Consider this constructive criticism, as I genuinely have high regards for the resort, having stayed here before, and have dined numerous occasions at its many eateries.

Early this week M had won a dinner voucher for 2 at Maya, Dubai from a radio station. She was ecstatic, her first win in Dubai! 🙂 So we got really excited and booked for a table for 3, intending to pay for the third person.

I worked late today, so as I was driving home on SZR, gave LRM a call on my bluetooth. I wanted to check how this whole voucher thing would work, as I really wanted to avoid any unnecessary disputes when we get there. I spoke to E, whom after a few rounds of discussions told me to just bring the voucher there and then they can see what it says. Okay.

We drove over, took the buggy to Maya – beautiful restaurant. So far so good 🙂 Upon request, I handed the voucher over and was led to our table indoors.

Snapshot outdoors on the terrace, gorgeous

Maya, indoors

Few minutes later, restaurant manager came over to explain that we unfortunately could not use it this evening as Thursday was considered – a weekend.

Oh, really?

I don’t know about you but I work on Thursdays. And so does G. And so does most of my friends. Friday and Saturday, is a weekend. Back in Auckland and probably the rest of the world, we work Monday to Friday and weekends are Saturday, Sundays. I’m not trying to be difficult, but restaurant reservations should have asked me for clarification instead of telling me to “Just bring the voucher here and we’ll see what it says.” And okay, stupid enough of me to accept her proposal. And to get all dressed up with G who came home early from overseas, and take M to this fancy restaurant, to be then told, sorry but -.

It’s not about the money, we’ll be more than happy to pay for a meal. It’s just the whole idea that they should have been a bit more clear. I really dislike disputes, especially before a meal. Especially when it was supposed to be a birthday celebration of my mum. Seriously.

Anyways, after much debate, he kindly advised that they will let us have it this time, but not, next time.

It completely ruined the night ay.

On food, I have no complaints. It was really good. But you know my emphasis is on service, so I’ll just drop a few photos here FYI 🙂

Trio of mexican appetiser for two (170 AED). Recommend the taquitos de langosta and Maya Nachos 

 Tequila Chipotle Prawns (AED195)

 Crispy Fish Tacos (AED95)

US Beef Short Ribs (180AED) – Highly Recommend

All throughout the evening, no one came over to ask how was the food? Do you need something else? At the end of the meal, our empty plates layed on the table for the longest time and I had my hands raised up for ages, trying to get the attention of the staff there were just walking pass us. We just wanted to get the bill.

And c’mon, before you give the bill, you really should clear the plates on the table, and maybe ask, would you like some dessert?

Shakes head

Maybe I’m being a big baby here. Spoilt ay 😉 But it’s Le Royal Meridien. It’s not SPG Category 6, for nothing.

Disappointing, really. I’ll give M’s birthday dinner take another try this Saturday instead. Am feeling quite embarrassed we chose to take her here tonight 🙁 Next time you give away vouchers, suggest you don’t tell restaurant reservations to inform potential patrons to “Bring it and we’ll see what it says.” Consider what you’ll tell them if they cannot use it that night. And, maybe, restaurant staff that night was just, really, really, really, really, busy. As good as the food was, and as beautiful as the place was, it’s the service that leaves the last impression.

• Maya Dubai
• Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa
• Phone: +971 4 316 5550
• Email: resbook.leroyalmeridien@lemeridien.com