Dubai's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? Arjaan by Rotana Review!
Arjaan by Rotana: Dubai's "Best Kept Secret"? Let's Unpack This Mess! (A Review That's Actually Real)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. You're about to get the real lowdown on Arjaan by Rotana, the supposed "hidden gem" in Dubai. I've stayed there, I've sweated there (literally, it's freakin' Dubai!), and I'm here to spill the beans, warts and all. Forget the polished brochure – this is the unfiltered truth.
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- Meta Description (for search engines): Honest and detailed review of Arjaan by Rotana in Dubai. Uncovering the good, the bad, and the slightly dusty. Accessibility, food, facilities, and overall experience – all covered with a healthy dose of reality (and maybe a little sarcasm).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Let's Be Honest.
Okay, let's get this out of the way. Accessibility wasn't perfect, but it wasn't a total train wreck either. I’m not wheelchair-bound myself, but I’m always looking for these things. The hotel does list "Facilities for disabled guests" which is promising. There's an elevator, thank the heavens, and the lobby seemed reasonably navigable. I did see a few ramps, but Dubai, in general, is still playing catch-up in this arena. They say they have accessible rooms, but I couldn't peek into one. I'd suggest contacting them directly to confirm your specific needs can be met.
Rooms: Decent, But…
The rooms? Available in all rooms, thank goodness for air conditioning! They’re fine. Seriously, fine. Not breathtaking. They have a closet, desk, in-room safe box, and a coffee/tea maker (essential for my caffeine addiction). The complimentary tea was a nice touch. The beds were comfy, with extra long bed which is really helpful, but the decor was… a little generic. Let's just say "modern" and leave it at that. The bathroom was clean, which is my main concern, and the shower had decent water pressure. I was happy to have slippers and bathrobes! Free Wi-Fi, ( Wi-Fi [free]), always a bonus. And Wi-Fi [free] was available in all rooms, a lifesaver. The blackout curtains were essential for sleeping.
Here’s a rant: Why is it always the alarm clock that’s a pain in the backside?! I swear, I spent like five minutes trying to figure it out. Who even uses those things anymore? Just give me a phone charger with a good signal and I'm happy!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Alright, this gives me confidence!
- Breakfast takeaway service, which is actually a great touch given the covid situation.
- Cashless payment service - Brilliant!
- Daily disinfection in common areas, always good.
- First aid kit: good.
- Hygiene certification, I hope so.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I hope that it will be there.
- Room sanitization opt-out available - good
- Safe dining setup.
- Sterilizing equipment: Excellent!
- CCTV is in common areas and CCTV outside property, gives a little extra peace of mind.
- Fire extinguisher is a non-negotiable.
- Front desk [24-hour] always useful.
- Security [24-hour]: Another plus.
- Smoke alarms? Well, yes.
Look, COVID is still a thing. They seem to be taking it seriously. They say they've upped their cleaning game, and things looked clean. I didn't get sick, so, you know, success?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Issues)
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was the shining star.
- Poolside bar: Essential!
- Happy hour: Yes, please!
The buffet breakfast was… impressive. Asian breakfast options were there. Western breakfast options were there. Omelets made to order, endless coffee, fresh fruit… I could have happily stayed there all morning. I may or may not have accidentally eaten three croissants. Don't judge me.
The Poolside bar was great, and essential. Drinks were good, service was friendly, and the views from the pool with a view were, without a doubt, amazing! Seriously Instagrammable stuff.
I did have a few run-ins with the room service [24-hour]. One time, the pizza arrived cold. Another time, they forgot my Diet Coke. These are minor quibbles, but still.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams
- Body scrub and Body wrap: Interesting.
- Fitness center, always useful.
- Foot bath: A nice touch.
- Gym/fitness: Okay, but probably not going to be the Ritz-Carlton.
- Massage: Please.
- Sauna, Spa: Great!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Excellent! The pool with a view was breathtaking, a true highlight. Lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail – pure bliss. The spa, I heard from a fellow guest, was pretty decent. I didn’t have time to check it out myself (too busy eating croissants, apparently). There is a gym/fitness center, which I'll admit I did not utilize. I was too busy relaxing!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
- Air conditioning in public area, Essential.
- Concierge, helpful.
- Convenience store, good for snacks.
