We have been going to Waldorf Astoria at the Palm with the little ones for years now – be it for a daycation, or for a meal. Over the years, we have met a lot of amazing staff – which added to the overall experience, making us return to this beautiful resort again and again. Last weekend, we had the opportunity to stay in Waldorf with the little ones. It was a really nice getaway – a little break from home.
This piece, is an overall review of Waldorf based on our experience, and how you can make the most of your staycation should you choose to pick this resort as a spot for a night, or two, a week, or hopefully much more 🙂
Where is Waldorf Astoria the Palm?
Waldorf is located at the East Crescent of the Palm, right after the Crescent Road Bridge, just before Anantara the Palm.
It’s about a 15 minutes drive in good traffic once you get onto the Palm – so do take that into consideration especially if you have toddlers that nod off easily:)
I would say, base yourself in Waldorf if you want somewhere quiet to relax in. It is about half an hour to 45 minutes to get to Downtown Dubai. The great thing is – there is a lot going on in the Palm itself. Nakheel Mall is 10 minutes away. Palm West Beach with all its beachside restaurants is 15 minutes away.
How are the views like, from Waldorf’s Rooms?
The great thing about Waldorf’s layout and location on the Palm Crescent is that whichever room you choose – you are guaranteed a sea view.
You either look out east into the Arabian Gulf, towards the Burj Al Arab and the Downtown Skyline (which is absolutely breathtaking, by the way). Tip : Get up early, and watch the sunrise. You cannot miss it 🙂
Swipe to see photo captured at sunrise.
Alternatively, you are facing the resort’s pool and beach, looking back at the Palm, with both Atlantis’ in front of you, and the sparkling sea in between.
Of course, with the building being narrow and ‘long’, this does mean that there will be a bit of walking involved to get to your rooms, if it’s on the far end of either sides.
C’mon, with all the indulging you are going to do – let’s get the steps in! 🙂
What Room Type would fit a Family of 5 in Waldorf the Palm?
We were booked into two adjoining rooms : A King Deluxe Room, and a Two Queen Deluxe Room – both super spacious at around 60 square metres. There is so much empty space between the bed and the balcony – the little ones can literally do a dance-off there 🙂 Note that at the time of this review, our kids were ages 3, 5 and 7.
If you also have 3 kids and the youngest is a baby, do have a chat with the team to see if you could stay in the Two Queen Deluxe Room, which officially sleeps 4 comfortably. There is more than enough space to have a baby cot in there, if required.
See Waldorf’s Room Types and Current Prices
Does Waldorf have a Club Lounge? Do they allow kids?
Of course Waldorf has a Club Lounge 😉 It’s called Pearl Club, located on the top-most floor of the building, which is the 5th floor. If you did not book a room with access to the Pearl Club – you won’t be able to access the 5th floor at all. So no chance of doing a sneaky sneaky! 🙂
Kids under 12 are allowed in Pearl Club before 5pm, after which it’s for older kids and adults only.
We brought the little ones in for the Afternoon Tea session when we were there. I had to tell them 28 times to behave, and to keep quiet. Just have a look at how nice the place is in the image below.
The Afternoon Tea spread is much like what you would get in a proper Afternoon Tea in a 5-star Hotel Lobby Lounge. The only difference? You can have as much as you want! Freshly baked scones, cucumber and salmon mini sandwiches, little decadent pastries and cakes. Ah, what luxury.
Psssst. They serve cocktails from 5-8pm 🙂
How is Waldorf’s Pool and Beach like?
Waldorf has a lovely family pool, a small shaded toddler pool, and an adults-only pool with a jacuzzi that is shaded from the foliage above. My honest take here is – from a size viewpoint, it is relatively smaller than the other 5-star resorts along the East Crescent of the Palm. However – it does have its own advantages, which you will understand from our review.
Doors leading out to their pool area is automated, which every parent is thankful for – especially when you have a pram. Or when you need both hands to hold onto little people on either sides 🙂 The sensors also work with adults base on height, which is also good thing. The last thing you want on holiday is your 4 year wandering off by themselves!
Family & Kid’s Pool
The family pool is a short stroll from the resort, which again is super helpful for families, especially in the summer months. Bring your sunnies though, as they do use light-coloured flooring outdoors – and it can be very glaring (and hot) when it’s sunny outside. In case you weren’t aware, Dubai is sunny for 360 days of the year! 🙂
Few points that will come into handy for families :
- Pool Openings hours are 9am to 8pm.
- It’s one the few Dubai pools that open pass sunset, which is a huge plus.
- Shaded Toddler pool next to the Family pool. Mind you, it’s quite small, and will be good for little ones, say ages 3 and under
- Outdoor Shower, and Toilets are right next to the Toddler pool.
- Shallow steps to the side of the Family Pool, plus there are pockets of shade from the over-the-water cabanas (part of Palm Avenue). Great for the younger ones who just want to sit there and play with their toys, while you swim with the older ones within eyesight.
- Lawn Area adjacent to the pool, with mini goal posts should you wish to kick a ball around with the kids.
