Jumeirah Al Qasr
Our Opinion of Jumeirah Al Qasr
Madinat Jumeirah is a sprawling resort complex, but Al Qasr is its centrepiece — elevated both physically and in status above the rest. You feel it the moment you walk into the lobby: the daily flower arrangements flown in from Africa, Thailand and the Netherlands, the sense that no detail has been overlooked. It's grand, but it knows what it's doing.
The 294 rooms and suites were refreshed in 2018 with navy, orange and blue tones — a rich contemporary Arabic look that feels opulent without being try-hard. All rooms have private balconies or terraces, and the better ones look out over the waterways towards Burj Al Arab.
Being part of Madinat means you get the full ecosystem: the traditional souk, the abra boats navigating the canals, and more than 40 restaurants across the complex. Al Qasr itself has eight dining venues, and the standouts are Khaymat Al Bahar for beachside Arabic dining and Koubba Bar for sundowners with serious style credentials. The Hide has replaced the old MJ's Steakhouse and is worth a visit for those who like their steak done properly.
The Talise Spa has 26 treatment rooms and beachside cabanas — extensive enough that you never feel rushed. The accompanying fitness centre includes a 25m lap pool, squash courts, and even a rock climbing wall, which is more than most guests will need but nice to know it's there.
Wild Wadi Waterpark access is included, which is a genuine bonus for families. Sinbad's Kids Club covers the younger ones, while the souk keeps older children and adults entertained with its boutiques and galleries.
The compromise, if there is one, is that Al Qasr doesn't exist in isolation — you share the restaurants, pools and facilities with guests from the other Madinat properties. For many, that variety is the appeal. For those seeking pure seclusion, a standalone resort would be a better fit.
Al Qasr delivers a polished, properly Arabian hotel experience at scale. Grand without being garish, and busy without feeling crowded — which, in Dubai, is harder to pull off than it sounds.
The 294 rooms and suites were refreshed in 2018 with navy, orange and blue tones — a rich contemporary Arabic look that feels opulent without being try-hard. All rooms have private balconies or terraces, and the better ones look out over the waterways towards Burj Al Arab.
Being part of Madinat means you get the full ecosystem: the traditional souk, the abra boats navigating the canals, and more than 40 restaurants across the complex. Al Qasr itself has eight dining venues, and the standouts are Khaymat Al Bahar for beachside Arabic dining and Koubba Bar for sundowners with serious style credentials. The Hide has replaced the old MJ's Steakhouse and is worth a visit for those who like their steak done properly.
The Talise Spa has 26 treatment rooms and beachside cabanas — extensive enough that you never feel rushed. The accompanying fitness centre includes a 25m lap pool, squash courts, and even a rock climbing wall, which is more than most guests will need but nice to know it's there.
Wild Wadi Waterpark access is included, which is a genuine bonus for families. Sinbad's Kids Club covers the younger ones, while the souk keeps older children and adults entertained with its boutiques and galleries.
The compromise, if there is one, is that Al Qasr doesn't exist in isolation — you share the restaurants, pools and facilities with guests from the other Madinat properties. For many, that variety is the appeal. For those seeking pure seclusion, a standalone resort would be a better fit.
Al Qasr delivers a polished, properly Arabian hotel experience at scale. Grand without being garish, and busy without feeling crowded — which, in Dubai, is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Jumeirah Al Qasr Summary
Al Qasr - Arabic for "The Palace" - is the jewel in the crown and focal point of Madinat Jumeirah.
Designed in the style of a Sheikh's summer residence, the hotel couples traditional royal architecture with luxurious modernity. Approached along a tree-lined avenue, with beautiful Arabian horse sculptures, the hotel is a true oasis of luxury. As befits the status of the hotel, it is elevated above the rest of the Madinat Jumeirah ("City of Jumeirah") resort and painted in lighter colours.
Al Qasr offers all the facilities and activities of the wider resort; world-class restaurants, bars and cafes, Talise Spa (including Talise Fitness health club) and a traditional souk housing dozens of boutiques, shops and galleries. A stay at Al Qasr is an unforgettable experience.
The hotel has 292 rooms and suites, all featuring private balconies with views of the resort, separate dressing area, complimentary internet access, luxurious bathrooms and a lounge seating area.
