Is the all-inclusive package worth it at Dukes The Palm Dubai (now merged with NH Collection)?

After a specific staff member (Hikmet) got involved, the guest's experience turned around completely: the waiter knew their preferences in advance, cocktails became tasty (contrary to common complaints about the bar), and food/fruit was brought quickly with good service. Reception also promptly responded to a complaint about an uncomfortable mattress and replaced it, resulting in a good night's sleep. Takeaway: the quality of the all-inclusive experience heavily depends on how management responds to guest issues.

Check-in/check-out can be flexible — one guest got early check-in and a 2-hour late checkout at no extra charge; overall impression of the hotel remains positive enough to consider returning in autumn.

Package prices for this hotel have risen sharply — affordable tour packages are mostly gone, leaving mainly expensive suite-level rooms; it's recommended to book well in advance (e.g. booking in July for a November stay).

Revo café on-site is the best dining option — fresh food, good variety for breakfast/lunch/dinner; the sports bar has good cocktails, but the pool bar often has a limited drink selection (piña colada or mojito may be unavailable) and only fast food.

The main disappointment: after Dukes merged with NH Collection, some all-inclusive breakfasts and dinners now take place at NH Collection, where the food is reportedly not good; staff confirmed this is a common complaint among guests.

All-inclusive drinks are served only from 12:00 to 17:00 from a limited menu (not the full bar menu) — after 16:50 pool staff are reluctant to serve, guests often need to point out the time.

The rooftop pool was the only flawless part of the stay, but lifeguards are largely inattentive — they mainly enforce no-diving/no-inflatables rules; parents should watch children closely themselves (one child briefly went under in the kids' pool without lifeguard reaction).

Walk-in guests arriving at 6am without a reservation may get little loyalty consideration even as repeat customers and be told to check other hotels if unhappy with the price — service has noticeably declined since the departure of two helpful managers from previous visits.