See Waldorf’s Current Pool and Beach Day Pass Rates
Inflatable Water Park
Over the winter months, they partner up with Seawake to provide an inflatable water park for kids as well as adults. This is a chargeable activity. When we stayed November 2023, it was 80AED for kids and 120AED for adults. Something extra to keep the family moving, just a short swim from the shore!
We didn’t find time to do it this trip. It is on my bucket list though 😉 Never too old to bounce around on an inflatable or fall into the sea, right? 🙂
Does Waldorf the Palm have a Kid’s Club?
Our kids’ have always loved Coco Kids’ Club.
They have different areas – a TV/Playstation Room for the older ones, Arts & Crafts area, plus Air Hockey, FoosBall and lots of toys to keep the little ones entertained. During the festive season – ie Halloween, Christmas, and other festivities – they usually have a separate schedule with extra activities.
Things to note :
- For in-house guests, you currently get 3 hours per child, and you can split it up over the day.
- The Kids’ Club is open from 9am to 7pm, and shuts for an hour between 12-1pm.
- Make use of it during breakfast, as you can drop the older ones off when they are done with food and carry on having a peaceful breakfast 🙂 Breakfast at Mezzerie is 6:30-10:30am.
Shout out to Josh, Chanel and Nipa for keeping our little ones entertained over the years.
Does Waldorf the Palm have a Playground?
There is a gated, shaded playground area right outside Coco Kid’s Club.
Slides, swings, and lots of climbing apparatus for the little ones. The playground does shut at 7pm, at the same time as the Kid’s Club – which we did feel was unfortunate, but at the same time – understand. Do keep your little ones quiet if they are walking along that area as their Italian fine dining spot – Social by Heinz Beck is literally one floor above! 🙂 Someone might be having their first date there, ha ha!
Waldorf has also introduced an outdoor activities area, behind the Kid’s Pool.
Foosball, Connect 4, Jenga, Ping Pong, Darts and more. Great for the older ones, and even adults 😉
Are there any family-friendly restaurants in Waldorf the Palm?
Currently, Waldorf has seven restaurants and bars on its premises.
A quick rundown on where to dine in Waldorf with kids :
- Mezzerie – Waldorf’s all-day dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Go early and pick the corner booths if you have multiple kids like us 🙂 We have done countless breakfast as well as dinners here. Psst – It’s one of the few restaurants in Dubai’s resorts that actually serve pork! See our breakfast review for more details.
- Mezzerie currently has an amazing Saturday Family Brunch called Once Upon a Brunch. Top quality spread, with entertainment all afternoon. See our review of Once Upon a Brunch here.
- Lao – Waldorf’s South East Asian restaurant.
- They have different offers every night, see Waldorf’s website for more.
- If you are there on a Friday, definitely take the little ones for their SouthEast Feast Evening Brunch. Starts at 6:30pm which is great for families.
- Sunset 55 – Waldorf’s Beach Bar.
- Beautiful boho chic bar right on the sand.
- Lovely spot to go with the kids as they can run around, while you sip on cocktails.
- See our Sunset 55 experience.
More on Waldorf’s dining options on their website.
Any Entertainment and Activities for Adults, in Waldorf the Palm?
Don’t worry, there are things for mummies and daddies in Waldorf as well.
If you’re a music enthusiast – you’ll find their resident pianist at Peacock Alley in the afternoons.
There’s a DJ with a flute at Lao, as well as Sunset 55 in the early evenings. Later on the night, you’ll fine Daniela at Lao, and Gregory on the guitar at Sunset 55. We have yet to check out Serafina, but it looks like they have a jazz night every Saturdays as well. Definitely on our list! 🙂
A big hit when we were there for our staycation was Waldorf’s resident magician – Mohamed ElSaid, who roams across the various dining venues. He was at Once Upon a Brunch when we were there, as well as the Friday SouthEast Feast at Lao. I can never figure out how these talented people do their tricks! Hats off 😉
For the fitness enthusiasts, Waldorf does have a gym – should you wish to work off the calories while on holiday 🙂 The treadmills overlooks the Arabian Gulf – which is really quite therapeutic if you want to zone out whilst working a sweat. They also have a tennis court which we have yet to check out. Another time, another time.
Note : Musicians and Entertainers tend to move around, and schedules will change, so please check with Waldorf what the schedule is like before you head over.
Overall Thoughts
There is so much more we could say about Waldorf – but I would say this covers what you need to know, before you book a staycation there with the little ones.
Look, Waldorf Astoria is a pristine property. It may give off the impression that it’s more suitable for adults but we hope this piece convinced you well enough that there is lots for the little ones as well 😉
Lastly – I know staff in the hospitality sector move around, but hopefully you will get the chance to meet a few of the ones we know well. Chef Clive, Leslie, Josh, amongst so many more. Please say hi if you see them around.
To end this post, here’s a photo taken December 2018 by Waldorf’s Family Pool, 5 years ago 🙂 Much love to the team.
- Waldorf Astoria’s Website
- East Crescent, Palm Jumeirah Dubai
Any queries or comments? Ask us on the reel below.
Disclaimer : This review is an overview of our experience in Waldorf over the years, of which is a combination of our own expense, and invitations from the resort.
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