Dubai Dream: 2-Bed Oasis on the Boulevard! ✨
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Dubai Dream: 2-Bed Oasis on the Boulevard review is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "honest, slightly chaotic account of my experience." Consider this your pre-departure briefing… because let's face it, Dubai's an adventure, and so is this review.
Metadata (Yes, I know! But it's part of the drill):
- Title: Dubai Dream: 2-Bed Oasis on the Boulevard - The Good, The Bad, and The Honestly Slightly Overhyped
- Keywords: Dubai hotel, 2-bedroom suite, Boulevard, accessibility, spa, pool, restaurants, luxury hotel, family-friendly, Wi-Fi, Dubai review, travel, vacation, clean, safe, internet, fitness, dining, room service, opinions
- Meta Description: My unfiltered take on Dubai Dream! Is it truly an oasis? Discover the pros and cons, from accessible features to the chaotic beauty of a family vacation. We delve into the details – the amazing pool, the iffy Wi-Fi… and the reality of trying to get a decent cup of coffee at 6 am
Let's Dive In, Shall We?
Alright, so "Dubai Dream." Sounds dreamy, right? Okay, the name delivers on the "Dubai" part; it is in Dubai. The "dream"? Well… that depends on your definition of a dream.
Accessibility (Let's Get Real):
First things first, because I know it's important to a lot of you (and should be!), the Accessibility wasn't perfect, but better than I expected, which says a lot: the basics were there. Elevators, of course. Common areas with ramps, which is a solid start. And the staff seemed genuinely willing to help. (Although I did have to ask twice for someone to direct me to the wheelchair-accessible entrance of the spa, which was a small, but annoying miss.) Wheelchair accessible? Yes, but again, with those little hiccups, a reminder that sometimes, things aren't perfectly seamless.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't check them all out thoroughly, but the ones I saw did offer a relatively accessible pathway into the restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety (Let's Get Serious):
This is where Dubai really shines. Cleanliness was a definite win. And it felt genuinely safe. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas weren't just marketing buzzwords; you could feel it. It was almost… excessive, but honestly, in the post-pandemic world, I'm not complaining. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Hand sanitizer everywhere, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. The whole thing felt like a hyper-clean bubble. They even had Room sanitization opt-out available if you wanted to feel like you were truly in control.
I’ll be honest, though, the Safe dining setup? It felt a little… sterile. Everything was individually wrapped! The Individually-wrapped food options started to feel like a prison of plastic.
Dining, drinking, and snacking (Food, Glorious Food… And Occasionally, Disappointment):
Okay, here's the thing: Dubai loves food. And "Dubai Dream" has a LOT of options. The Restaurants were genuinely impressive. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was amazing. Seriously, try the sushi. Incredible. Then, the Western cuisine in restaurant was, well, reliable. The usual suspects. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. The Coffee/tea in restaurant (or the lack of good coffee) was my only gripe on the whole thing. You can get EVERYTHING at this place but the coffee was… well, not good. Don't get me started on the Breakfast takeaway service and that coffee!
A la carte in restaurant, Bottle of water (plenty!), Desserts in restaurant? All good. Poolside bar was convenient, but a bit pricey. My suggestion? Bring your own instant coffee.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
This is where Dubai Dream tries to flex. You want a Concierge? Got it. Dry cleaning? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Of course. Luggage storage? No problem. The problem is that the “convenience” sometimes felt a little… manufactured. Like a Hollywood set that was just a little too perfect.
For the Kids (Because Let's Face It, They're the Real Bosses):
Family/child friendly, yes. Babysitting service, available, but the kids facilities, they didn't knock my socks off. I felt as if the pool was the saving grace, and that was it.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The Fun Stuff, Hopefully):
Okay, this is where Dubai Dream tries to justify the price tag. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous. Stunning. Instagram-worthy. The Pool with view? Yes, that too. Spend enough time there, and you'll forget about the Wi-Fi issues.
Let's talk about the Spa/sauna. Oh, man. I went for the Body scrub. I felt like a new person! The Steamroom, the Massage… it was all fantastic. I could have stayed there all day. Actually, I almost did.
