Got here an hour ago. Started off well. Front desk & guest services were super nice & friendly. Got a Globalist upgrade to the Andaz suite & proactively informed of benefits.

Then I went up to the adults pool for a quick dip in the pool. I ordered a cocktail which was knocked over by a strong gust of wind seconds after the bartender put it down. He wasn't even half way back. He declined to replace or waive the charge. Certainly not an obligation but I don't think it's unreasonable either. He asked if I wanted to pay for a second. I said no. He made it & charged it anyway. The drink partially spilled on my towel. There was no effort to replace my gin & tonic soaked pool towel. Then I got in the pool wearing a t-shirt, something I've done for years everywhere I go. A staff member told me I needed to take it off because "it's not the custom here." I've stayed at a few hotels in UAE and never been an issue before so I just found that interesting. The pool deck was empty besides me and the staff though 2 westerners later turned up. None of the loungers had pads on them and no one moved to set up a chair for me when I arrived so I grabbed a pad myself. Here for a couple days so will see how the rest of the stay is.