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Hi all, and thanks in advance for anyone that take the time.
We are looking at Dubai etc for Feb half term next year (I’m a planner) and wondered if anyone had experience with Hilton group hotels with kids. So basically, a pool they can jump around and be kids in without others getting annoyed, perhaps a decent kids club.
Have a million Hilton points I want to start spending down before an inevitable devaluation at some stage hence why those hotels.
No personal experience, but the ones on Jumeirah Beach look good for families because they’re near to lots of activities and eating options (I’m not that far removed from those days…)
Just be aware that on some peak dates Hilton properties stipulate that points bookings are non-refundable, double check the Ts and Cs before you book. I nearly got caught out with this at The Walk property when we were considering going for next New Year.
The Walk and the DT both have suite/apartment-style accommodation which would be ideal with kids, IIRC.
If you stay in the WB hotel in Abu Dhabi you can get free passes to the theme parks in YAS island – it’s one park pp for each night of the stay. Works out to be a decent saving. They also have a large pool and kids club. We did Sea World and the WB park. The former was great, the latter a bit average, but you also have the water park and F1 world as other options which you can use the passes for
We went to Waldorf on the Palm with a 1 and 4 year old. While the kids pool was a bit crap, the main pool was great and it’s right on the beach. There was a lot of kids in the main pool and my 4 year old made friends quickly. The kids had a great time! I liked how the poolside cabanas were complimentary to use so the kids could have some chillout time out of the sun.
The rooms are large and well suited for families. Housekeeping would leave towel animals and even left a tippee for the kids to play in. They weren’t at all phased when the 4 year old had an accident in the bed.
The location is a little far out but it’s easy enough to get taxis. We used a booster seat backpack for the 4 year old which worked great.
If you stay in the WB hotel in Abu Dhabi you can get free passes to the theme parks in YAS island – it’s one park pp for each night of the stay. Works out to be a decent saving. They also have a large pool and kids club. We did Sea World and the WB park. The former was great, the latter a bit average, but you also have the water park and F1 world as other options which you can use the passes for
+1.
Stayed at the WB in August. The WB theme park and Yas Waterworld are within 1-2 min walk, Ferrari World/Yas Mall a cheap 4 min taxi ride away. Didn’t go to SeaWorld, but I think the same.
Nice, large pool, and good breakfast buffet.
Many thanks to all. And for the heads up on non cancellable points bookings, must confess I don’t look at this as closely as I should when booking, will from now on!
Hi Andy
I’ve just got back from Feb half term (6 nights Hilton Yas Island/3 nights Hilton Dubai The Walk) with a 6 and 9 (and 2) year old!
Hilton Yas Island was great. We stayed in a 2 bedroom king suite which was huge. We have Hilton Gold but booked via Kenwood travel as it was significantly cheaper. We got the half board plus which includes 2 hours of drinks (including house wine/spirits/cocktails) every evening. The buffet was really good. Exec lounge was also included with the room. There is a nice pool. We didn’t use the kids club because we were out at the theme parks most of the time.
Like the WB you get 1 theme park ticket/person/day and the kids loved them. It is a 5 minute drive from the theme parks. There is a regular free shuttle bus but we didn’t use it because there was a queue of taxis ready/zero traffic and it cost about £3.50 each way. Considering it was half term the parks were not too busy at all and no ‘Fast passes’ were needed.By comparison the service and food (half board again) in Dubai The Walk was nowhere near as good as Abu Dhabi and I’m glad we spent less time there. The traffic in the evenings was pretty bad.
Please note, next year Ramadan is predicted to start 17th Feb so you will need to factor in what impact this could have on your schedule.
Probably done about 30+ holidays to Dubai….with two kids. I’m IHG through and through with a touch of Marriott – but that’s never swayed me to where we have stayed. I can recommend Sofitel The Palm (multiple stays) and the rooms are great. Make a fuss of the kids. Same for Rixos The Palm. Also enjoyed Movenpick, Le Meridien, Jebel Ali Beach Resort. These are the ones that come to the front of mind with kids etc. All trips either emirates J or F, and BA F which have always made a fuss of the kids. My eldest still has the BA wings badge from one of the cabin crew who looked after us in F – true credit to BA. It’s good. Same age ranges as yours. Hope that all helps 🙂
Many thanks again, super helpful. I had looked at Yas Island, but my leaning was to stay in Dubai given it will be our first trip, and secondly Ramadan as you mention – my assumption being Dubai might be marginally more relaxed.
On Ramadan from what I read for the holiday we are looking for (family, pretty relaxed) it shouldn’t make a significant difference, but if others have experienced different would be great to hear.
Arrived today first day of Ramadan into Dubai. Mall of the Emirates was totally normal, all cafes and restaurants open and busy. Including the cafes with seating spilling out into the main mall thoroughfares. All hotels I asked told me no service changes for Ramadan anymore.
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