DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Just returned from 10 nights at this hotel on an all inclusive basis. If like me you read lots of reviews before you book anywhere then this is a very honest review. This hotel was just okay- the weather is fab and the hotel is clean- we spent most of our time around the adult pool- the water was a perfect temperature and the lifeguards ensure that kids are not allowed to make use of this pool, but the over 16 signs could be placed in more prominent places. The sea water is like getting into a bath and the beach area is kept really clean. Like other reviews, staff are mostly pleasant but in my opinion the hotel does not put the guest experience first and instead focuses upon what you can and can’t have according to your wristband…. The all inclusive package is basic- I’ll attach two photos so you can see what’s included drink wise in each package. Our all inclusive package gave us access to poor wine and flat mixers. The Diet Coke is poured from a bottle, it’s warm and cooled down by ice and as soon as it’s served it’s warm and flat. There are cans of Coke available but unless you are wearing the ‘ultra all inclusive’ band the staff will lie and say they don’t have any- it’s not stipulated when you book that there are two tiers to soft drinks!! It’s a daft rule and must generate lots of waste as I saw drinks left all over the place. The food was just okay- really repetitive, no themed nights like other places I’ve stayed in, I found the hot dishes to be quite salty and I was struggling to find something I wanted to eat by the end of the holiday. You get 60 dirhams a day to use at the other restaurants or the beach van by the adult pool which serves salads, pizza, burger or a steak sandwich. But the prices have changed and it was inconsistent if you got charged the extra or didn’t… also if you want to change your towels for dry ones be prepared to have a discussion about it as I was told you get one towel per day and can’t change it…. Ridiculous. You can’t take a glass of wine to your room- if you try to leave the lobby, main restaurant or the shofee lounge with a glass of wine the staff will chase you and stop you- it’s not quite the same having a glass of wine out of a paper cup on your balcony- It’s a ridiculous rule and makes you feel like your a child. Also, you are on an all inclusive holiday and the mini bar is empty apart from two bottles of water left each day. We had an issue with our room- there’s lots of renovations going on and our room was on the fifth floor opposite the stairs and the door had been wedges open meaning that our room stank of turps/paint which was unbearable. We complained to reception, who did not seem bothered but eventually changed us to another room but when I pointed out the inconvenience I was told no one else had complained. I then spoke to a manger who offered us an upgraded room in one of the bay club rooms. Our first room was dated, the new room was a bit more modern and spacious but far away from the amenities. The pillows are awful! There is no entertainment at the hotel- the anchor bar has Karaoke on a Monday and Thursday but it’s filled with smokers so not enjoyable for a non smoker to sit in. There’s nothing around the hotel either. We did enjoy a meal at the Asian restaurant on a Friday night, they have an offer on at the moment- 175 aed or 222 aed depending on if you want to have access to other alcoholic drinks- the Friday is all you can eat, you are able to use your 60 dirhams a day ( so 120 per couple) off the bill and still have the drinks your ‘all inclusive’ package provides. Food and service was really good and you can order as much as you like so if you are thinking of eating there Friday is defo the day to go otherwise it could get quite expensive. Portions are small. I also have some concerns over the reviews- I don’t think all are genuine. There’s lots recently added with lots of thumbs up and naming particular staff members over and over again. When we checked out we were given a piece of paper to provide a review and as soon as we circled a 5 out of 10 they weren’t bothered, and took the paper away. It’s a busy hotel but this hotel has far more reviews on trip advisor than any other and it makes me question why. Everything about this hotel is just average, for the cost of the holiday you could find an equivalent that is far more focused on the guest experience. I highly doubt the manager will review any current practices, or give a genuine response. I had nearly booked the intercontinental and really wish I had!! Read less

This is a great resort and with great staff. The only reason I have dropped a star is due to the location which isn't really a negative of the hotel itself. there is entertainment but for the evening we found the main entertainment venue a bit small, still plenty to do though. For a full review please visit my youtube channel which can be found from my profile. Read less