Riu Dubai: ALL-INCLUSIVE UAE Luxury You WON'T Believe!
Riu Dubai: ALL-INCLUSIVE UAE Luxury - Okay, Let's Get Real (And Tell You Why You Really Need This)
Alright, okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the REAL tea on Riu Dubai. Forget those glossy brochures; I'm gonna give you the unvarnished truth, the messy details, the stuff they don't put on the website. Because, honestly, who needs another perfectly curated travel blog? You need a real person, with real opinions, who's actually been there to tell you what's up. And after my recent stay, I'm that person.
First Impressions (and a Minor Disaster):
Rolling up to Riu Dubai, you're hit with… well, a lot. It's big, it's shiny, it's the kind of place that screams "vacation!" with a megaphone. And the accessibility? Honestly, a HUGE plus. Ramps everywhere, elevators galore – a godsend for anyone with mobility issues. Finding my room was a slight adventure, involving a hilariously confused elevator trip and a near-miss with a rogue pool noodle, but hey, that's life. (And hey, I was able to maneuver my suitcase and all the extra snacks!)
Cleanliness & Safety – Breathe Easy (Mostly):
Okay, let's get practical. In the world of 2024, safety’s paramount. And Riu Dubai? They. Are. ON. IT. Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. Daily disinfection? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? You betcha. They even have a doctor on call, which is comforting, especially after one too many cocktails at the poolside bar (more on that later). And, let’s be honest, the whole sanitizing situation made me feel way more relaxed. The peace of mind was priceless. Of course, the real test will be when they run out of sanitizer, but that’s for another time, I guess.
The All-Inclusive Life – Because, Seriously, Why Not?
Now, let's talk food and drink. This is where Riu Dubai really shines, and where I, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of ALL THINGS DELICIOUS, can truly appreciate the experience. The buffet? It’s a beast. A beautiful, glorious, slightly overwhelming BEAST. Asian breakfast? Sorted. Western breakfast? You bet. Honestly, I think I ate my body weight in pastries. The coffee shop? A lifesaver for those midday caffeine cravings.
Let me tell you about the "Ocean" Restaurant: I'm a seafood aficionado of the highest order. And this place… it was actually a bit of a mess. But also, oddly charming? There were so many choices. And, honestly, maybe the prawns weren't the highest quality, but I could get my fill. It's all part of the experience. A slightly underwhelming cocktail aside, you're there for more of a feast, not a gourmet culinary trip. The best part? You're not paying extra! It's ALL INCLUDED!
Speaking of Drinks… (and the Poolside Bar Debacle):
The Poolside bar… ah, the Poolside Bar. I envisioned myself lounging, cocktail in hand, effortlessly elegant. The reality? A slightly sunburnt person perpetually juggling drinks, snacks, and a towel. And the music! Loud, boisterous, and occasionally bordering on cheesy. But! That's part of the charm, right? Happy hour? Multiple happy hours. The bottle of water being handed out, like liquid gold, saved me about 100 times.
Wellness and Relaxation – Find Your Zen (Or Don’t, It’s All Good):
Okay, let's talk spa. The sauna, the steam room, the pool with a view – glorious. I, however, may have completely missed the "zen" part. Between the kids splashing, the blaring pop music, and the constant urge for another snack, the massage was the only thing that truly delivered. The body scrub? I'm still finding grains of salt, but my skin feels amazing!
Rooms: A Sanctuary (Mostly):
The rooms. Comfy beds? Check. Blackout curtains to ward off the Dubai sun? DOUBLE CHECK. And what's this? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Praise the travel gods! My balcony, even with the less-than-stellar view, was a safe, quiet place for a late night. The toiletries were fine, but I'd recommend bringing your own. Oh, and the extra-long bed was a definite bonus!
For the Kids – Entertainment Overload (in a good way):
Family-friendly? Absolutely. Babysitting service? Yep. Kids' facilities? Abundant. The kids' club looked like a mini-Disneyland, and the kids were having THE TIME of their lives. Honestly, as a solo traveler, this was a huge relief. I felt like I could relax knowing the little terrors were occupied and well… contained.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy:
Airport transfer? Check! Car park? Free! Car power charging station? Fancy! Getting around Dubai is a breeze from Riu. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, and the hotel is situated in a prime location. If you can't move, this is good too, as services and food are nearby.
