Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel

“1st visit to Dubai and will not be our last.”

This was our first time visiting Dubai and it will definitely not be our last. We picked this hotel based on excellent trip advisor reviews and its location. We were not disappointed. We booked a package holiday with British Airways including transport to and from the hotel, booking a Deluxe roo… more

This was our first time visiting Dubai and it will definitely not be our last. We picked this hotel based on excellent trip advisor reviews and its location. We were not disappointed. We booked a package holiday with British Airways including transport to and from the hotel, booking a Deluxe room, half board. By the time we arrived at the hotel, it was 1 am in the morning and we were hot and absolutely exhausted. Check in was fast, friendly and efficient. We were informed we had been upgraded to a premier room, but this room had two separate beds, this was not an issue for us. As we had missed dinner, (we left the UK Monday and it was now Tuesday) they kindly offered that we could order from the room service menu as part of our half board meal. However, we declined. We just wanted to get to our room. Our room was located on the 9th floor in Tower Two. It was spotlessly clean, well equipped with everything needed, being toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities and a few extra items. We did have a balcony which did overlook the motorway and the marina, this had two chairs and a table. However, we did find the room to be noisy from the road traffic even with the patio doors closed. Anyone that is a light sleeper may be advised to request a room that is not overlooking the road. It was lovely one day to walk into the room to see a big bowl of fresh fruit, another evening we had a bottle of red wine, then each night we had little gifts left on our bed bring, pillow spray, nail file. Bookmarks were left, as we left our books in the room and sunglasses cloth. This was a lovely personal touch. Half board option - There are plenty of restaurants to dine in, either in Tower one or two. Sloane's is a buffet restaurant open for breakfast 6am - 11am, lunch 12.30pm - 3.30pm and dinner 7pm - 11pm. You can pick to dine breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner if on the HB option. The other restaurants have set menus where you can have starter, main and dessert within you half board package and A La Carte an allowance of 150AED is allocated and 100 AED for children. We only had meals in Sloane’s as I have a gluten intolerance, so wanted the freedom of buffet restaurant. The first evening we did not book and managed to get a table. They open at 7pm for dinner and close at 11pm. Plenty of choice ranging from, soup, salads, cheeses, cold meats, sushi, roast beef, curries, rice, pizza, chips, mash potatoes, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire Puddings. Steak and seafood was freshly cooked upon request. The staff were happy to assist and worked tirelessly to keep the restaurant running . They did have a gluten free section, at the start of my visit, which the staff showed me. However, this section disappeared by the end of the week and the gluten free items where located in different locations each night. I am not sure why and seemed bizarre. Desserts - plenty for those that can tolerate wheat, However, I felt disappointed by the gluten free choices as they had wrapped packets of cakes. Some were very dry and not enjoyable. They had the same choices each day. As already mentioned towards the end of the week the location of the gluten free items were moved from the usual spot to another spot by the bread which was hidden. I have no idea why this was done, as previously they had a gluten free section which was visible. I do understand that the desserts must be wrapped to prevent cross contamination for celiac. However, I am sure they could come up with some more exciting dessert for us. When you compared the desserts on offer for guests that could tolerate gluten it was poor. One night I got excited when I spotted some carrot cake in the dessert area that didn’t have a gluten symbol. I doubled checked this with the restaurant manager, and it has been labelled wrong. That evening he appeared with a wrapped chocolate brownie that was not in the gluten free section for me. On my last evening I was given a lovely dessert that they prepared for me in the kitchen. This was a nice treat for me and greatly appreciated The staff were happy to assist and worked tirelessly to keep the restaurant running. We enjoyed visiting bar 44, as the views were spectacular, and staff took the time to chat to us. Throughout our stay the service we received was impeccable. We have never been to a hotel where guests are looked after so well, from the morning greetings to asking us how our day was, and if they could do anything for us. Due to the service the hotel has many repeat guests. Staff go out of their way to accommodate you, and do not expect a tip either, which is a very refreshing change from the USA. However, we always made sure we tipped and showed our appreciation. I had a 90 minute massage in the hotel that was very relaxing, and then relaxed in the spa area afterwards. We used the pool in tower two, the same level as the spa, this was very quiet and a hidden gem. The service received from the staff here was again absolutely fantastic. As soon as you tried to move your sun-bed they came over to assist. We really enjoyed the complimentary water, watermelon drinks, watermelon and lollipops and refills of ice cubs. They have complimentary sun cream should you require it. Location - We were able to walk around the marina, with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, supermarkets and the Mall. This to us was a very good location if you wanted the freedom to walk out somewhere. A few things to note, however, this would NOT put us off returning. On one occasion were woken at 3am in the morning with chairs moving and banging from the room above. We enquired about this at reception and said perhaps it was maintenance or staff cleaning the room. They requested if this happened again to let them know. It did happen again but, for only a brief time. They apologised and we had an apology letter and some sweet treats waiting in our room. The walls are very thin, we had a couple next to us that insisted on having the TV on late at night and early hours of the morning on full blast. This happened during the latter part of our stay. When we select do not disturb on our room, it means please do not disturb. I was feeling under the weather one afternoon so we selected do not disturb, whist I had a rest, only for our doorbell to ring as it was a staff member wanting to check the mini bar. This happened twice whilst do not disturb was visible. Please respect guests wishes and refrain from disturbing us. Pools - There are two pools, one in Tower One level 4 open from 7am - 8pm . Tower Two level 4, 6am - 4pm. The sunshine around the pool area, you will lose 1.30pm as the surrounding buildings block it, and the pools are built the wrong side of the hotel. This is the same for both towers one and two. If you are a sun worshipper get there in the morning, or head to the sister hotel Le Royal Meridian where you can enjoy the sunshine all day. On Saturday Tower 2 pool closes at 3pm to accommodate a pool party. Based on the above we did use the other hotel Le Royal Meridian and took the complimentary bus which is located near tower Two and runs every 15 mins, 7am - 2am. However, it may be quicker to walk during certain times as sometime the traffic was really bad. The Royal Le Meridien is a beach hotel and gave more of that holiday/ family vibe. However, you will not be spoilt with that personal service like you do at the GH. We did make the mistake one day of going over to the RM on Saturday afternoon, unbeknown to us they hold a beach parties. The music was blaring out everywhere and we couldn’t wait to leave, as it reminded us of an 18-30 hotel. We mentioned this to other guests at the GH and they said it just happens on Saturdays and best to avoid that day, but normally it is very peaceful. We did return another day and it was more peaceful. As we had never visited Dubai, we wondered what to expect with regards the dress code. Although they ask that guest dress respectfully, we did see some that did not seem to understand this. This was not just in the hotel but in the shopping malls etc. Wherever we went in Dubai we still received the same welcoming service, they are all so polite and respectful. You do not need to worry about travel adapters as they have UK plugs. Thank you Grosvenor House for such an enjoyable stay and we hope to return soon.

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