Internet (Oh, the Humanity!):
Now, here is where things get… complicated. Internet access. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's what they say. "Free Wi-Fi"! But let’s just say my streaming habits took a hit. "Wi-Fi" implies a certain level of… speed and reliability. Let's generously say it was… intermittent. I’d sit there, laptop balanced precariously on my knees, cursing the buffering wheel of doom. And that’s a tragedy given all the features described in this review. Internet [LAN]? Didn't try it. I was too busy trying to avoid throwing my laptop out the window. The Internet services were… there. Technically. But the Wi-Fi situation really did affect my review.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet - YES. A godsend.
- Air conditioning - A must!
- Alarm clock - Fine.
- Bathrobes - Nice touch.
- Bathroom phone - Really?
- Bathtub - I'd take a shower over a bath any day.
- Blackout curtains - Essential.
- Carpeting - Yeah, it's there.
- Closet - Plenty of space.
- Coffee/tea maker - See coffee rant, above
- Complimentary tea - But the coffee!
- Daily housekeeping - Always appreciated.
- Desk - Fine.
- Extra long bed - Lovely.
- Free bottled water - Yay!
- Hair dryer - Essential.
- High floor - Yep.
- In-room safe box - Always good
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Useful for families.
- Internet access – LAN - Not to be trusted
- Internet access – wireless - See Internet rant, above
- Ironing facilities - Check.
- Laptop workspace - Kinda necessary given the Wi-Fi.
- Linens - Quality.
- Mini bar - Expensive convenience.
- Mirror - check.
- Non-smoking - good.
- On-demand movies - A nice touch.
- Private bathroom - Always a win.
- Reading light - check.
- Refrigerator - Necessary.
- Safety/security feature - Always good.
- Satellite/cable channels - You'll find something.
- Scale - I didn't want to weigh myself.
- Seating area - Check.
- Separate shower/bathtub - Good.
- Shower - Also good.
- Slippers - Nice.
- Smoke detector - Check.
- Socket near the bed - Necessary.
- Sofa - Nice.
- Soundproofing - Helpful.
- Telephone - Useless.
- Toiletries - Nice.
- Towels - Fluffy.
- Umbrella - check.
- Visual alarm - for those who struggle to see.
- Wake-up service - Yep.
- Wi-Fi [free] - See Internet rant, ad nauseam.
- Window that opens - I like that.
Getting Around (Don't Even Try to Walk):
Okay, if you're not used to Dubai,
Escape to Paradise: SHH Hotel's Luxurious Fujairah Getaway
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to unleash the chaotic symphony of a Dubai adventure, Dream Inn style. 29 Boulevard, here we come! And honestly, I'm already half-expecting to lose my sunglasses. They’re cursed, those things.
Dubai Diary: The Messy Traveler's Manifesto
Day 1: Arrival – Sand, Smiles, and Slight Panic
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The Red Eye from… wherever you are! (Mine was a red-eye from London, landed with the grace of a drunken flamingo). Heathrow felt like a warzone at that hour. Customs? A whirlwind of tired faces and the faint scent of Duty-Free perfume. Dubai airport, though… glamorous. Shiny, spotless, and intimidatingly efficient. I swore I saw a robot usher me through.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Taxi to Dream Inn - 29 Boulevard. The driver was intense. Kept trying to sell me a desert safari, and not in a friendly way. I swear, he saw me looking lost at the luggage carousel. Probably mistook me for his next big pay day.
- Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): FINALLY, the Dream Inn! Okay, the apartment is… stunning. Seriously, the views! I'm talking Burj Khalifa peeking over the buildings. (Cue: squeal of joy.) Also, the air con is a godsend. Decided to grab a quick bite. Found a place near the hotel that I can't quite remember the name of. It was good though. I'm not sure if it was breakfast, lunch, or a mix, but it was delicious.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Pool time! I'm not a pool person usually, but the heat was making me feel like a slowly melting ice cream cone. Spent a good hour just floating there, trying to avoid eye contact with the impossibly tanned Adonis on the adjacent lounger. Failed. Miserably. Briefly considered becoming a permanent resident of the pool.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner and a wander in the Dubai Marina. The marina is so… boujee. Yachts that cost more than my entire existence. The food was pretty great though. Found a place called "Pierchic". The restaurant that I found seemed pretty expensive, but the food was worth it. The view was amazing. I felt like a real princess. Definitely worth the splurge. Tried to take some photos, but my phone apparently decided it was a good time to run out of battery. Rookie mistake, I know. Finished the night with a late-night stroll, feeling like I was in a movie.