- Daily housekeeping, yay.
- Elevator: Of course.
- Laundry service, essential for a long stay.
- Luggage storage, always.
- Safety deposit boxes, useful.
- Smoking area, for smokers.
The concierge was helpful with recommendations and booking tours. Daily housekeeping kept everything tidy. I had a small laundry crisis (my fault, not theirs) and the laundry service was prompt and efficient. They have all the basics covered.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes?
- Babysitting service, if needed.
- Family/child friendly, good.
- Kids facilities, good.
- Kids meal, good.
I didn’t have any kids with me, so I can't personally vouch for the "family-friendly" claim, but the hotel seemed geared toward families. They have a kids' pool, probably. The staff was generally very welcoming to children.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer, convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]. Always a plus.
- Taxi service, readily available.
Getting to the hotel from the airport was super easy, thanks to their airport transfer service. Car park [on-site] was free and plentiful. Taxis were also easy to come by.
The Verdict: Is Arjaan by Rotana a Hidden Gem?
Look, it's not a palace. It’s not the most luxurious place I've ever stayed. But for the price, the location, and the amenities? It's a solid choice. The pool is gorgeous. The breakfast is fantastic. The staff is generally lovely. The rooms are clean and comfy.
The "best kept secret" title? Hmm. Maybe not a secret, but definitely a good value for your money. It's perfect for a family, a couple looking for a relaxing getaway, or someone like me who just wants a decent hotel with a killer pool.
Would I go back? Yep. (Especially for those croissants).
Final Score: 7.5 out of 10. (Would be higher if they had better coffee in the rooms!)
Indonesian Paradise: 3BR Villa, Private Pool & Breakfast Included! #BDVAlright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a messy, magnificent, and probably slightly caffeinated tour of… Arjaan by Rotana in Dubai Media City! This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure; this is the unfiltered truth, dripping with coffee stains and the general chaos of human existence.
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Dubai Dreamin' (Before We Even Get There):
Okay, first of all, Dubai. Let's just acknowledge the inherent glamour. I’ve been picturing myself in a flowy caftan since booking this trip, and I probably look more like I’m ready to wrangle a toddler. Flight booked, visa sorted (phew!), and the sheer amount of sunscreen needed has me questioning my life choices. I think I might have packed my entire wardrobe… just in case. You know, in case I get a sudden urge to transform into a Bedouin princess or something.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Labyrinth
Morning (7:00 AM): Up 'n' at 'em! Or, more accurately, dragged out of bed by an alarm clock that clearly hates me. The journey to the airport was a blur of frantic packing and last-minute "did I turn off the stove?!" panic.
Late Morning/Afternoon (1:00 PM - Dubai Time): Dubai! Touchdown! Or, rather, slightly wobbly landing with a "whew, made it!" sigh. Customs was surprisingly smooth, which, knowing my track record, felt suspiciously good. The luggage carousel, though… a swirling vortex of suitcases and thwarted hopes. I swear, my bag took a scenic detour to… somewhere. Finally retrieved (after what felt like an eternity) and onto the pre-booked airport transfer.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Arrived at Arjaan by Rotana. The lobby is… elegant! Maybe a little too elegant for my usual state of disarray. Checked in. The staff is lovely, bless their souls. They probably deal with a lot of frazzled, sleep-deprived people like me.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM): Finally in the room! (Thank goodness for elevators. My legs were already screaming.) It's… nice. Spacious. Clean. The view… is a building. Okay, not the Burj Khalifa, but hey, it's a room and a bed! Unpacked (more accurately, sort of haphazardly dumped) my stuff, and the lingering paranoia of "did I pack the adaptor?!" settled in.
Evening (6:00 PM): Exploration! First, I had to find the pool. Dubai heat is no joke! It's like walking into a warm wall. The pool scene at Arjaan is small, but clean and pretty. The cocktails? Strong. I had two and immediately began feeling like I’d found paradise. This is what vacation is about, right?
Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel's restaurant, "The Gallery." Ordered something that sounded vaguely exotic, was actually delicious, and definitely cost more than I anticipated. The whole ambiance was… understated luxury. Very civilized. I slurred through dinner, and the waiter seemed to barely notice. It was a great start to the trip.
Night (9:30 PM): Straight to sleep. Jet lag is hitting me like a freight train.
