Raffles The Palm Dubai: When Accor Platinum Dreams Come True (Mostly)

Let's be real—when you have Accor Platinum status and you're booking Raffles The Palm Dubai, you expect magic. And honestly? For the most part, that's exactly what we got. But I'm not here to sugarcoat things (you know that's not my style), so let me take you through our stay for my daughter's extended birthday celebrations at one of Dubai's most luxurious properties—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

That Lobby Though 😍

The moment you step into Raffles The Palm, you don't just enter a hotel—you enter a palace. I’m talking Louis XIV-style grandeur, soaring ceilings adorned with 24-karat gold leaf, and over 6,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers (including a massive one in the foyer with 40,000 crystals!). The Rosa Garlo marble columns and bespoke Italian furniture make you feel like royalty instantly. It was so beautiful I literally had to stop and stare.

As an Accor Platinum member, we skipped the main lobby check-in and headed straight to the 7th floor Club Lounge. Miss Husna greeted us warmly, and within minutes we were checked in, sipping on welcome drinks, and getting the lay of the land. This is where Platinum status really shines—no queues, just comfort and efficiency. They even serve breakfast here if you prefer a quieter start to your day.

Suite Upgrade? Yes Please!

We had booked a Duplex Suite with Club Lounge Access, but here's where Accor Platinum worked its magic—we were upgraded to a Premier Suite with Balcony and full Club Lounge Access. The suite was gorgeous with views of the resort's gardens, pools, and the beach beyond. Welcome amenities included dates, Arabic coffee, and fresh fruit. It felt like the perfect Dubai welcome.

The Butler Service: A Great Start

Raffles is famous for its 24-hour butler service for all guests, and our assigned butler gave us a warm welcome. She was helpful and proactive in getting us settled, explaining the room features and amenities.

She showed us around our Premier Suite (which had two balconies overlooking the garden, pool, and beach—super peaceful), and even offered the signature unpacking service.

"What time should I come back to unpack your suitcase, sir?"

I was like... wait, what? Wow. That's a level of service you don't see every day. She explained she could unpack everything for us. While I was a bit too embarrassed to let her do it (we're used to doing our own work!), the offer itself was a nice touch of luxury and surely helpful for families with infants.

Since we were there for my daughter's extended birthday celebrations, the butler helped coordinate a surprise in our room—balloons, a cake, and some cute decorations on the bed. It was a lovely gesture that made the little one happy.

But Here's Where Things Changed...

Now, let me be honest (because that's what you come here for). After that first incredible day, our initial butler went on leave (or was off-duty) and we were assigned a different butler. Unfortunately, we weren't really informed about the switch, and the new butler never approached us with anything. The warmth and proactive check-ins completely vanished. Suddenly, it felt a bit like they didn't care—which is a stark contrast to the 'royal treatment' we started with.

This isn't to say the service was bad, but when you experience that level of personal attention and then it disappears, you notice. If I could offer one piece of feedback to Raffles, it would be about maintaining that consistency. Either keep guests with the same butler throughout their stay, or ensure the handover is seamless and the standard doesn't drop.

Compare this to our recent stay at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr where Paulo (our Fairmont Gold butler) was consistently exceptional throughout our entire stay, and you'll understand why this stood out to me.

The Club Lounge: Absolute Heaven

Okay, let's talk about the star of the show—the Club Lounge. This space alone is worth the upgrade. Located on the 7th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows offering 360-degree views of Dubai's skyline, the Palm, and the Gulf, this lounge is stunning.

Here's what you get access to throughout the day:

• Breakfast (6:30-11:00 AM): Continental spread with hot options, fresh juices, pastries, and made-to-order dishes. (Note: It's more limited compared to the elaborate spread at the ground floor restaurant, but much more peaceful).
• Afternoon Tea (3:00-5:00 PM): Elegant high tea with sandwiches, scones, pastries, and one complimentary alcoholic beverage
• Happy Hour (5:00-7:00 PM): Free-flowing cocktails, wines, spirits, and delicious canapés

We spent hours in this lounge—sipping champagne during sunset and just soaking in those incredible views (breathtaking on either side!).

However, I have to be honest: the warmth could have been better. Especially coming from the Fairmont Gold Lounge in Abu Dhabi where Paulo made us feel like family. The servers here were a bit cold in comparison. They were efficient, sure, but it felt a bit transactional. Just a small area for improvement.

Surprise! A Private Cinema & A Falcon at Breakfast 🦅

Here are two things I didn't expect:

1. The Cinema: Our butler told us there was a movie playing, so we checked it out. It's not just a TV in a room—it's a massive, proper movie theatre inside the hotel! They even served complimentary popcorn and snacks. Such a fun, unexpected vibe.

2. The Breakfast Falconer: The next morning, we had breakfast outside. The setting feels very European with the calming sound of the fountain and views of the pool. To top it off, there was a handler with a trained eagle/falcon, sending the bird flying to keep other birds away from the food! It was fascinating to watch.

Note on Breakfast: Our first breakfast was actually a bit of a miss food-wise. But when we conveyed this to the manager, they took the feedback positively and improved everything the very next day. That willingness to listen and act instantly is what defines true luxury.

The Grand Exit: Mercedes SUV to Fairmont Downtown

As our Raffles experience came to an end, we had one last luxury moment—a complimentary Mercedes SUV transfer to our next hotel, Fairmont Downtown Dubai. This wasn't just a regular transfer; it was a smooth, luxurious ride with a professional chauffeur that made the transition between hotels feel seamless and special.

It's these thoughtful touches that elevate a hotel from great to unforgettable.

Location Tips: Stuck on The Palm? Think Again!

One common myth about booking on The Palm is that you get "stuck" there with nothing to do. Also not true! The location on the West Crescent gives you the best of both worlds: a secluded resort vibe and easy access to the city.

We were just a quick 10-15 minute taxi ride from Dubai Marina. We actually took a taxi to the marina for a yacht tour (super fun, highly recommended!) and explored the area easily. From there, you can hop over to JBR for endless shopping and dining options.

Nearby experiences worth checking out:

• Yacht Tours: Super fun way to see the skyline (pick one up from Dubai Marina)
• JBR & The Beach: Perfect for walking along the beach with great vibes
• Ain Dubai Views: You get incredible views of the giant Ferris wheel (Ain Dubai) from this side of the Palm
• Shopping & Dining: You are never far from the action

The Honest Verdict

Would I recommend Raffles The Palm Dubai? Absolutely—especially if you're an Accor Platinum member. The suite upgrade, club lounge access, and those incredible views make it worth every dirham. The property is stunning, the club lounge is exceptional, and that birthday surprise for my daughter was a sweet memory.

But would it be a perfect 10/10? Not quite. The inconsistency in butler service after Day 1 was noticeable, especially coming fresh from our Fairmont experience where service excellence was maintained throughout. It's not a dealbreaker, but when you're at this price point and luxury level, consistency matters.

That said, this is still one of the most beautiful properties I've stayed at in Dubai, and with Accor Platinum benefits, you're getting incredible value. Just maybe request to keep the same butler throughout your stay if that personal touch matters to you!

Have you stayed at Raffles The Palm or thinking about booking? I'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions! Drop me a DM on Instagram @one_punjabi_binger and let's chat about Dubai luxury hotel experiences and making the most of Accor Platinum status.

Until the next luxury escape (probably with more club lounge time),
Reema 🌴✨