After stays at Conrad Abu Dhabi and Hilton Dubai Palm, our final stop in the UAE was DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. It’s fair to say this was a step down in luxury, but still a good experience overall, especially for families looking for a relaxed, all-inclusive setup.
We stayed in a Deluxe Room with a king bed and sofa bed, and managed to fit in an extra single bed to make it work for our family. The room was definitely smaller than our previous stays, and the sofa bed wasn’t ideal for sleeping, but we made do. Soundproofing was also limited — we could hear hallway and outdoor noise at times — so light sleepers might want to pack earplugs.
Compact Room Setup with Basic Comforts
The room was clean and functional, but space was tight. With a king bed, sofa bed, and an added single, it felt a bit squeezed — though we appreciated the flexibility. The decor was simple, and while not luxurious, it was well-maintained.
The biggest drawback was the lack of sound insulation. We could hear other guests, corridor traffic, and even some outdoor noise, which made it less restful than we’d hoped. Still, for an all-inclusive resort, it served its purpose.
Location & Arrival
We didn’t explore Ras Al Khaimah much, as this was a stay-in-the-resort kind of trip, but the drive from Dubai was straightforward — about an hour on the way in, and a bit longer on the way back due to traffic. We even spotted camels along the road, which was a fun surprise for the kids.
The Marjan Island area feels like it’s still developing, with new construction and infrastructure popping up. It’s not a buzzing destination yet, but it looks like it’s heading that way.
Beach & Pool Facilities
The beach here felt more authentic than in Abu Dhabi or Dubai — clearer water and actual sand, which was a nice change. There were floating slides and a small water park right by the beach, which kept the kids entertained for hours.
The pools were decent, though some were overcrowded at peak times. We didn’t struggle to find loungers, and the beach bars were fine, offering the usual drinks and snacks. Nothing extraordinary, but it delivered the expected all-inclusive vibe.
Buffet Dining & All-Inclusive Experience
We had all-inclusive, and while the buffet selection was repetitive, it was still enjoyable. There was always something for everyone, and the convenience of quick meals made it ideal for traveling with kids.
The food wasn’t gourmet, but it was good enough for casual dining, and the staff were friendly and efficient. It’s not trying to be a Conrad or a high-end Hilton — and judged on its own terms, it did well.
Gym & Morning Workouts
The gym was smaller than expected for a resort of this size, but it was clean and had the essentials. We didn’t have trouble getting a treadmill in the morning, and the views over the resort added a nice touch to the workout.
It’s not a standout feature, but it’s perfectly adequate for keeping up with your routine while on holiday.
DoubleTree Marjan Island isn’t trying to compete with the likes of Conrad or Hilton Dubai Palm — and that’s okay. It’s a typical all-inclusive resort with enough amenities to keep families happy, especially those traveling with kids.
The room was tight, the soundproofing could be better, and the food wasn’t particularly exciting — but the beach activities, buffet convenience, and friendly staff made it a worthwhile stay. If you’re looking for a relaxed, kid-friendly resort with predictable comforts, this one fits the bill.
