Dubai Festival City Holidays from NZ$1,119

We spent 3 nights as a family of four in one of Anantara’s top-tier suites, and unfortunately, the experience was nowhere near what you’d expect from a luxury hotel. The biggest issue was the complete lack of warmth, hospitality and accountability, especially from management and the front desk. Nobody greeted us or our little children, checked on us or showed genuine interest in our comfort. Check-in was particularly unpleasant. Despite having two tired, crying children, the receptionist chose to assist a guest who had walked in after us, even when we politely requested priority. Basic room standards were disappointing too. We were given only 3 towels for 4 guests and had to request another every morning. The shower leaked water from underneath the door, and the toilets required several minutes between flushes for the tank to refill & more than one flush to clean. Breakfast was cramped and chaotic, with long waits for coffee despite four coffee machines. The buffet was split between indoor and outdoor areas without anyone informing guests, and even highchairs had to be requested without anyone noticing. Guest services were equally unreliable. One evening, we requested plates and cutlery, which were never delivered. Arranging takeaway breakfast was another ordeal: three calls to reach reception, followed by restaurant staff having no knowledge of the request and making me feel l was asking for too much. Made wait for over ten min for a coffee.

I would not recommend the breakfast.