Does the Atlantis The Royal Deliver on Its Promise?
The Atlantis The Royal opened in early 2023 with a Super Bowl commercial starring Beyoncé and a price tag of $2 billion. Two years later, it has established itself as Dubai's most spectacular—and most polarizing—luxury resort.
At $1,400 per night, the Royal positions itself in direct competition with the Burj Al Arab and the top suites at the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. But unlike those hotels, the Royal is a resort, not a hotel—sprawling, energetic, and packed with amenities that make it a destination rather than a place to sleep.
This honest review examines whether the Royal delivers on its $1,400/night promise, breaking down the experience room by room, meal by meal, and amenity by amenity.
What Are the Rooms Like?
The Royal's 795 rooms and suites were designed by the renowned firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, with interiors by SYLVA. The design language is modern coastal: pale woods, cream marble, and ocean-inspired textiles.
| Category | Size | Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea View Room | 55 sqm | $1,400 | Couples wanting ocean views |
| Terrace Suite | 80 sqm | $2,800 | Private terrace with plunge pool |
| Royal Suite | 120 sqm | $4,500 | Entertaining with separate living space |
| Presidential Suite | 280 sqm | $10,000 | Ultimate luxury, private spa |
The beds are Hypnos, the same brand used by Buckingham Palace, and they are exceptional. The bathrooms feature double vanities, deep soaking tubs, and rain showers with ocean views. Technology is controlled via a tablet, though the system can be slow to respond.
The verdict on rooms: Excellent, but the entry-level 55 sqm feels compact for the price point. The Terrace Suites offer significantly better value with private plunge pools.
What Are the Pools and Beach Like?
The Royal's 90 pools include Cloud 22, a sky-high infinity pool on the 22nd floor with underwater speakers and panoramic views of the Palm and Arabian Gulf. The Royal Beach stretches 1.5 kilometers with dedicated cabanas, full food and beverage service, and water sports.
Pool highlights:
- Cloud 22 sky pool (adults only, reservations required)
- The Oasis swim-up bar pool
- Family pool with waterslides
- Private cabanas from $200-$500 per day
Beach highlights:
- 1.5 km of private beach
- Complimentary loungers and umbrellas
- Water sports including jet skis and paddleboarding
- Beach butler service
What Is the Dining Like?
With 17 restaurants and bars, the Royal offers one of the most extensive dining programs of any hotel in the world. Highlights include Nobu by the Beach, Jaleo by Jose Andres, and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
Breakfast: Served in three locations, the breakfast is among the best in Dubai. The buffet at The Royal Cafe offers everything from acai bowls to shakshuka to made-to-order omelets.
Fine dining: Expect to spend $150-$350 per person for dinner at the signature restaurants. Reservations are essential and should be made before arrival.
Final Verdict
Strengths:
- Spectacular architecture and design
- Best pool complex in Dubai (90 pools)
- World-class celebrity chef dining
- Excellent beach with full service
- Hypnos beds are genuinely exceptional
Weaknesses:
- $1,400 base rate is the highest standard room in Dubai
- Entry-level rooms are modest in size
- Can feel crowded despite the luxury positioning
- Service consistency varies across outlets
Rating: 8.5/10 Best for: Travelers who want Dubai's most spectacular resort experience and value amenities over intimacy. Not for: Those seeking a quiet, boutique experience or budget-conscious travelers.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices are subject to change based on season and availability. Verify current rates directly with the hotel.