This is the big question in Dubai: Which Atlantis is better?
You have Atlantis, The Palm: The original, iconic pink castle. It is famous, fun, and always busy.
And now, you have Atlantis The Royal: The new, ultra-luxury icon. It is sleek, modern, and built for the pages of a magazine.
They are right next to each other. They share the same beach. They even share the same waterpark. But they offer very different experiences, especially for families.
As a Dubai travel expert, I’ve spent countless hours in both. So, which one should you book for your family? Let’s break it down.
The Vibe: Fun Palace vs. Luxury Icon
This is the biggest difference.
Atlantis, The Palm:
- The Vibe: Fun, loud, and full of energy. Think of it as a 5-star destination for “wow” moments. The lobby is always bustling. You will see kids running around, families with strollers, and groups heading to the waterpark.
- Best for: Families who want non-stop action, entertainment, and a classic “resort” feel.
Atlantis The Royal:
- The Vibe: Sophisticated, exclusive, and quiet. This is ultra-luxury. The atmosphere is more reserved. You will see fashion-forward couples, business leaders, and celebrities.
- Best for: Families with older, well-behaved children or those who want a high-end, relaxing base after visiting the waterpark.
Winner for Families: Atlantis, The Palm. It’s built for family fun.
The Rooms: Classic Comfort vs. Modern Tech
Atlantis, The Palm: The rooms are beautiful, but more traditional. They have a classic marine (ocean) theme. They are large, comfortable, and perfect for a family to spread out.
- Best Part: You can book the famous Underwater Suite, which is a massive hit with kids.
Atlantis The Royal: The rooms are brand new and stunning. Everything is controlled by technology. The design is modern and minimalist.
- Best Part: The bathrooms are incredible, with gold amenities and amazing views. The Sky Pool Villas with private pools are a new level of luxury.
Winner for Families: Atlantis, The Palm. The rooms feel more “kid-friendly” and less like a delicate art gallery.
The Pools: Action vs. Exclusivity
Atlantis, The Palm: It has two main pools: The “Royal Pool” (relaxing) and the “Zero Entry Pool” (great for toddlers). They are large, busy, and have a great family atmosphere.
Atlantis The Royal: The pools are more like art.
- The Main Pools: Sleek, modern, and lined with designer cabanas.
- Cloud 22: The famous skypool. It is adults-only (21+). This is a key point for families.
Winner for Families: Atlantis, The Palm. The pools are designed for all ages.
Aquaventure Waterpark: It’s a Tie!
This is the easy part. No matter which hotel you stay at, all guests get free, unlimited access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
The waterpark is located between the two hotels, so it’s a short walk or buggy ride from either one.
Winner: It’s a tie. This is the best perk of both hotels.
Dining: Kid-Menus vs. Celebrity Chefs
Atlantis, The Palm: The dining is fantastic for families.
- Must-Dos: Wavehouse (a restaurant with a bowling alley and arcade) and Street Pizza by Gordon Ramsay.
- Buffets: Saffron and Kaleidoscope are two of the biggest buffets in Dubai, with endless options for picky eaters.
Atlantis The Royal: The dining is a “foodie” dream. It has 17 restaurants, many by celebrity chefs (Nobu, Heston Blumenthal).
- The Vibe: Most restaurants are “Smart Elegant.” They are amazing, but not the best place for a tired toddler.
- The Buffet: Gastronomy is the main buffet and it’s incredible. It is family-friendly.
Winner for Families: Atlantis, The Palm. The restaurants are actively designed for families to have fun.
The Price: What to Expect
Let’s be clear: both are expensive. But there is a big difference.
- Atlantis, The Palm: This is the (slightly) more affordable option. Because it’s older, you can often find better deals and packages.
- Atlantis The Royal: This is one of the most expensive hotels in the world. The basic room here often costs more than a suite at The Palm.
Winner for Families: Atlantis, The Palm. It offers better value for a family budget.
My Final Verdict: The Expert Choice
So, which is better?
Book ATLANTIS, THE PALM if:
- You have young children (under 12).
- You want a high-energy, “classic resort” vacation.
- You want family-focused restaurants like Wavehouse.
- You are looking for (slightly) better value.
Book ATLANTIS THE ROYAL if:
- You have older teenagers (16+).
- Your family prefers quiet luxury and sophisticated design.
- You are “foodies” who want to try celebrity chef restaurants.
- Price is not a concern, and you want the newest, most luxurious option.
For most families, Atlantis, The Palm is the clear winner.
But no matter which you pick, booking the right package is key to getting the most value, like a half-board plan. This is true for both hotels, as well as for anyone looking into investment opportunities or booking a private yacht charter during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do guests at Atlantis The Royal have access to Atlantis The Palm?
A1: Yes and no. You can use the “shared” areas like Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. You can also book and pay to eat at any restaurant in The Palm. But you cannot use The Palm’s private pools or kid’s club.
Q2: Do guests at Atlantis The Palm have access to Atlantis The Royal?
A2: It is more limited. You can book and pay to eat at the restaurants. But you cannot use The Royal’s pools (especially not Cloud 22, which is for Royal guests only).
Q3: Which hotel is closer to Aquaventure Waterpark?
A3: They are both very close. Atlantis, The Palm is physically connected to the main entrance. Atlantis The Royal is a very short walk or complimentary buggy ride away. It’s not a reason to pick one over the other.
