We visit the regal resort to check out their recently refurbished rooms…

It’s one of the city’s most regal resorts, the name itself translates to ‘The Palace’ and Jumeirah Al Qasr is arguably the jewel in the Madinat Jumeirah crown. With a driveway adorned with gold horse statues, a lobby dripping in super-sized chandeliers, and the picture-perfect Madinat Jumeirah for a back garden, it’s a royal affair from start to finish.

But the hotel has recently upgraded some of its rooms, so we checked in to check it out.

Here’s our verdict on what we think are the three most important categories for anyone looking to go on holiday…

Rooms: 4/5

We don’t know if it’s the light smell of oud that wafts through the corridors of Jumeirah Al Qasr, or how each of the rooms feels like entering your own private palace, but Al Qasr has a traditionally grand feel that’s hard to beat.

Even with a refurb, Al Qasr has still kept all the traditional features with its rooms, with a slightly lighter whitewashing, and dark blue carpets replacing the previously patterned red ones. The traditional elements happily remain the same with dark wood desk, curtained beds and a grand marble bathroom.

Bedrooms with ocean-facing rooms have some of the most stunning views in the city, and you’ll find your attached balcony gazing out across the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah. The balcony is a little on the small side, but there’s room enough for a table and chairs, so we happily while away some time taking snaps of the sunset.

A nightly turn down service is a thoughtful feature, and comes with a fresh fruit platter. It’s little touches like this and complimentary dates which we thoroughly enjoy.

Restaurants: 4/5

While there’s more than 50 restaurants and bars in neighbouring Madinat Jumeirah, we were keen to check out the ones in the hotel.

For dinner, our pick is The Hide. There’s indoor and alfresco seating, with a rustic feel at the inside bar and restaurant that extends to the outdoor courtyard. The menu is an extensive selection of all-American eats that focuses mostly on the steaks, but also caters to seafood fans with dishes including a tuna tataki and Chilean seabass.

Breakfast is served at Arboretum, and you’ll find an extensive buffet of traditional hot British breakfast with eggs made to order, alongside continental stations of fruit and yoghurt, fresh juices, bread, crepes, waffles and pastries. Tea and coffee service is a little on the slow side, but with so many guests to cater to, we can understand why.

Pool & Beach: 5/5

Even getting to the pool and beach area at Al Qasr is scenic. You’ll navigate the waterways, passing tourists, residents and day pass holders snapping their abra trip to the adjacent Talise Spa (use of the facilities is included in the rate) or Madinat Jumeirah as you cross over to the main pool.

It’s a lagoon sized pool that’s directly opposite Al Qasr, and we’re almost sure you could spend the whole day trying just to swim across it. Nearby you can find a smaller more private pool with a small scattering of loungers, which is where we make base to spend the day.

Make sure you make time for a trip to the beach, too. It’s a pristine stretch of private sand with plenty of loungers to enjoy and thanks to its close location to the Burj, it’s a prime selfie taking spot. For those looking for something more active, you’ll also find plenty of water sports options too.

Prices start from Dhs2372 per room per night, with a 15 per cent UAE resident discount available on the best available rate. Jumeirah.com/AlQasr

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