Jumeirah Al Qasr (‘The Palace’) is a luxury 5-star hotel in Dubai, celebrated for its regal elegance since opening in 2004. Designed to replicate a Sheikh’s summer residence, it features traditional royal Arabian architecture throughout.
Al Qasr is part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort – often called the ‘City of Jumeirah’ – which is designed to resemble an ancient Arabian town. The resort is comprised of four luxury hotels: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, and Jumeirah Al Naseem.
Situated along Dubai’s coastline, Madinat Jumeirah nestles beside the iconic Burj Al Arab, as well as Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and Wild Wadi Waterpark. All of these properties are part of the Jumeirah Group, making the area a premier destination for luxury hospitality and tourism.
Madinat Jumeirah features over 5kms of winding canals, where guests can travel by traditional wooden abras. Apart from its accommodations, the resort offers a complete destination experience, including a 2km private beach, multiple swimming pools, and lush landscaped gardens. The tranquil grounds are also home to exotic wildlife such as peacocks and parrots.
Guests can also explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah – a traditionally styled marketplace with over 75 boutique shops and dining venues. These complement the resort’s collection of more than 50 restaurants and bars.
Jumeirah Al Qasr’s palatial theme was evident to us from the moment we arrived. The driveway features a striking display of 18 full-sized gilded horses flanked by mature date palms, thus setting the tone for the grandeur that follows. This opulence continues inside the lobby, where the walls are clad in Azul Bahia marble imported from Brazil. A five-tonne crystal chandelier adorned with Swarovski elements hangs overhead. Fresh floral displays add a vibrant and natural touch to the space.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff who took our luggage and escorted us to the check-in area. During our check-in, we were offered the hotel’s signature Palace tea, infused with date syrup. We also received cool, refreshing hand towels.
The check-in experience, however, lacked privacy. Although three desks were available, both the active staff were positioned at the same counter. This made it easy for conversations and personal details to be overheard.
We had booked our room directly through the hotel’s website, where a complimentary upgrade to the next room category was advertised (subject to availability). Initially, we were assigned the room type we had booked. After pointing out the discrepancy, the staff – though initially unaware of the offer – honoured the upgrade.
After check-in, we were given a resort map along with a brief guided tour on the way to our room. The hallways are adorned with plush carpets, warm tones, and elegant Arabian-inspired décor, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
Jumeirah Al Qasr has 294 rooms and suites. All of these are designed to reflect the refined elegance of an Arabian palace. Guests can choose from a variety of room categories, including Lagoon Deluxe Rooms and Ocean Club Rooms, while the suites range from Junior to Family Suites, and up to the palatial Three-Bedroom Royal Suite.
We stayed in a Lagoon Deluxe Room on the 6th floor, which offered stunning views over the resort’s winding canals. The room combined understated luxury with comfort.
It featured plush blue carpeting, Arabic-style furnishings, and a spacious layout. It included a seating area with a couch and armchair, as well as a private balcony furnished with a table and chairs.
The marble bathroom was equally elegant, with double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a bathtub.
Luxury amenities were consistent throughout. The bathroom was stocked with Amouage-branded toiletries in reusable containers, and glass water bottles were provided instead of plastic. Plush bathrobes and slippers were also supplied.
The room featured a Nespresso machine, electric kettle, a large desk with plug sockets, and electronic bedside controls for lighting and air conditioning. Additional conveniences such as a safe, iron with ironing board, and a beach bag in the wardrobe were also provided.
A welcome amenity of fresh fruit and chocolate-covered dates was a thoughtful touch upon arrival. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, dressed in high-quality linens. A pillow menu was also available, offering options including firm, soft, neck support, and foam pillows.
The hotel’s focus on sustainability was evident, particularly in the removal of single-use plastics and the use of eco-friendly packaging for in-room items.
Turndown service was excellent. Towels were replaced, swimwear was carefully hung to dry on a clothesline above the bathtub, and small nightly gifts were left – including hand cream, aloe vera gel, and chocolates. Bookmarks were even placed on books.
However, one major concern during our stay was a security oversight. One evening, we discovered that the balcony door had been left fully open. We suspected this occurred during the turndown service. Because the curtains were drawn, we only noticed this the following morning. Although nothing was missing or disturbed, we felt this was a significant lapse – particularly in a property of this calibre where attention to detail and guest safety are expected.
We also encountered maintenance issues with the bathroom drainage. The shower did not drain properly, which led to flooding in the bathroom. The double sinks, also, were problematic – running water in one sink caused the other sink to fill up. These issues, while not uncommon, were surprising given the hotel’s luxury positioning.
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- Image credit: Jumeirah Al Qasr
The resort offers a diverse range of dining experiences, with 11 bars and restaurants located within Jumeirah Al Qasr.
Pierchic delivers upscale Italian cuisine in an overwater setting, while Al Nafoorah serves traditional Lebanese dishes in a grand, palatial venue. Arboretum is the main buffet restaurant, offering a wide selection of Arabian and international dishes. The Hide features a modern brasserie-style menu.
Onda by Pierchic provides a sunset aperitivo experience. La Promenade combines French cuisine with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Celeste offers poolside dining with ocean views, while Pai Thai – accessible by boat – serves Thai cuisine in a romantic, waterfront setting. French Riviera Beach presents Mediterranean fare in a stylish beachfront location.
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- Image credit: Jumeirah Al Qasr
Guests can also enjoy cocktails at Bar Buci or afternoon tea at Al Fayrooz Lounge.
