After a dramatic, unplanned extension to our trip—failing to get on our flight home—we needed one final luxurious but straightforward stop. We chose the Grand Hyatt Dubai, and even for a short stay, its scale and opulence were immediately apparent.

From the moment you step into the stunning lobby, complete with an impressive pond and fish, you know this hotel is huge. It has a slight ‘business traveler’ focus but is undeniably beautiful.

Room Setup: The Interior Solution

We only had a standard King room, but the space was genuinely generous, easily accommodating our family’s needs.

• Sleeping Arrangement: We added a roll-away bed for our eldest and, thankfully, the bathroom was absolutely massive, allowing us to comfortably place the cot for our youngest inside. This is a game-changer for parents who want a separate, dark sleeping space for their baby while still having access to the main room.
• Living Space: The standard room also included a lovely separate seating area, which allowed us to relax in the evening without having to be completely silent.

The only drawback to our room setup was the lack of a balcony. I suspect this is standard across all rooms here, and for families with small children, this absence of private outdoor space is a definite downside that would make me think twice about a longer stay.

Poolside Relaxation & Future Fun

Given our short time, we headed straight for the pool complex.

• Current Pools: The resort features a small, shallow kids’ pool (no slide, but perfect height for non-swimmers) and a large main pool. We also peeked at the indoor pool, which is a great perk, especially if you visit during Dubai’s hotter months.
• The Soft Play (Important Note): The staff mentioned a soft play area, and we were taken over via a golf buggy. While it is huge, be aware that it is not included for hotel guests, though you do receive a small discount. They are also quite strict on height restrictions, with staff actively watching to ensure smaller children do not use the slides.
• Future Waterpark: Unfortunately, the dedicated kids’ area was closed due to the construction of a major new water park. This new facility, featuring multiple slides, a wave pool, and a dedicated kids’ splash zone, is due to open in late 2025. Once complete, I believe this will transform the Grand Hyatt into a serious contender for family leisure holidays.

Quick Eats & Travel Hacks

Since we hadn’t booked a meal package, we kept the dining simple and relaxed. We enjoyed some easy poolside pasta for the kids at lunchtime. The true win, however, was in the evening.

• The Parent Hack: We successfully ordered Deliveroo directly to our room! Having been thoroughly exhausted by the travel drama, the kids were asleep quickly, allowing us to sit on the sofa, enjoy takeaway pizza, and finally figure out our plans for getting home. The large seating area in the room was key to making this quiet evening work.

We would definitely need more time here to explore the full range of restaurants and amenities. But once that waterpark is open, and if you can manage without a private balcony, the Grand Hyatt has the potential to be a brilliant family option.