Just checked out of the Bulgari Dubai after spending two nights there.


Having stayed at FS JB and PH AUH several times along with some of the other UAE luxury hotels, I’m writing my thoughts here.

First of all, the property is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful timeless design that feels very comfortable (in contrast to say Versace Dubai). Of course it’s a matter of taste, but I feel it is the most comfortable of them all.

The three pools are beautiful, for us slightly too cool at 28 degrees while it is 38+ degrees outside, but this wasn’t a major issue. They provide nice poolside amenities like smoothies, water, Evian spritz, ice lollies. The pools focus on those double gazebos (except for the Spa pool where they have single gazebos), perfect for couples. Despite August, we had a nice hot breeze cooling us at the round pool. The beach is “ok”, a man made beach with relatively rough sand - the view is uninspiring as it has some semi-constructed villas in front of it - no construction activity though. I think the beaches on Saadiyat are far better than anywhere else in the UAE.

The rooms are huge with very nice balconies, beautiful bathrooms, daily amenities of tea and some cakes (my wife would have preferred something salty, but for my sweet tooth this was ideal:-)). Beds comfortable and there’s a pillow menu available.

Something that could be an advantage and disadvantage is the vastness of the whole place. To go to the yacht club pool needs a golf cart, it could be a nice stroll in winter. In that sense I prefer the compactness of the FS!

Spa is also gorgeous with a very nice indoor pool. Our treatments were very good, not the best, but it all depends on how good your therapist is. We’ve had amazing massages at the PH AUH, but not every time. The facilities at Bulgari with jacuzzis (also in the mixed area, which is rare in the UAE), experience showers, ice dispensers so you can cool yourself down are top notch.

Overall service was excellent and friendly, just to note that we were there in the August summer heat and I think the total number of guests at the resort was around 30 persons.

Value for money, for me FS wins as I can find rates there that are much better than what Bulgari offers.

Absolute luxury, for me Bulgari wins due to the amazing facilities. I think only O&O Palm is on par with that. A nice benefit of the Bulgari is also that you have the restaurants of the FS complex within 2 minutes driving distance. F&B at Bulgari was very good, but not special - I prefer the likes of Coya, Zuma etc. So many choices in Dubai anyway so I think F&B quality / selection doesn’t matter that much.

Feel free to ask questions since my memories are still fresh from today :-)


that’s too funny I’m also at the Bulgari right now... just posted my thoughts above in anticipation of Check out today.

Aventine you are either overlooking their Restaurant Village or the parking lot, whatever you prefer. What they could have done is allocate your room a little higher, which would reduce this feeling greatly. Not really sure though if higher floors are suite only, you would have to ask.

My favorite room there is the Jumeirah Skyline Suite or one of their Imperial Suites... about time I return.

Are you happy with the service so far? In-room check in?

That roof next you on the left is where the valet drop off is for the hotel and that lot on the right is where they temporarily park cars until they’re able to move them underground. If it bothers you, I’d ask for a higher floor, otherwise being moved to other side of hotel will place you next to the restaurant village which is a tad more annoying at night but relatively peaceful during the day