More than 40 restaurants, cafes and bars and adjoining Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Large swimming pool (outdoor)
Indoor lap pool (25m) in Talise Fitness
Talise Spa & Fitness Centre (with fully-equipped gym)
Tennis courts
Squash courts
Watersports
Sinbad's Kds Club
Free unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark
The only thing more impressive that the quality of the eating and drinking at Madinat Jumeirah is the sheer variety of options. With over 40 world-class restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from (too many to list all of them here!) there is an amazing choice of dining options, each with a distinct theme, location and style. A few of them are listed below:
Khaymat Al Bahar: Inspired by Bedouin tents, theLebanese restaurant is set in the grounds of Al Qasr and serves the beach and pool area with international and Arabic cuisine from breakfast until late.
Koubba Bar: One of the most stylish bars at Madinat Jumeirah, and the perfect place for sundowners on the lavish terrace.
The Hide: The perfect venue for those who are particular about their steak - a rustic modern 'meatery' inspired by the best New York steakhouses.
Arboretum: A hub of great international food and an ambassador for Arabian dining and culture. All-day dining in a light, airy and spacious restaurant.
Al Hambra: A traditional Spanish eatery in the style of a Valencian taverna with a terrace for al fresco dining.
Al Fayrooz Lounge:
A lounge serving traditional English Tea or Afternoon Tea and a delicious selection of treats including Victoria sponge, fruit cake, tea cakes, sandwiches and scones. The lounge has great views of the Burj Al Arab.
Award-winning Talise Spa offers a variety of different treatments from massage, body treatments and facials, using luxurious spa products. Facilities include:
26 treatment rooms
Cabanas for massage on the beach
Private changing areas for men and women
Sauna and steam rooms
Plunge pools
Relaxation areas
Couples' relaxation areas
Private secluded pool
Talise Spa cuisine
Private yoga classes
Talise Fitness overlooks the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah at Mina A' Salam. The modern and fully-equipped gym is perfect for those wishing to stay in shape and professional trainers are on hand with expert advice or with supervised classes. Facilities include:
25m temperature controlled lap pool
Aerobics Studio
Weight training zone
Interactive training equipment with touch-screen internet technology
Squash courts
High Altitude Suite
Rock Climbing Wall
Enjoy live entertainment at the Madinat Theatre, from musicals and live concerts, to stand-up comedy and ballet. Details available from the theatre's own website or from the hotel.
Designed in the style of a Sheikh's summer residence, the hotel couples traditional royal architecture with luxurious modernity. Approached along a tree-lined avenue, with beautiful Arabian horse sculptures, the hotel is a true oasis of luxury. As befits the status of the hotel, it is elevated above the rest of the Madinat Jumeirah ("City of Jumeirah") resort and painted in lighter colours.
Al Qasr offers all the facilities and activities of the wider resort; world-class restaurants, bars and cafes, Talise Spa (including Talise Fitness health club) and a traditional souk housing dozens of boutiques, shops and galleries. A stay at Al Qasr is an unforgettable experience.
The hotel has 292 rooms and suites, all featuring private balconies with views of the resort, separate dressing area, complimentary internet access, luxurious bathrooms and a lounge seating area.
Hotel Facilities
Dining & Restaurants/Bars
The only thing more impressive that the quality of the eating and drinking at Madinat Jumeirah is the sheer variety of options. With over 40 world-class restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from (too many to list all of them here!) there is an amazing choice of dining options, each with a distinct theme, location and style. A few of them are listed below:
Khaymat Al Bahar: Inspired by Bedouin tents, theLebanese restaurant is set in the grounds of Al Qasr and serves the beach and pool area with international and Arabic cuisine from breakfast until late.
Koubba Bar: One of the most stylish bars at Madinat Jumeirah, and the perfect place for sundowners on the lavish terrace.
The Hide: The perfect venue for those who are particular about their steak - a rustic modern 'meatery' inspired by the best New York steakhouses.
Arboretum: A hub of great international food and an ambassador for Arabian dining and culture. All-day dining in a light, airy and spacious restaurant.
Al Hambra: A traditional Spanish eatery in the style of a Valencian taverna with a terrace for al fresco dining.
Al Fayrooz Lounge:
A lounge serving traditional English Tea or Afternoon Tea and a delicious selection of treats including Victoria sponge, fruit cake, tea cakes, sandwiches and scones. The lounge has great views of the Burj Al Arab.
Talise Spa
Award-winning Talise Spa offers a variety of different treatments from massage, body treatments and facials, using luxurious spa products. Facilities include:
Talise Fitness
Talise Fitness overlooks the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah at Mina A' Salam. The modern and fully-equipped gym is perfect for those wishing to stay in shape and professional trainers are on hand with expert advice or with supervised classes. Facilities include:
Madinat Theatre
Enjoy live entertainment at the Madinat Theatre, from musicals and live concerts, to stand-up comedy and ballet. Details available from the theatre's own website or from the hotel.