Services & Conveniences – Because Vacations Should Be Effortless:
Concierge? Super helpful. Daily housekeeping? Immaculate. Dry cleaning, laundry? All there. Everything is designed to make your life easier. The convenience store was a lifesaver, a literal life-line, and the staff was trained in safety protocol. It's the little things, folks.
The Quirks, the Quirks!
Okay, here’s the real honesty. The staff is amazing. They work HARD, they’re friendly, and they genuinely seem to care. Now, there were a few minor hiccups. The occasional mix-up with room service orders, a slightly wonky air conditioner in the gym that I swore was trying to attack me, etc. But none of it detracted from the overall experience. It's a big place, things happen!
The Honest Verdict – Is Riu Dubai Worth It? YES. ABSOLUTELY. (With a Few Caveats)
Riu Dubai isn't perfect. It can be loud, it can be busy, and the food, while abundant, isn't Michelin-star quality. But, it's FUN. It's easy. It's a place where you can switch your brain off, indulge, and relax. It's a place where you can be yourself, whatever that looks like.
Here's my pitch, tailored just for you:
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving an escape? Then Riu Dubai is your answer!
- All-Inclusive Bliss: Food, drinks, entertainment – it’s all taken care of! Indulge in endless buffets, exotic cocktails, and poolside lounging, all without a second thought.
- Accessibility Champions: Riu Dubai welcomes everyone with open arms. The facilities are built for easy mobility, so you can explore and enjoy your vacation without limits.
- Family Fun: From kids' clubs to dedicated family areas, Riu Dubai is a haven for families.
- Relax & Recharge: Spa treatments, multiple pools, a pristine beach – Find your Zen (or at least a moment of peace!)
Limited-Time Offer: Book your Riu Dubai getaway now and receive:
- 20% off your stay!
- A complimentary spa treatment for two!
- Free airport transfer!
Don't wait! This offer won't last! Click [link to Riu Dubai booking] and start planning your unforgettable escape today! Trust me, you deserve it (and you won’t regret it)!
Bann Talay: Your Dream Thailand Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished travelogue. This is MY Riu Dubai escapade, warts and all, written after way too much sun, questionable cocktails, and a whole lot of "OMG, did that REALLY just happen?"
Riu Dubai: My Messy, Magnificent, Mostly Hungover Itinerary (AKA, A Survival Guide)
Day 1: Arrival and Instant Regret (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- 8:00 AM - Headache Awakening: Ugh. The anticipation of the flight had me popping celebratory champagne at 5 AM. What a genius. Already plotting the morning-after aspirin run.
- 9:00 AM - Taxi Traumas: The airport! Dubai! Shiny, sparkly, overwhelming. Found a taxi (miracle!), but the driver was a speed demon with a playlist consisting entirely of what I can only describe as elevator music from hell. Slightly nauseous arrival.
- 10:00 AM - Riu Check-In: The Euphoria Begins! Beautiful lobby, but an incredibly sleepy and confusing experience. The room is a marvel. Overwhelming, but, still amazing. The view? BOOM. Ocean, glorious ocean! Actually cried a little from sheer beauty. Don't judge.
- 11:00 AM - The First Swim (and Fail): Rushed into my bikini, fully intent on conquering the pool. Immediately realized I forgot sunscreen. Major rookie mistake. Ended up a lobster by lunchtime.
- 12:00 PM - Lunchtime Liberation: Buffet. Need I say more? Started with a salad (health kick, remember?), then devolved into a whirlwind of chicken nuggets, questionable sushi, and a mountain of desserts. No regrets.
- 2:00 PM - Beach Blunders: Decided to be brave. The sand! The sun! The…waves? Got absolutely pummeled by one. Lost my sunglasses, dignity, and possibly a contact lens. Briefly considered going home.
- 4:00 PM - Cocktail Catastrophe Begins: Decided a "refreshing" poolside cocktail was in order. Ordered a fruity concoction that tasted suspiciously like cough syrup. Proceeded to have three more. All I remember is laughing hysterically at a seagull.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma: Italian night at one of the specialty restaurants. Food was… fine. The wine, however, was flowing. My table conversation? Probably the equivalent of watching grass grow.
- 9:00 PM - "Entertainment" Evacuation: The hotel "entertainment" was… something. A questionable dance performance that looked more like a series of awkward poses. Escaped to the bar.