Day 2: Desert Dreams and Shopping Shenanigans
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Desert Safari pre-booked (because apparently, I'm trying to be responsible). OMG. The dunes! Rollercoaster ride on steroids! My stomach did a few loops I wasn't expecting. The camel ride was… wobbly, to say the least. Sat on top of that thing was like being in a bad relationship. I did my best.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Traditional Bedouin camp experience… which was, well, an experience. The food was decent, belly dancing a bit…awkward. I did love the music, though. I found myself humming to the rhythm of the drums.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Dubai Mall. Oh, the Dubai Mall. Paradise and purgatory all rolled into one giant air-conditioned space. Saw the aquarium (impressive!), got lost approximately a thousand times, and succumbed to the siren call of retail therapy. Bought a dress I don't need, because, you know, vacation.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Fountain show! It was magical. Seriously, the music, the lights, the water… I almost cried. Right. Almost. Dinner at a cafe overlooking the fountains. Felt a bit cheap, but it was still a great view. Then back to the apartment because again, the air conditioning is amazing.
Day 3: Gold, Glorious Gold, and a Touch of Culture
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Gold Souk. My eyes! So much bling! I felt like a magpie. Spent about an hour just wandering around, gawking at the dazzling displays. Seriously, I was convinced I would accidentally buy a golden unicorn. I didn't.
- Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Spice Souk. The air was thick with the aroma of… everything. Cinnamon, cardamom, saffron… My senses were on overload. I bought a mountain of spices I’ll probably never use but hey, souvenirs!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Exploring the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya). A welcome escape from the glitz. The wind towers, the art galleries, the quiet courtyards… felt like stepping back in time. Felt so good to get some peace.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner cruise on a traditional dhow. Romantic, right? Not when you’re on your own, dodging overly friendly couples. The food was…fine. The views were beautiful, though. The city skyline at night is something else. Back to the apartment to re-evaluate my life choices.
Day 4: Burj-a-licious and Beach Bliss
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Burj Khalifa! The top! The view! Mind. Blown. Literally felt like I could see the whole world. I almost tripped over my own feet in awe. The elevators are crazy fast. I was too busy looking around.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Quick bite near The Dubai Mall, because walking builds an appetite, don’t you think?
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach time! Jumeirah Beach. White sand, turquoise water, and the Burj Al Arab looming in the background. Spent a blissful afternoon soaking up the sun. Then I got a sunburn.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Farewell dinner at a fancy restaurant (name forgotten). The food was incredible, the ambiance was perfect, and I made a mental note to start working on my Dubai relocation plan. Back to the apartment. Sigh. Packing is not my forte.
Day 5: Departure - And the Tears Floweth
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Last breakfast on the balcony. Staring at the Burj Khalifa like it's my long-lost friend. Realized I desperately need to do laundry. Packed what I could.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Final sweep of the apartment, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving this little slice of heaven. Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Dream Inn!
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - onwards): The flight home! Another red-eye (of course!) Staring out the window. Contemplating my life, regretting not buying more shoes, and already dreaming of a return trip to Dubai. And maybe this time, I'll remember my sunglasses…
Post Script: Dubai, you magnificent, crazy, over-the-top city. You've stolen a piece of my heart (and possibly a small fortune from my bank account). Until next time… goodbye, and thank you for the memories. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to nap for approximately three days. And maybe find a good dermatologist.
Gyeongju Glam Dog: South Korea's Chicest Canine Destination!
Dubai Dream: 2-Bed Oasis on the Boulevard! ✨ (The REAL Deal FAQs)
Okay, so... is this place ACTUALLY a dream? Because let's be real, Dubai.
Honestly? That depends on your definition of "dream." Look, the *view* from the balcony... it's a stunner. Like, jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy stuff. I spent a solid hour the first day just… gawking. But "dream" implies zero problems, right? And let me tell you, having to figure out the *water heater* at 3 AM because my husband’s convinced it was leaking… that’s not exactly what I envisioned when I booked this place. We're still on speaking terms, mostly.
So, is it dreamy visually? Oh, ABSOLUTELY. Is it perfect? Let's just say my expectations were slightly… unrealistic. But hey, character, right?
What's the deal with "on the Boulevard"? Sounds fancy. Does that mean… shopping?
