DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Located on a private beach, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island caters to families seeking an all-inclusive vacation by the ocean and pool. The hotel occupies a large area and the buildings are placed in a curved line to provide ocean and pool views. Palm trees rise above the seven pools, kids' playground area, green lawns, and tiled walkways making for lovely outdoor spaces. However, they’re often teeming with families and couples, which creates noise and overcrowded areas at the beach, pool, and restaurants. Inside, the design is about what you’d expect from a DoubleTree -- sophisticated and contemporary in warm neutral tones, a few trendy areas here and there, and other areas that feel a bit streamlined. With a lively and busy atmosphere, it’s no surprise that there have been reports of late check-in times, overbooking, and slow service in the restaurants. 

Though DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is located on Al Marjan Island, it’s not unconnected to the mainland. The hotel has a beachfront location that’s about a 50-minute drive from Dubai. The island is mostly composed of resorts and construction for more resorts. The hotel is a seven-minute drive to Al Hamra Village which has a golf course and plenty of shopping malls and restaurants. It takes 11 minutes by car to reach the Ice Land Water Park or 50 minutes to the Oasis Camp where guests can experience traditional Bedouin nomadic life. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is a 35-minute drive away. The Dubai International Airport takes 51 minutes by car to reach. 

Decorated in cream, gold, and turquoise, the hotel’s rooms are split between standard units, Suites, and Bay Club Rooms. All rooms are spacious with contemporary furniture and stylish designs like carpeted floors, trendy rugs, cut out room dividers, and lovely abstract paintings. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi for a fee, kettles, and espresso machines. Minibars are provided in all rooms but guests must request for them to be filled. As the buildings are placed in a curve, most rooms have sea views, and many include balconies. Some Suites have kitchens and living rooms. Bay Club Rooms are beachfront villas with personal concierges and private cars to rooms after check-in. Bathrooms are lovely with turquoise tile and black marble sinks. They include large shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs, free toiletries, and bidets. Hairdryers can be provided upon request. Some noise complaints have been made. 

The hotel is known for its beachfront location and outdoor areas. The resort has seven pools of which include an infinity pool and shaded children’s pool. Both the pool and the private beach are always busy with families and it's often hard to find a free lounger or two. There’s also a spa on-site that focuses on women, though it provides men’s services too. It has a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and showers, and offers massages, beauty treatments, and a hair salon. Those looking to stay active can use the 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight equipment. Yoga, aqua jogging, and belly dancing classes are available. On-site dining options are diverse with varying reports of quality. They include seven restaurants and bars with international buffets and cuisine, pool bar service with light snacks and drinks, a relaxed European restaurant, a rooftop bar, gastro pub, and a lobby lounge. All-inclusive options are available but it doesn’t include minibars or the room service, and requires guests to use limited menus, dine at certain places, and not have access to drinks until after a certain time. Colored wristbands divide guests by the packages they purchased. The hotel is kid-friendly with a kids’ club, babysitter services, water park, large outdoor playground, and a family-friendly arcade. The property has three meeting facilities and a ballroom that can be booked for events or weddings. Other perks include free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi in public spaces.