Dubai is a land of dreams, luxury and unforgettable experiences. Visitors love the largest city in the United Arab Emirates for its countless luxury hotels, miles of beaches, gigantic shopping centres, wide streets and multitude of restaurants. It is therefore not surprising that Dubai has the highest density of five-star hotels in the world. Two of them, Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, are probably among the best known. We have visited both hotels several times and have been able to test them extensively.

In this hotel review, I would like to compare both of them and show you all advantages, and possibly also the disadvantages, so you can then decide for yourself which one suits your needs and expectations better.

Both Atlantis hotels are located on the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, which opened in 2008 and, as the name suggests, is shaped like a palm tree.

Which Atlantis Hotel in Dubai Is Better: The Palm or The Royal?

1. The Design

Atlantis The Palm

This legendary luxury hotel has been so well known for many years that it is now one of Dubai’s landmarks. Atlantis The Palm impresses with its magnificent architecture in the iconic ‘Atlantis’ design – inspired by underwater mythology. It is a replica of the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, but with better facilities. It is also larger, with a spacious resort feel and themed elements throughout the grounds.

As soon as you enter the lobby, you feel like you are stepping into a fairy-tale world – similar to a theme park. The aquariums are a real highlight – I could spend hours standing in front of them.

Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis The Royal, which only opened in 2023, is significantly more modern, minimalist and architecturally sophisticated. It is not just a hotel, but a true embodiment of luxury and futuristic architecture. This is reflected in sleek lines, lots of glass, light-flooded rooms and photo spots that sometimes seem almost surreal. All in all, it is more of a modern luxury property than a classic resort.

Also at Atlantis The Royal, entering the lobby feels like stepping into another world. I was impressed by the elegant design, the countless finely tuned details and interior elements from Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana & Co. You immediately sense the hotel’s high quality standards.

2. Rooms

First things first: no matter which hotel or room category you check into, you can always expect a warm welcome when you enter your room. They are always beautifully and lovingly decorated. I love these little details because they make your stay personal and unforgettable.

Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm offers a wide range of rooms and suites (more than 1,500 in total) – including special themed rooms such as the underwater suites, where you can watch the inhabitants of Ambassador Lagoon from your bed.

The rooms are classically furnished and welcome their guests in a ‘resort style’ rather than with high-tech amenities. Everything is impeccably clean and room service comes twice a day.

Advantage: affordable rooms are also available.

Atlantis The Royal

The total number of rooms is significantly lower than at Atlantis The Palm. Their size starts at a very generous 55 square metres. All rooms have very modern amenities and a balcony. True oases of well-being with views of the Persian Gulf, which is naturally reflected in the prices. These are significantly higher than at Atlantis The Palm.

Many categories even have private infinity pool options (e.g. the ‘Sky Pool Villas’). You will also find luxurious amenities and brands throughout.

Here at Atlantis The Royal, too, everything is super clean with first-class room and even butler service.

3. Entertainment

Atlantis The Palm

Most guests at Atlantis The Palm appreciate the direct access to the huge Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium, which include numerous attractions for children and adults. Incidentally, Aquaventure Waterpark is currently the largest waterpark in the world. My tip: As it is very popular, it is worth purchasing the Aquaexpress Fast Pass, as it allows you to skip the queues and go on the slides as often as you like. It also entitles you to a free ride on the Dubai Balloon.

Atlantis The Palm has large sandy beaches and a considerable number of pools. There are many leisure activities and action-packed offerings awaiting you. Overall, the hotel is very family-oriented, with plenty of play options. It is also a safe place for children, as there are security personnel everywhere.

But adults also get their money’s worth at Atlantis The Palm. My favourite is the adults-only beach club WHITE DUBAI. A fantastic place to spend a sunny day in Dubai.

My special tip: diving in the Ambassador Lagoon. This aquarium is located directly in the hotel and is one of the largest fish habitats in the world – around 65,000 marine fish behind 70 cm thick acrylic glass walls in 22 million litres of water. It has no roof and is filled with natural sea water. The fish are fed several times a day so that the predators do not have to hunt and prey on their smaller counterparts. So: a safe dive that I can only recommend from my own unforgettable experience!

Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis The Royal does not have its own large water park, but the Aquaventure Water Park is located in the immediate vicinity and access is included for hotel guests. A free shuttle is also available.

At Atlantis The Royal, the focus is more on exclusive pool experiences. A true paradise for adults, the most popular spot is probably the Cloud 22 rooftop bar with its infinity pool. From up here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai.

In addition, trendy events are regularly held at the hotel complex. Especially in the evening, an upscale social scene awaits you with DJs, bars and extravagant entertainment options.

My special tip: At Nobu By The Beach, you can relax and enjoy the day in a cabana with a fantastic view of the unique architectural design of Atlantis the Royal. Simply incredibly beautiful!

4. Restaurants

Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm is home to more than 30 restaurants and bars offering a mix of casual dining and fine cuisine.

The particularly family-friendly orientation is very evident in the selection of dishes and buffets, as well as in the presence of well-known restaurant brands.

My favourites are Nobu Atlantis Dubai and Seafire Steakhouse.

Atlantis The Royal

World-famous top chefs conjure up true culinary masterpieces in the approximately 15 high-class restaurants at Atlantis The Royal. The sophisticated concepts of the star chefs make it clear that the hotel’s focus is less on buffets and more on fine dining and culinary highlights. It is evident that the cuisine aims to meet global standards.

My favourites: the Asian rooftop restaurant Ling Ling and the Greek restaurant Milos with a perfect view at night.

My tip: if you have booked a Royal Club Room, you have access to the Royal Club Lounge with its fantastic view. Here, breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour drinks & snacks are included.

5. Audience

Atlantis The Palm

As already mentioned, Atlantis The Palm is clearly family-oriented and therefore frequented by couples, families and larger groups. You will be greeted by a somewhat livelier resort atmosphere – in some places, such as the main pool in the afternoon, it can also seem a little crowded.

Atlantis The Royal

The numerous offerings for adults and the high prices are strongly reflected in the clientele at Atlantis The Royal. Nevertheless, it is not a purely adults-only resort – only some areas/pools are exclusively for adults.

You will encounter many couples, luxury travellers and celebrities here, as the hotel is less focused on classic family entertainment. Some guests are more interested in ‘seeing and being seen’.

Overall conclusion – Which hotel is the better choice for your holiday in Dubai?

Atlantis The Palm

✔️ Perfect for families, adventure holidays and water park lovers

✔️ Wide range of dining options

✔️ Larger resort with lots of variety

⚠️  less ultra-luxurious, a little noisy and crowded in some areas

Atlantis The Royal

✔️ High-end design, state-of-the-art facilities, exclusive pools and fine dining

✔️ Adult-oriented and stylish

⚠️ Significantly more expensive, less fun holiday, can seem a bit stiff in some areas

If you want more adventure, action and family-friendliness, I recommend Atlantis The Palm.

If you’re looking for modern luxury, fine dining and a boutique feel at the highest level, Atlantis The Royal is the more elegant choice.

Both resorts are unique in their own way and promise an unforgettable holiday, which is why we always combined them during our last trips to Dubai – for the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation.

I hope my hotel comparison has given you a little insight into Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal and helped you choose your ideal hotel in Dubai.

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