The hype
Families love the water park and endless food, but couples often find it too chaotic and noisy.
Riu Dubai - All Inclusive
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a wallet-friendly, booze-included Dubai beach vacation and don't mind being far from the Burj Khalifa.
Why People Love It
- 24-hour all-inclusive food and drinks (rare in Dubai)
- Splash Water World water park is free for guests
- Direct access to a wide, sandy beach on Dubai Islands
Quick Take: A massive, boisterous holiday factory that delivers great value if you can sleep through the flight path noise.
Reviewed by @Chiquebydanique: I was honestly a bit nervous about what an all-inclusive room in Dubai would look like, but this place surprised me! The bathroom is huge with double sinks (lifesaver), and having a separate sofa area made chilling out so much nicer. Definitely felt like a steal.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'All Inclusive' alcohol is non-premium brands, and the buffet can feel like a crowded cafeteria at peak times.
- You have energetic kids who need a water park
- You want to drink beer by the pool without a $20 price tag
- You prefer a resort bubble over city exploring
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally efficient, though they sometimes miss sand on the balcony.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout is usually white, but some guests report a lingering sewage/damp smell in ground-floor showers.
- Maintenance: The hotel is new (2020), so paint and fixtures are largely intact, though high traffic areas show scuffs.
- Linens & towels: Towels can be a bit scratchy/thin; linens are standard crisp white hotel grade.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; hallways can smell of food/humidity; occasional damp smell in bathrooms.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Low-flying aircraft (flight path)
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
- Nearby construction on Dubai Islands
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the RIU app immediately to book specialty restaurants – they fill up days in advance.
- The 'Tourism Dirham' fee of AED 15 per bedroom/night is charged at check-in.
- Taxis are the only viable transport; there is no metro station nearby.
What to pack
- Heavy-duty earplugs (for the planes)
- Conditioner (provided toiletries are basic 2-in-1)
- Inflatable pool floats (allowed in the main pools)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sea View rooms on higher floors (Level 5+) for less pool noise
- Junior Suites for families needing extra sofa bed space
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing the road/construction side (dusty and noisy)
- Ground floor rooms near the main pool (zero privacy)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on a high floor (Level 5 or above) facing the sea. Please ensure it is NOT a connecting room to minimize noise transfer. We would prefer to be away from the elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is alcohol really included?
Yes, unlimited beer, wine, and spirits are included 24/7, but expect local/generic brands, not top-shelf labels.
Is the water park free?
Yes, Splash Water World is free for all guests, but note it is closed every Monday.
How far is the Burj Khalifa?
It's about a 25-30 minute taxi ride (approx. 50-60 AED), depending on traffic.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, the main pools are temperature-controlled in the winter months (Dec-Feb).
Can I walk to any shops?
Not really. Souk Al Marfa is nearby but requires a shuttle or taxi; the area is not pedestrian-friendly.
Is there a dress code for dinner?
Casual resort wear is fine, but swimwear and sleeveless shirts for men are generally not allowed in the main dining rooms.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Sports Bar' is the only place to get food and drinks 24/7 – perfect for late arrivals.
- ✨
Ask for a 'quiet zone' table in the Al-Andalus buffet if you want to escape the main hall chaos.
- ✨
The Asian restaurant 'Spices' has the best reputation among the specialty options – book it first.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom has a semi-transparent glass partition that offers zero privacy – awkward for friends sharing.
💡You have to wear a plastic wristband your entire stay, and they will cut it off at exactly 11am on checkout.
💡The 'Souk Al Marfa' nearby is a wholesale market, not a traditional tourist souk – great for bulk buying, weird for browsing.
💡There is no room service, even for a fee. If you're hungry, you must go to the buffet or Sports Bar.
💡The sea water here can be a bit stagnant compared to the open Jumeirah beaches due to the artificial island layout.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riu Dubai - All Inclusive is located and what's nearby.