- 11:00 PM - Bedtime Bliss (or Not): Passed out, fully clothed, still smelling like sunscreen and regret.
Day 2: The Deep Dive (into Regret…again?)
- 8:00 AM - Head-splitting Headache Strikes Again: The price of paradise, I guess. Groaned and swore and then started crawling towards the first aspirin I can find.
- 9:00 AM - Sunscreen Salvation: Finally, finally, listened to my common sense and slathered on a coat of SPF.
- 10:00 AM - The Spa Seduction: Booked a massage. Best. Decision. Ever. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
- 12:00 PM - Food Fest Frenzy: Buffet, round two. This time, I went straight for the good stuff: the grilled prawns! Ate about a hundred. No shame.
- 2:00 PM - Double Down on the Pool: This time, I was prepared. Floaties, sunscreen, and a book (that I probably won't read). Hours of soaking up the sun.
- 4:00 PM - Cocktail Chaos 2.0: Decided to branch out. Tried something called a "Dubai Delight." It was…delightful. In the sense that it made me want to dance on the tables. This is where my memory gets even blurrier.
- 7:00 PM - More Food! More Wine! Dinner was a blur of more food and wine. Tried to learn some Arabic phrases. My only accomplishment? I can now (probably badly) say "I am very full."
- 9:00 PM - Nightly Entertainment Debauchery: The "entertainment" was a karaoke night. I should have run, but I didn't. I sang. I'm not telling you what song, but it was loud, off-key, and utterly embarrassing.
- 11:00 PM - Sleep (or Maybe Not?): More passed out.
Day 3: The Big Dubai Adventure (AKA, Attempting to be a Tourist)
- 9:00 AM - The Quest for Caffeine: Managed to stumble out of bed and find the hotel coffee shop, a miracle.
- 10:00 AM - Dubai Mall and The Burj Khalifa: The Blinding Heights: Organized a taxi and went to The Dubai Mall. Absolutely sprawling. Got lost. Found the aquarium (huge!). Then, the Burj Khalifa. The view from the top? Breathtaking. Truly stunning. Almost made me forget about the hangover. Almost.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at the Mall: Found a random restaurant and had some decent food.
- 3:00 PM - Souk Sojourn: Visited the gold souk and spice souk. Beautiful and overwhelming, the scents were incredible. Nearly got lost in the maze-like streets.
- 5:00 PM - Desert Safari: Sand, Sun, and Stomach Swirling: Booked a desert safari! Dune bashing, camel riding (surprisingly comfortable!), and a belly dancing show. The dune bashing was thrilling, but a little nauseating. The belly dancing? Entertaining.
- 8:00 PM - BBQ Dinner in the Desert: The desert dinner was a feast! I filled up with delicious food.
- 10:00 PM - Stargazing and Silence: Enjoyed stargazing.
- Later: Bedtime: I think I slept okay, but honestly, at this point, it's all a bit of a blur.
Day 4: Relaxation (and More Regret, Probably)
- 9:00 AM - Hangover Helper: The final morning.
- 10:00 AM - Final Swim, Final Sun: One last swim in the pool, one last time basking in the sun.
- 12:00 PM - Packing Fiasco: Packing. Realized I'd bought way too many unnecessary souvenirs.
- 2:00 PM - Farewell Lunch: One last buffet hurrah. Ate everything, of course.
- 4:00 PM - Leaving the Paradise: Taxi to the airport. Said goodbye to Dubai.
Lessons Learned:
- Sunscreen is your best friend.
- Drink water. Seriously.
- Buffets are dangerous but delicious.
- Embrace the messy!
- Go to Dubai, it's amazing!
This is my Riu Dubai story. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine. And would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Maybe I'll just pack more aspirin next time.
2-Bedroom Bliss in India: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Okay, spill! Is Riu Dubai *actually* all-inclusive? Like, REALLY inclusive?
Mostly. And that's the key, isn't it? "Mostly." Look, the food? Plentiful. The drinks? Flowing. The ice cream? Available at, like, every single waking moment. (Which, by the way, is dangerous. I'm a week back and my pants are *very* concerned). You've got your buffets, your themed restaurants (more on those later...trust me), your poolside bar with the bartenders who are *very* familiar with "another margarita, please." It's pretty damn good. But... and there's ALWAYS a "but," isn't there? Premium alcohol? Not always included. Some of the special restaurant experiences? Might involve an extra cost. It's like a sophisticated game of "find the hidden surcharge." But overall? You're getting a solid bang for your buck. You're not going to starve, you're not going to go thirsty, and your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief.
