. The check in was delayed, I got the room only at 16

2. In the check in they tried to charge me for minibar that I didn’t took

Check-in was quick and easy, which set the tone for a smooth stay.

When we arrived the hotel said they did not have this booking.

From the moment I checked in until the moment I checked out.

At check in my name could not be found on their system.

We arrived to the hotel around midnight to check in

Amazing experience since a very welcoming entrance

From the moment we checked until

From check-in to check-out.

When checked out

Arrived about midnight.

On check in.

From checking in

Also I preferred to take metered taxis, but they kept trying to make me take their taxis ...

Cost to Dubai mall about £15 for 5 in Careem app Hala taxis

Apart from easy taxi availability, very near to the local tram stop.

Taxis were always available and easy to get hold of also.

To the moment they loaded our bags for us at 140am

The buggy too and from the hotel/pool was fun..

Taxis regularly pick you up from outside the hotel

Spa experience: Staff followed me to my room demanding payment — extremely intrusive.

Massage services are also located within the hotel and were great.

No sauna or steam room.

There is a spa

Spa

The gym is great and the pictures on the website don’t do it justice. Plenty of modern equipment and great views over the complex and towards JBR.

Another thanks to Ali in the gymnasium.

The views from the gym are amazing.

The gym facilities were good

And an adequate gym.