I remember the first time we walked into Raffles the Palm. The grand chandelier in the lobby, the gold and red of Bluthner Hall – it was so elaborate, so luxurious. I know the design is not for everyone, but we love it. If you’re thinking of doing a staycation at Raffles, we’ve put together a little piece on what to expect.
Is Raffles the Palm, family-friendly? Do they accommodate kids? What is there, for the little ones? Read on.
Let’s start with logistics.
Where is Raffles the Palm?
Raffles the Palm is located down the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah – between the Kempinski and the W Hotel. It’s not that far down the crescent, but it’s one of those you gotta go drive a little further to make a u-turn to get in – and keep your eyes open so you don’t miss the entry!
The Rooms
As we were 2 adults, and 3 kids (ages, 3, 5 and 7 at the time) – we stayed in their ‘Premier Ocean Twin with Balcony’, interconnected to their ‘Premier Ocean King with Balcony’ rooms.
Beautiful furnishing – with white, silver and navy blue being their main colour palette. Their balcony faces the west, so don’t forget to pop back in the evenings to catch the sunset, a glass of wine in hand 🙂
Have a look at Raffles’ Rooms on Raffles’ website.
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The Beach and Pool
Raffles the Palm has it’s own stretch of beach – which looks back at the Dubai Marina & JBR. With it being east-facing, this means a glorious sunrise if you can get up early on your staycation.
Have a look at some shots that I took, when we stayed there with the family in January of 2024.
Their temperature-controlled family pool is tucked in between Piatti, and the kids’ pool – a short stroll from the the main building.
Right by the kids’ pool – you’ll find a pirate-themed playground as well, great for toddlers and younger kids.
There are shallow steps to the edge of the pool, and jacuzzis as well if you want to lay down and chill.
Raffles’ the Palm’s Kids’ Club
Much like Fairmont – Raffles’ allows drop-offs only, from age 3 and above. I did just that when I wanted to have a quiet drink at Piatti by the Beach, before getting them to join us for dinner. It’s nice to have a little break, isn’t it?
Breakfast at Le Jardin
Breakfast is served buffet-style in Raffles’ all-day dining, Le Jardin. They also have a separate menu where you can order things like eggs benedict, and eggs your way, which will be served to the table.
They do a fabulous Family Brunch at the winter months. Have a look at our review of the Raffles’ Family Brunch on what to expect.
Mini Golf and Surroundings
If you are there in the winter months with the family – pick a spot outdoors during breakfast, lunch or dinner at Le Jardin. The kids can run off on the lawn – there’s so much space there.
A little further – closer to Piatti, you’ll find a mini golf course as well – so the older kids can have a play around there.
Other Restaurants in Raffles the Palm Dubai
Raffles the Palm has a few other F&B outlets within its premisees :
- Piatti by the Beach – for Italian fine dining. It is also family-friendly and nice to dine with the kids in the winter months as they can run off to the beach, within sight – or to the playground on the side of the pool.
- Sola Jazz Lounge – for a date night. You gotta do their Sinatra Nights with Ciaran Fox.
- Matagi – for japanese fine dining. Have a peek on what to expect at Matagi.
- Bluthner Hall – for an exquisite afternoon tea experience. Yes, kids’ are allowed and we did bring them when we went for afternoon tea, however… I would personally recommend that you do it without, especially if you have restless toddlers.
Overall Thoughts
I feel that if you picked a resort on the Palm – you gotta stay put. Raffles’ the Palm is one of those.
It has got enough F&B to keep your tummies happy, a big-enough family pool as well as a shaded kids’ pool to keep everyone entertained, and thankfully – a nice kids’ club to escape the heat, or just to have some quiet time if you want to sneak off for a drink. It’s definitely one of the more luxurious resorts on the Palm – and if you like what you see – book a stay with the kids 😉
- Raffles the Palm Dubai
- Raffles’ Website
Disclosure : We were guests of Raffles the Palm Dubai for the weekend.