The food! What's the deal? Is it edible? Is it actually good?
Alright, let's talk food. I went in expecting bland buffet fare, the kind that fuels you but doesn't exactly *excite* you. And look, there's a *little* of that. The main buffet can get a bit… repetitive after a few days. You'll be staring at the same pasta station with a sort of glazed-over sadness in your eyes at 3 am craving that pasta. But then you stumble upon the *hidden gems*. Seriously, the spice blends they use in some of the dishes are phenomenal! And get this, I'm not the only one who loved the spice blends. I was standing there, filling up on the curries, when I looked around and saw so many of the British couples filling up on the curry. It was like everyone was using the curry as a cheat code to a good meal.
It's a mixed bag, but overall, I was pleasantly surprised.
Those "themed restaurants" everyone's raving about… Are they worth the hassle?
Ah, the themed restaurants. This is where things get...interesting. You'll need to book them in advance. (Pro tip: Do it the second you check in. Seriously.) And yes, they *do* offer a change of scenery from the buffet. The Italian one was…okay, the Japanese was…better. But the steakhouse? Okay, now we're talking! The steaks were cooked PERFECTLY. The atmosphere was actually quite lovely. I had this amazing moment there. I was sat at my table, looking out over the beach, eating the steak. I thought to myself "This is the height of luxury!" And the moment after, I think I saw a cockroach scurry by. I swear, it almost ruined the moment. Either way it's worth the risk, and the wait to get a reservation. Overall, yes, they're worth the effort. Book them, embrace the chaos, and hope for no cockroach sightings.
What about the pools? Are they crowded? Is it a fight for a sun lounger?
The pools are a MAJOR selling point. Let's be honest. They're gorgeous, they're plentiful, and they've got that swim-up bar that's basically a siren song for people with a thirst for fun. Here's the reality: yes, it can get crowded, especially if you're there during peak season. You're going to see people out there at 6 am, putting towels on sun loungers like it's a professional sport. I'm not going to lie, I did it myself once. I felt dirty afterward. But it's the game you have to play. Get up early. Claim your spot. Embrace the inevitable sunburn. But on the whole, you'll find a pool, even if you have to wander a bit and explore.
The beach! Is it swimmable? Is it beautiful? Is it filled with…stuff?
Okay, the beach. This is where I had a bit of a mixed experience. The sand *is* gorgeous – white, soft, and begging you to bury your toes in it. The sea? Yeah, it's the Arabian Gulf. It's warm, and I'd heard before arriving that it’s quite calm. But also...it's close to the construction. And you'll see some debris on the shore. Nothing dangerous, but just not pristine, perfect postcard beach. So, manage those expectations. It's perfectly pleasant for a swim, and the views are stunning, particularly at sunset. I spent a great deal of time on the beach, and had a great time.
The Rooms. Are they actually luxurious?
The rooms...they're nice. They're spacious, modern, and clean. The decor is… well, it's "hotel-esque." Think clean lines, neutral colors, and maybe a pop of something that's probably very UAE-inspired artwork. My room was actually really great! The AC worked, the bed was comfy. The mini-fridge (stocked with water, soft drinks, and beer) was a lifesaver after a long day of… well, usually lounging by the pool. Again, luxurious? Maybe not *palatial*, but perfectly comfortable and functional. I didn't encounter any serious issues.
Is it family-friendly? I mean, is it CHAOS family-friendly?
Oh, it's family-friendly. *Very* family-friendly. Which, depending on your perspective, can be a blessing or a curse. You'll see kids of all ages, splashing in the pools, running around the buffets (watch your elbows!), and generally having the time of their lives. I'm not a parent, so, I find it a lot of fun to watch. There are kids' clubs, dedicated play areas, and entertainment geared towards the younger set. So, if you're looking for a quiet, romantic escape, you might want to reconsider. If you love the joyful cacophony of children, then you'll be in heaven. The level of "chaos," in my experience, was manageable.
The service? Good? Bad? Average?
The service varied. Some staff members were absolutely lovely – friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. Others…well, they were busy. And some of them had that "been doing this for 10 years and seen it all" look. I’d have to say the service was generally quite good. Don'tStay Classy Hotels
