Stayed her for 5 nights in Sep 08 on our way back from honeymoon in Maldives. The staff were all very professional and friendly. The concierge was very helpful with organising any tours or taxis we needed and also was able to get us a reservation at the Burj Al Arab at the very last minute.
Our room was a decent size but the bathroom was the most impressive. Separate shower and bath, his and her sinks. They also gave you Bvlgari products that were very lovely. Bathrobes and room slippers but also slippers and towels that could be used by the pool. Because our room was on the ground floor it meant we could open the patio doors and walk straight to the pool. Had to keep an eye on the door though as there was no way to lock it from the outside. The pool had a lovely pool bar. There is also a kids play area and slide. My husband and I being big kids could not resist having a go – which they allowed as there were no kids around.
Breakfast was held in a lovely room which was nice and cosy or there was the options to have it outside. Good selection of hot or continental, nice juices, fresh bread and a lovely omelette man!
There was a spa which looked really gorgeous but as we had already overspent on this honeymoon I didn’t have any of the treatments.
They also left us a long box of complimentary chocolates one evening, fresh fruit another and a dessert. We looked forward to returning to our room in the evening! They even ran us a bath with petals one night.
The only fault was the location. It takes a while in a taxi to get to the other side of Dubai. It is on the beach but the sand is very grey and water was a bit murky looking and as we had just left the Maldives, did not find it at all compelling. There’s a Star Bucks and few eateries nearby. I found a nearby convenience store which was good for water and snacks as I am loathed to pay hotel prices for these things. There was also a bank which was great for cash withdrawals or changing currency. The grounds were also lit up quite nicely at night which made for nice romantic strolls – although I’m not sure if this was because it was Ramadan when we went.
All in all it’s a lovely hotel, would recommend it and would have no problems staying there again.

Afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton is a delight and hidden gem that few know about - even the local expats. The ambiance is that of calming, swishing fans and colonial sumptuousness. At $75 per person it is also the greatest value a 5 star hotel can offer in Dubai when you consider that the Burj Dubai offers a very poor afternoon tea at $175 per person and which includes a glass of champagne, but doesn't include all the different types of tea!

Seating for afternoon tea is informal and served either outside on the large and comfortable balcony with a view, or inside if it is too hot. The best and romantic seat inside the hotel is the one overlooking the balcony, sea and gardens. The seating arrangements are ample regardless of your choice and never feels overcrowded. Privacy is guaranteed although this can mean that you have to wave at a waiter for top-ups.

The choice of teas on offer is wide and may take not a little while to read through while you weigh up the risk of being adventurous or keep to the tried and tested varieties. The list includes the more exotic teas (e.g. date tea). Remember to ask for your pot to be piping hot otherwise it can arrive tepid which is no joy to someone who enjoys the real taste of infused tea.

The finger sandwiches and open sandwiches are fun and interesting. For those with a sweet tooth the choice of gateaux and tarts are a good combination of European style and a few Arab sweets. In terms of quantity, there are enough cakes to share with three people - or rather you have to be rather hungry to even try half the cakes, but only one person can eat the sandwiches. The scones are delicious, but for those who know what 'clotted' cream really tastes like, the cream is neither Devonshire, Cornish or in any way 'clotted' despite the fact that this is available in Dubai. We think it is thickened single cream and, to the non-conoisseurs, can still be a pleasant combination with your strawberry jam.

The napkins are a bit small considering the amount of food on offer, so either ask for a large one, or several. The overall presentation can only be described as indulgent Ritz-Carlton standard. Definitely a gem.

We understand that staff training has been stepped up and the F&B team should be commended for this. During our second visit, we were treated like royalty - something you expect with a brand like the Ritz-Carlton.

Indeed a 4 star, unique decoration, friendly staff, spacious rooms. I did booked Deluxe room with king size bed, at 5th floor with balcony facing the Beach/swimming pool and view of Burj Al Arab and Atlantis from far. Swimming pool area is great. Need to improve the Gym equipment and attedant to be there. Splendido restaurant management need improve as there was no control of guests during the breakfast and not enough space to sit.

Wow - where to start o.k. so after reading a couple of not great reviews describing hotel as chintzy but luckily reading more recent reviews that were much more positive we booked this extraordinary hotel for the last two nights of our honeymoon. We have been travelling for a month and when we arrived at 5.30am to check in (hours before the 3pm official check in time) were told our room was not quite ready but would we like tea in the lobby whilst this was sorted. 20 minutes later and after the best tea I've ever had we were told our room was ready and were usered there to sink into the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. The rooms are beautiful, not 'chintzy' but classic and charming. The Ritz Carlton offers everything you could possibly want. Go Club as this is not much more and offers so much. Right now I'm sipping complimentary champagne, I've had a wonderful breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Tonight we'll have canapes and cocktails all on the house!

If we're too hot someone appears with ice cold towels, if we're peckish then there's a knock at the door with chocolate dipped strawberries and so much more......

If you're coming to Dubai and you want to stay in a classy, truly beautiful hotel choose the Ritz Carlton.... float on your back in the clear blue sea, watch the camels sauntering along the beach or just relax by the pool with jacuzzis, streams and waterfalls.

We'll be back for our anniversary or a birthday or just any excuse to come back.There is only one hotel in Dubai with 7 stars - this hotel should have 8!