As part of our room rate package, a daily happy hour promotion of 2-for-1 drinks at Bar Buci at Al Qasr was advertised between 5PM and 7PM. Unfortunately, the staff were initially unaware of this offer but eventually honoured it – another example of some miscommunications with regard to their promotions.
We also enjoyed happy hour at Bahri Bar in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, which offers a fantastic view of the Burj Al Arab. The daily happy hour runs from 5PM to 7PM, with cocktails priced at 45 AED (€10.50).
Breakfast is served daily at Arboretum: Sunday to Friday from 7AM to 11.30AM, and Saturday from 7AM to 11AM.
The breakfast buffet offered an extensive selection, with the food constantly replenished. While there was no à la carte option, the buffet featured a wide variety of fresh breads and pastries – complete with a chef available to slice the bread – an omelette station, crêpes, waffles, cereals, fresh juices, fruit, salads, and a comprehensive Asian section with dishes such as noodles, fried rice, chicken congee, and teriyaki salmon.
The food was consistently delicious and well-prepared, and the service was excellent. The staff were attentive, efficient, and quick to clear plates or offer refills.
Jumeirah Al Qasr features one of Dubai’s largest temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pools. The main pool is impressively spacious, and ample sun loungers were available.
Poolside service was excellent. Towels were provided upon arrival, water coolers were stocked with iced bottled water, along with complimentary treats such as pineapple skewers.
A suncream station was also available, offering SPF and aftersun products.
For adults, the Céleste Pool is an exclusive 18+ infinity pool with direct views over the Arabian Gulf. There is also a small, supervised shallow pool for children located near the KiDS Club. Guests have access to the J Club’s 25-metre indoor lap pool, as well as reciprocal access to the pools at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam.
During a previous stay, we also had access to the Al Naseem pool; however, this is now reserved exclusively for Al Naseem guests.
At the beach, towels, water, and regular treats – including refreshing ice lollies – were provided, which were especially welcome in the 40-degree heat!
The Water Sports Centre on the beach offers a wide range of activities. These include wakeboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and banana boat rides, as well as diving courses and luxury yacht charters for private excursions.
Daily from 9AM to 11AM, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and aqua cycling are available complimentary to guests.
The pools and beach area are open from 9AM to sunset.
The multi-award-winning Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah spans over 3,000 sqm of wellness facilities. It is set within the tropical gardens and accessible via the resort’s waterways. The spa features 26 individual treatment villas, along with beachside treatment cabanas.
Its offerings include specialised spa therapies, signature massages, and alternative treatments using natural formulations and renowned international skincare brands.
The facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a dedicated yoga and meditation garden, and with separate male and female areas. Each of these is equipped with an aroma steam room, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools.
Talise Spa operates daily from 10AM to 8PM.
J Club, the resort’s fitness centre located at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, features state-of-the-art equipment, which is arranged into dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and free weights.
The facility also includes a 25-metre indoor lap pool and a complete recovery circuit, featuring a cold plunge pool, snow room, steam room, and sauna.
J Club is open daily from 6AM to 10PM.
Guests also have access to two squash courts, four tennis courts, and three padel courts. Court usage is complimentary but must be booked in advance. Racquets can be rented, but are subject to an additional charge.
The KiDS Club at Jumeirah Al Qasr is a 1,000sqm facility offering a range of supervised indoor and outdoor activities available for children up to 12 years old. The daily programme includes interactive games, arts and crafts, and scheduled events including weekly themed pyjama parties.
The KiDS Club operates daily from 10AM to 6PM.
Children aged 2 to 4 years can attend one session per day – either the morning session from 10AM to 1PM or the afternoon session from 2PM to 6PM – advanced booking is recommended.
Access to the KiDS Club at Jumeirah Al Qasr is available to in-house guests of Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. Guests of Jumeirah Al Naseem have access to a separate, exclusive, KiDS Club.
Outdoor activities feature a dedicated kids’ pool for water polo and kayaking, along with options including kids’ yoga and table tennis.
Located next to the KiDS Club is a six-hole Mini Golf course, designed for children aged four and above.
Babysitting services are also offered, with rates starting from AED 150 per hour (€35).
Guests also receive unlimited complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, which features 30 slides and attractions catering to various age groups. The water park is open daily from 10AM to 6PM.
As part of the resort’s commitment to marine conservation, guests can attend the daily turtle feeding ritual at the lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem at 11AM. This experience provides a close look at the efforts of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP).
The resort is expansive, but getting around is easy thanks to complimentary transport options for hotel guests. Traditional wooden abras (Emirati boats) operate across the waterways, offering a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the resort. Several abra stations are located throughout the property, with the service running daily from 8AM to midnight.
For land transport, a golf buggy shuttle service runs from 9AM to 12.30AM.
A couple of days before our arrival, the E-Butler contacted us, via WhatsApp, to confirm our check-in time and offer assistance with transportation – a thoughtful touch. Throughout our stay, the E-Butler was readily available on WhatsApp whenever we needed anything.
Overall, Jumeirah Al Qasr offers a truly five-star experience, combining stunning Arabian architecture with attentive and personalised service.
The grand, palace-like ambiance and the quality of service were among the highlights of our stay. That said, there were a few minor hiccups, including the delayed room upgrade and the security issue when our balcony door was accidentally left open overnight.
Looking ahead, we will consider Jumeirah Al Naseem for a future stay. Its modern and contemporary design, while offering a more exclusive and private experience, make it an appealing alternative within the ‘City of Jumeirah’.
For more information, visit https://www.jumeirah.com/en.
