Last year the family talked me into returning to the same hotel on holiday for a second year in a row, a first for me! After another amazing holiday they talked me into going yet again, an unprecedented third time, but would it still hold the magic?
The hotel in question is the Le Meridien, Fujairah - an hour and a half east of Dubai. This year to change things a bit we decided to stay for two nights at the Atlantis on the Palm to visit the waterpark for my lads (and me!) before our 6 night break in Fujairah.
The Birmingham Airport Emirates Airlines flight certainly makes things easy with a convenient 21:20 departure time getting you some sleep before a 0715 arrival in Dubai. A short taxi hop and we are progressing up the trunk of The Palm with the huge Atlantis hotel looming in front of our taxi. The hotel is certainly a statement, too much for some, and for me it is what it is, big, brash and pink!
The scale is large with almost 2000 rooms and obviously this makes it a more impersonal experience. We booked the Imperial Club giving us added benefits like free soft drinks all day and afternoon tea and finally, snacks and alcohol for two hours early in the evening. This costs more, but for me is great value and makes budgeting for the holiday easier, and also means when the kids ask for yet another £4 can of Coke you don't choke with concern. It's all included.
Our room was top notch. Clean, spacious and large with breath taking views across the sea and down the palm its self. Stunning. The food in our package included breakfast, which was excellent and was hard to find fault with, as was the case with the excellent service. The swimming pool was very large but equally busy, but you could still find a spot to relax and the illusive sun lounger with plenty of complementary towels poolside.
The waterpark lived up to the expectations of us all, and exceeded them. With a wide choice of rides to suit all, and the biggest and easily the best lazy river we had experienced, it was much better than what any Florida park can offer. Whilst it was all great, the family raft had us all laughing most - a short ride but most exhilarating. Don't miss it. As ever you learn little tips on visits. The best advise when staying on site would be to get to the park bang on the 10am opening and start at the far end of the park away from the main entrance. We walked straight on the family raft 4 times in a row with no queue!
Overall, it is a place to experience. The aquarium in the hotel is staggering in scale and beauty, the lobby is as busy as an airport but is quite a sight and I have mentioned the waterpark. This is what we would choose for a normal holiday. It is too busy and not personal enough, but that's our family, maybe not yours.
Onto Fujairah, can it match previous experiences? We all commented that it felt like home as we pulled up outside the hotel and stepped out of the taxi. We were immediately whisked upstairs to the Royal Club check in. This costs more but again we think it is great value because of the extras included. Our cases arrived upstairs as quickly as we did and we were in the room within 10 minutes. After the taxi journey a dip in the pool was a must! As soon as we got poolside we were spotted by Walter, the manager, outside at the hotel. “Welcome” he said, “Let's get you a drink!” If anything sums up the hotel it is this greeting. Is it because they know I am a travel agent? Definitely not! I watch and admire the excellent customer service skills on show throughout the hotel, not just from role model Walter.
During our first few days around the hotel and its restaurants we were greeted like old friends. The comments were 100% genuine, and came along with anecdotes from our previous stays. Given the number of guests they see, this is amazing. 10/10 to Prince and his team, Bel, Bea and Ahmed at the Gonu - our favourite restaurant. The Taste restaurant has a similarly brilliant team. The fact that so many were there when we first stayed in 2012 says it all. I bumped into one of the managers poolside on our penultimate day. I had not seen him this stay previously. “Hello, welcome back”, he greeted me warmly, “Everything going well?” “Not really” I said, “We go home tomorrow.” He laughed, “I will send some champagne to your room.”
This all sounds great, so why is everyone not going to this wonderful hotel? Firstly, they don't know about it! Secondly, it is not for everyone. It is remote and very quiet. The hotel is the only thing to do, along with the water-sports and excellent diving. You cannot simply go out for a walk to shops and bars. There aren’t any. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to Dubai for shopping and sightseeing for those interested, but for us, it is about relaxing. The food, a complete delight, especially if you do the Dine Around package which lets you enjoy all the different restaurants. It is not fine dining, but it is top dining with top class service.
So, fourth year in a row next year? I would not say never...
Travel Blog by Miles Morgan
Phone Miles: 01291 762007
Email Miles: [email protected]
Visit Miles: 14 High St, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5LQ.
