Originally Posted by
Michael82
I have not been to oberoi Dubai.
Like I said, im talking about Beach Hotels here, the focus being: The Beach.
The Four Seasons doesnt compare to either, the breakfast buffet is lousy, the service medicore and the beach tiny - with no real sea view to speak of either.
It also has double the rooms than O and O and Oberoi. So for me its way below either.
O and O has a nice beach with a horrible construction view all around you. No Food Service at Pool or Beach (essential for a beach holiday in my opinion when the sun goes down around 4:30/5ish PM).
Oberoi al Zorah has a huge beautiful Beach, no construction in sight, a lovely SEA view, great service, some of the best Food ive had in a Hotel and very big Rooms at unbeatable prices. Whats not to like? Distance to dubai is far - yes - but same on the Palm. But we are talking about Beach Holiday and not city holiday - so not an issue.
What I personally love about FS Dubai is the proximity to everything, while it is still a (decidedly glamourous) beach resort. You can enjoy the sea, beaches, spa and pools -- yet you are only 10 minutes away from Downtown Dubai and the best shopping and dining there. The resort's Imperial Suites are supremely comfortable and have stunning sea views -- totally different from the Jumeirah Skyline Suites, which afford skyline views towards Downtown and are more akin to staying in a city hotel. There is really something for everyone and that's what makes it special.
Same with breakfast... did you really stay at FS Jumeirah Beach? Their approach to breakfast is one of the most comprehensive in the GCC area. Maybe not in size, but certainly in quality. So many options!
I really don't understand your view on Oberoi Al Zorah. I even believe the resorts cannot be compared -- totally different areas and price range. Ajman is a very cheap place to build a resort... not much there, save for the friendly power station next door. I agree that the lot FS Dubai is built on is very small, but this is Jumeirah after all!
And I hope the pictures of Al Zorah don't do justice. I actually like modern architecture, but this is particularly cold and brutalist. The investment made here, compared to FS, is very different... you cannot compare a flagship FS resort with a budget development outside the city. Oberoi frankly has too many bare walls, cheap tiles, concrete and standard hospitality furniture. It reminds me a lot of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. Maybe you should re-visit FS and get a better feeling for their interiors. Kenyan marble, Sicis mosaic, limestone floors, handwoven carpets, custom blown-glass from Italy, Seguso chandeliers... every inch and layer of this resort has been carefully designed by BAMO.