I recently stayed at Hotel Riu Dubai with my family and here’s my honest experience:
Pros:
The property is clean and well maintained.
The pool and ocean views are stunning—definitely the highlight of the stay.
The hotel feels safe and secure, with key-card access required for each floor.
The bars offer a wide variety of drinks, with one open until 2:30am.
Taxis are always available, and food delivery services will deliver directly to the hotel.
Cons:
Room issue: One of our party members had a bathroom leak. Maintenance repaired it, but the leak returned the very next night. Because we booked through Expedia, the hotel said they could not accommodate us—not even with a room change. This was frustrating and unprofessional.
Dining: Specialty restaurants were a major letdown. They served the same food as the buffet with very little variety. From day one, we were told all specialty restaurants were “fully booked,” and reservations could only be made two days in advance.
Limited amenities: Aside from the pool and beach, there isn’t much to do on the property.
Food safety concerns: Food is put out throughout the day (burgers, chicken hotdogs, etc.), but it is left uncovered and not timestamped, making it questionable how safe it is to eat.
Transportation: The hotel does not provide complimentary shuttles beyond the property. Renting a car is highly recommended, as taxis add up quickly and there are not many restaurants or shops nearby.
Staff interactions: Some of the male staff were