When you book a room at Atlantis The Royal, you will see an option: “Upgrade to Royal Club.”
It’s a big price jump. It can be hundreds of dollars per day. This leads to the biggest question: Is the Royal Club access worth the extra cost?
As a Dubai travel expert, I’ve analyzed this in detail. The short answer is: For most people, yes, it is absolutely worth it.
But it depends on your travel style. Let’s break down what you get for the money, so you can decide for yourself.
What Is the Royal Club?
The Royal Club is the hotel’s “club lounge,” but on a whole new level. It’s not just a lounge. It’s a massive, two-story space with an outdoor terrace and a private pool.
Access is exclusive. You only get in if you:
- Book a “Royal Club” room.
- Book any Suite (all suites get access automatically).
The 5 Main Benefits: What You Get
Your upgrade pays for five key things. The value adds up very quickly.
- Free Breakfast in a Private Lounge You don’t have to eat at the main, busy Gastronomy buffet. You can have a peaceful, high-end breakfast in the Royal Club lounge. The quality is fantastic, and the service is personal.
- All-Day Complimentary Snacks & Drinks This is a big one. All day long (from morning until 10 PM), you can walk in and get:
- Free soft drinks (sodas, juices)
- Free tea and coffee (barista-made)
- A full counter of pastries, fruits, and snacks
- The Afternoon Tea Every day from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, they serve a full, complimentary Afternoon Tea. This includes sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream, and beautiful pastries. This is an experience that would cost over $100 per person in the lobby.
- The “Golden Hour” (Free Alcohol & Canapés) This is the number one reason it’s worth it. Every evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the lounge offers:
- Unlimited, free-flowing premium drinks. This includes champagne, high-end wines, and any spirit or cocktail you want.
- A massive buffet of hot and cold canapés. This is not just cheese cubes. This is high-end sushi, warm sliders, oyster stations, and gourmet bites from the celebrity chef restaurants.
Honestly? This can easily be your dinner.
- The Private Pool & Terrace The Royal Club has its own stunning, private infinity pool and terrace. It’s like a mini Cloud 22, but with no crowds. It’s the perfect, quiet place to relax.
Let’s Do The Math: Is It Worth It?
Let’s say the Royal Club upgrade costs $300 USD per day for two people. Now let’s see what you would pay for those things “Ã la carte” in the resort:
- Breakfast for Two: $120 USD
- Afternoon Tea for Two: $150 USD
- Evening Drinks (2 cocktails each): $120 USD
- Evening Snacks/Dinner for Two: $150 USD
- Coffee/Sodas During the Day: $40 USD
Total “À La Carte” Cost: $580 USD Your Upgrade Cost: $300 USD Your Daily Savings: $280 USD
As you can see, the value is huge. If you plan to have even a few drinks and one extra meal at the hotel, the Royal Club pays for itself easily.
Who Should NOT Get It?
The Royal Club is not for everyone.
- You Are Out All Day: If you plan to be out exploring Dubai from 8 AM to 8 PM, you will miss all the benefits.
- You Are a Light Eater: If you don’t drink alcohol and only eat small meals, you won’t get the full value.
- You Are on a Strict Budget: If the upgrade price makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it.
My Expert Verdict
The Royal Club is a fantastic value. It turns your trip from a standard “room-only” stay into an all-inclusive, luxury experience.
It simplifies your vacation. You never have to worry about where to get a quick drink or a snack. The “Golden Hour” is one of the best club lounge offerings in the world.
This is the kind of smart luxury that high-end travelers look for. It’s the same mindset as those who book a private yacht charter—they pay for the service to make the experience seamless.
When you are booking your hotel and comparing packages, I almost always recommend choosing a room that includes Royal Club access. It is the best-kept secret at the resort.
booking your hotel and comparing packages
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do all suites at Atlantis The Royal include Royal Club access?
A1: Yes. All guests staying in any suite category (from a Sky Pool Villa to the Royal Mansion) automatically receive complimentary access to the Royal Club.
Q2: What are the “Golden Hours” at the Royal Club?
A2: The “Golden Hours” are from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM every evening. During this time, the lounge serves complimentary (free) premium alcoholic beverages, including champagne and cocktails, along with a large buffet of gourmet canapés.
Q3: Can I pay to enter the Royal Club for just one day?
A3: No. Access to the Royal Club is not sold as a day pass. It is an exclusive benefit only for guests who have booked a Club Room or a Suite.