Day 2: Shopping, Sand, and Soul-Searching
Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Another fantastic buffet! I loaded up on fruit and coffee, trying to convince myself I’m a health-conscious traveler, not a bottomless pit of croissants.
Morning (10:30 AM): Heading to the Dubai Mall! My expectations are sky high, based on everything I've heard. I decided I was going to window shop. Spoiler: I failed miserably. The air conditioning is a blessing, though! And the sheer scale of the mall? Mind-boggling! I got lost… repeatedly. Found a perfume. Maybe should have window-shopped.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Food court (the mall, is a must). Settled on a questionable, but satisfying, shawarma. People watching in the food court is an art form in itself.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Desert safari! Oh. My. God. The dunes! The roller coaster of a ride! The sun setting over the sand! It was breathtaking. The camel ride, though… let's just say I learned a whole new appreciation for the stability of a chair. The shisha? Delicious and way too strong. The belly dancing? I was tempted to join in.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the desert camp. Another feast! I had to actively restrain myself from eating like I hadn’t seen food in a week. I could listen to the music all day, and if I did, I wouldn’t feel the pain in my legs at all.
Night (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel, utterly exhausted and sandy. Showered the sand away, then collapsed into bed. My brain, however, refuses to switch off. All the sights and sounds of the day are swirling. I'm wondering if I'll ever get used to this weather.
Day 3: Culture Shock, Coffee, and a Deep Dive
Morning (9:30 AM): Slept in! Glorious! Breakfast in bed. That's the life, right?
Morning (11:00 AM): Headed to Old Dubai. Took a cab and got caught in epic traffic. The traffic may have been a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to observe the landscape. I think I finally got an idea of the place I'm at. Arrived, finally. The contrast with the sleek, modern Dubai is… overwhelming. The souks! Gold! Spices! It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. Bargained for way too many "souvenirs" that I probably don't need.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. Chicken with rice. Amazing!
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Creek ride. I'm fascinated by the abras (traditional wooden boats). The city looks completely different from the water. The ride was short, but just beautiful. Got back to the hotel feeling serene, then spent the remainder of the afternoon by the pool.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in the Media City area, near the hotel. There's more to explore!
Night (9:00 PM): Head back to the hotel, tired but content.
Day 4: The Grand Finale (Maybe?)
Morning (10:00 AM): I'm exhausted, but I can't help but feel a little sad about leaving. One last buffet breakfast! This time, I will only eat from the healthy side. I have no idea what I was thinking.
Morning (11:00 AM): Packed. (Sort of. More like crammed everything back in and hoped for the best.) Checked out. It was a bit of a rush.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Airport! Security! More waiting! The departure lounge is a sea of weary travelers, and I'm right there with them. I'm already planning my return trip.
Afternoon (2:45 PM): Plane! Boarding is done, finally! The plane seems to be going to somewhere. Off to my next adventure!
Reflections:
Dubai is a whirlwind of contrasts. Extravagance and tradition. Modern and ancient. The heat is (ahem) intense. I'm a bit sunburned, a bit overloaded, and thoroughly charmed. I've learned a lot about myself, my limits, and my love for strong coffee. This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, it was chaotic, and it was… wonderfully human. Did I mention I'm already planning my return?
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (IR136A)
Arjaan by Rotana - Dubai: The "Best Kept Secret"? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe Not So Secret Anymore After This)
Okay, spill the beans! Is Arjaan by Rotana actually *good*? Or is this all influencer hype?
Alright, alright! Deep breaths. Let's be honest, I went in expecting... well, expecting another Dubai hotel. Gleaming, sterile, filled with people trying *way* too hard to look perfect. Arjaan... it's different. It's got a certain… comfortable chaos. Think less "Instagrammable perfection" and more "lived-in luxury with a hint of 'oops, we're still figuring this out'." Overall? Yeah, it's good. But "best kept secret?" My answer is a qualified *maybe*. It's more like a "pretty darn solid hotel with a few quirks that you'll either love or hate."
What's the general vibe? Is it fancy-pants or relaxed?