Oh, the Boulevard! Well, yes, it *does* mean shopping. And restaurants. And people-watching opportunities galore. Think of it as a giant, air-conditioned playground for adults. It's conveniently located, I'll give it that. We walked to a fancy-pants restaurant last night (after nearly getting lost in the parking garage for a solid 20 minutes – honestly, who *designs* those things?).
The walking, though? That's where the "dream" starts to crack. Dubai in August… let’s just say that the heat is a force to be reckoned with. Bring water. LOTS of water. And a wide-brimmed hat. And maybe a personal cloud of air conditioning. Seriously, I'm starting to feel like I’m melting. We're taking taxis everywhere now; it's the only way to survive. So, yeah, "on the Boulevard" is convenient, but pack your sunscreen and hydration pack. And maybe build up your tolerance for the *slightly* pretentious.
Two bedrooms – perfect for a family, right? What about the kids?
Two bedrooms ARE perfect for a family… in theory. In practice? Chaos. My kids, bless their little hearts, have an uncanny ability to turn a perfectly clean, well-appointed space into a disaster zone in about 4.7 seconds. We’re currently experiencing a “blanket fort” phase. In the living room.
But, the space is good and it's nice. The second bedroom is a godsend, though. It's where the noise goes to die. (mostly) And having a washing machine and tumble dryer? Pure luxury! Pack light, because the laundry facilities are a lifesaver. Just… don’t expect pristine order. Embrace the chaos. And maybe hide the snacks.
Is the kitchen actually usable? Because I'm not about to eat out every single meal.
Okay, the kitchen... is where things get a little… subjective. It's *functional*. It has appliances. It has a counter. But, and this is a BIG but, the layout is… peculiar. Whoever designed it clearly didn't do much cooking. I swear I spent a good 10 minutes the first morning just *trying* to find the spatula.
And the supplies? They were… meager. One tiny sponge, a couple of dish towels that looked like they’d been through the apocalypse, and a sad little bottle of dish soap. I ended up having to buy a whole starter kit from the grocery store. But hey, it's Dubai! Where else am I going to get a perfectly good set of kitchen utensils?!
If you're a serious cook, be prepared. Bring your own spices, your favorite knives, and maybe a really good attitude. And you know what? Plan for those few take-out meals, too. Trust me, you'll need them.
What's the wi-fi like? I need to stay connected, you know… for work… and Instagram.
The wi-fi? Okay, here’s the deal. It *works*. Most of the time. Then, just when you're in the middle of posting the perfect sunset photo, poof! It vanishes. Just like that. Then, you spend 10 minutes trying to login again. And then it works again. And then… you get the point.
It’s not the fastest internet in the world, but it's adequate for basic Instagramming and email. If you have a Zoom meeting scheduled, pray. Really pray. And maybe invest in a mobile hotspot. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way when I had to present to my colleagues with a "you are muted" notice.
Parking? Is it a nightmare? Seriously.
Oh, parking. Where do I even start with the parking? You know, the first day, I pulled up thinking, "how hard can it be?" Famous last words. It's a labyrinth of concrete and frustration. The signs? Confusing. The ramps? Steep. The other drivers? Let's just say they're very… assertive.
I circled the garage for a good 20 minutes before finally finding a spot. And then, I swear, I spent another 10 minutes just trying to figure out how to *get out* of the spot. It was a close call – I think I nearly sideswiped a Lamborghini. I still have mild PTSD. So, yes. Parking is a nightmare. Prepare yourself, and maybe bring some patience (and a good insurance policy). Seriously, take an Uber if you can. It’s worth the money to save your sanity.
What if something goes wrong? Like, the air conditioning decides to take a vacation?
Okay, so this is where the "service" aspect comes into play. Because let's face it, things go wrong. And when they do, you'll be praying for a quick response. I had a minor issue with a faulty light… and the response time was… well, let's just say it wasn't instantaneous. But the maintenance guy was nice, and the problem was fixed. Eventually. It gave me a good insight into the local culture or something.
Be patient. Be persistent. And be prepared to maybe, just maybe, live without air conditioning for a few hours (or a day, or… okay, maybe I sound a little paranoid here). It's not the end of the world. Keep your expectations realistic, and bring some extra water. And maybe learn some basic Arabic phrases for emergencies. You know, for the experience, and the fun.
