Sofitel Al Hamra

[Olly]

Noticed this opened earlier in the summer on the same stretch of coast as the Waldorf and the Ritz-Carlton. Just wondering if any of the esteemed members of the HfP community have stayed yet, and if so whether you would recommend? Looking at a few days at the back end of October

[ffwd]

I’ve booked for a week in Feb.
It looked nice from the outside when we were staying at the WA (March) when it had not opened.
Booked a 2 day non-cancellable and a 5 day cancellable, if its not great will just move to WA next door.

[Olly]

I booked us in for 3 nights at the start of Nov, so I’ll share some thoughts after we’ve stayed @ffwd

[Olly]

Wasn’t overly impressed tbh – resort was heaving with Russian and service was pretty abysmal. Would recommend changing to the WA or the Ritz Carlton if budget allows

[Blair Waldorf Salad]

Marriott brands are making a big push into the area, with Marjan Island seeing a JW Marriott, a Westin and a Le Meridien being built. Already the price saving versus Dubai has largely evaporated and once the Wynn resort and casino (UAE’s first I think) opens, I expect prices may track higher due to weekend trips by locals and Gulf visitors.