Relaxed, mostly. I mean, it's Dubai, so there's *always* an element of "trying to be fancy" (hello, gold-plated everything!). But Arjaan felt genuinely approachable. No stuffy dress codes, no judging stares if you show up for breakfast with slightly-too-much-bed-head (speaking from experience...). It felt like a place where you could actually *relax*, not just pose. There's a pool, a gym (which I totally failed to utilize, but it exists!), and a decent restaurant. It's less a "see and be seen" kind of place, and more a "chillax and recharge after a day of desert adventures/shopping sprees" kind of place. Although, speaking of shopping... I swear I saw someone wearing a bathrobe in the lobby... and nobody batted an eye. Dubai wins again.
Give me the room lowdown. Were they actually *clean*? (because, let's be real, that's crucial.)
Okay, the rooms. Solid. Clean. Not *sparkling* hospital-grade clean (you know, the kind that makes you suspect they’re secretly using ultraviolet light), but definitely clean enough that you wouldn't question putting your face on the pillow. The beds were comfy - HUGE shoutout to the actual quality pillows, and important detail I've been completely let down by in other hotels. And the bathroom... well, it was functional. The water pressure in the shower was *amazing*. Seriously, I’m still dreaming of that shower. It’s the little things, people. The *little* things. Although, I did find a rogue hair in the drain one day. But hey, nobody's perfect. I mean, I leave hairs everywhere! So I let it slide.
The food! Was it the usual bland hotel fare, or did they actually *try*?
Okay, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. The breakfast buffet was… extensive. Like, seriously, a buffet that could feed a small army. Everything from eggs and bacon (standard) to Middle Eastern specialties. I’m not a huge buffet person (I tend to overeat and then regret everything), but even I was impressed. The coffee, though… let's just say it wasn't the best. But hey, there was a juice bar! And the pastries were dangerously good. Lunch and dinner, the restaurant was a big miss. I went with a group of friends, all of our meals were terrible! We all had to order different food, and while some food was good, some was terrible, so it's hit or miss. I ordered some hummus which was delicious. I recommend the hummus.
Okay, so you're saying it's not *perfect*. What were the downsides? Dish the dirt!
Okay, okay, here’s the dirt. First, the location. It's not *right* in the thick of things. You'll probably need a taxi or an Uber to get to the main attractions (Burj Khalifa, the malls, etc.). Which, honestly, is pretty par for the course in Dubai, but still. Also, the service. The staff were lovely, genuinely friendly, but sometimes... a little slow. And, I swear, I saw a waiter *tripping* carrying a tray of drinks at one point. (Luckily, no spills!) It wasn't a major deal, but it's not exactly a faultless, five-star experience. Now, here's a story. I was trying to get an iron for an hour, I called multiple times, and they kept on promising to get a free iron for me, and in the end they said "No, We don't have ironing service." And I was like... "What? How can you not have ironing in place?" I had a pretty big event, thank goodness I didn't *actually* need it, but I spent the hour feeling panicked.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely! I saw plenty of families with kids. The pool area is kid-friendly, they had high chairs in the restaurant, and the vibe is relaxed enough that you don't have to worry about your child making a bit of noise. There's a playground in the area as well, which is always a bonus. So, yes, if you're traveling with kids, Arjaan by Rotana is a good option.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it a decent place to hang out?
The pool? Surprisingly good! It's not a massive, over-the-top, Instagram-bait pool, but it's perfectly adequate. Clean, with plenty of sun loungers (no fighting for space, thankfully!), and a bar nearby for your cocktail needs. I could have easily stayed there all day… if I hadn't succumbed to the siren call of the Dubai malls (curse you, air conditioning!). It had a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Not too crowded or noisy. A good place to unwind and maybe catch a tan (or, in my case, a bit of a sunburn - always remember the sunscreen!).
Price-wise? Is it a budget-friendly gem or still kinda pricey?
Pricing? That’s a big part of why it might be considered a "secret." Arjaan is definitely *more* affordable than some of those mega-luxury hotels you see plastered all over social media. You're getting a solid experience without breaking the bank. I'd say mid-range. Not cheap, but not eye-wateringly expensive either. Which, considering the location and the general experience, is a definite win. You're truly getting good value for what you pay. Okay so I said it was cheaper, but I still had to ask my friends to split with me. The bill was still really pricey, but the quality was really great.
So, final verdict? Would you recommend it? And do you think it's REALLY a "best kept secretIndonesian Paradise: 4BR Villa, Private Pool & Breakfast Included!
