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Review: QE2 hotel – what’s it like to stay at Dubai’s floating hotel

Review: QE2 hotel – what’s it like to stay at Dubai’s floating hotel

Dubai is stuffed with 5+ star motels designed to wow however if you’re searching for an iconic place to stick with a little bit of historical past to it, the QE2 lodge delivers. 

As a fan of cruising and a little bit of a historical past geek I used to be greater than a bit excited so as to add the Queen Elizabeth 2 to our 5 day break in Dubai. 

This ocean liner turned floating lodge was precisely what we’re searching for after three nights on the LEGOLAND Dubai Resort. We needed to relocate to a lodge near Downtown Dubai to see the town sights but additionally benefit from the character of our lodging.

Spoiler alert, we cherished it. A lot in order that we booked one other night time whereas onboard.

Nevertheless, I don’t assume it’s for everybody. When you’re considering a keep on the Queen Elizabeth 2 there’s a number of issues it is best to know earlier than you e book. I’ll be overlaying them on this evaluation.

However first, forgive me for indulging in a little bit of scene setting.

The QE2 – ocean liner to lodge

After we determined to e book our keep I sat down with our youngsters to observe a Historical past Channel documentary in regards to the QE2 in order that they knew the significance of the ship.

One thing talked about greater than as soon as was how the QE2 broke the mould for cruise ship design. 

Plenty of options that made it so standard are nonetheless replicated throughout trendy cruise ships. Its leisure areas, balcony cabins and opulent model had been what set it aside, giving it an iconic standing that resonated for many years.

It additionally hogged the headlines with a trans-atlantic bomb scare, a number of mechanical meltdowns and its function as a troop ship through the Falkland Struggle.

The place is the QE2 now?

Review: QE2 hotel – what’s it like to stay at Dubai’s floating hotel
A glass case containing a captain's hat in the QE2 terminal building in Mina Rashid Port in Dubai

Who owns the QE2 now?

The ship was beforehand owned by Cunard from its launch in 1967 to 2008 when it was bought to Dubai World for $100m. After a number of years of hypothesis, the QE2 lodge opened to company in 2018.

Need to know extra? Afterward on this publish, I’ll share extra info and figures that made the QE2 one of many UK’s most well-known vessels.

Our keep on the QE2

We booked the Queen Elizabeth 2 ship* after spending three nights at LEGOLAND Dubai* – one thing very a lot aimed on the youngsters. 

It might be unfair to match the QE2 – it’s not aimed toward kids – however our younger cruise followers aged eight and 11-years-old nonetheless cherished it. And us adults relished mixing up our Dubai expertise.

Arriving on the ship is much like arriving for a cruise, simply with out the lengthy passenger queues and doc checks to arrange your cruise account.

Earlier than going onboard you may browse across the ship’s memorabilia which incorporates a number of the 6,000 books that had been as soon as a part of the QE2 library.

You’re free to take any of the gangways – we stumbled throughout the automobile raise, full with a shiny Rolls Royce, and wandered by the vacationer class cabins earlier than discovering the steps upwards. 

A black Rolls Royce in the vehicle lift onboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner
Automotive raise

There are deck plans at most junctions across the ship however don’t count on to get to know your manner round in 24 hours. We struggled even with 48 hours onboard. So, should you’re into cruising that’s fairly acquainted.

When you’re not an everyday cruiser you’ll need to give yourselves a while to get between locations – don’t stress, simply float. We discovered a lot of superb areas by simply following our noses.

Issues common cruisers will discover (and presumably miss)

The QE2 is run by the Accor group which implies it operates extra like a lodge than a ship, so that you’ll discover there’s: 

  • no cruise accounts for company. You possibly can pay as you go or add bills to your room
  • no picture playing cards for company, however you’re going to get a key card on your room
  • no muster stations drill or life vests in your cabin
  • no bulletins out of your captain or cruise director. The ship now has a microphone shy lodge supervisor
  • no cabin steward. Your room is serviced each day by housekeeping however you’re unlikely to fulfill them
  • no each day e-newsletter, however there’s a web-based information to your keep onboard
  • not full board as commonplace, however there are offers so as to add breakfast and different meals to your reserving
  • no daytime or night leisure. There are theatres however tickets for reveals need to be purchased individually to your keep
  • no excursions, though here’s a shuttle bus to the Mall of Dubai and Outdated Dubai.

One thing you’ll discover, whether or not you’re a cruise fan or not, is that the QE2 smells like a ship slightly than a lodge. That is completely different to trendy cruise ships that now we have sailed on the place the communal areas have a scent extra like a lodge. 

It’s not disagreeable – we’ve been on ships which have had unhealthy stink points. I’d liken the scent to an outdated stately residence with a whiff of diesel engine. It’s a reminder that the QE2 is an outdated woman.

The bow of the QE2 seen from the wing bridge overlooking yachts in Mina Rashid Port in Dubai

It’s arduous to disregard that the outside areas aren’t very properly maintained. Wooden work might do with a varnish and the decks want a repaint.

The entire ship continues to be a piece in progress, so hold this in thoughts if you e book.

Captain’s Room with Balcony

Our Captain's Room with Balcony. there is a king sized bed and seating with two floor to ceiling windows looking out on the port

We booked two Captain’s Rooms with Balconies with interconnecting doorways. These had been positioned on the Sign Deck on the prime of the ship simply alongside from what would have been the QE2’s Captain’s cabin.

Had we been crusing onboard the QE2 in her heyday these rooms would have value about the identical as a median UK home on the time.

Decor and facilities

Our rooms had been gentle and spacious with giant patio doorways onto a large balcony. The king-sized mattress was very snug and there’s a settee, desk and bench to offer extra seating.

One thing I do know will get common cruisers excited is that these cabins include a set of huge attracts in addition to a full size wardrobe. These are sometimes left of cabin design specs for some cause.

The bathroom in a Captain's Room with Balcony onboard the QE2. There is a toilet, a large walk in shower and marble side with twin sinks

Within the toilet there’s a big stroll in rainfall bathe with further bathe head, twin sinks and QE2 bathrobes. 

The coffee and tea station in our Captain's Room. There is a coffee machine with water bottles and glasses on the side board. Underneath is a draw contains various flavours of tea, two mugs and wine glasses

Love a freebie? You possibly can take residence your QE2 slippers in addition to an assortment of complimentary gadgets branded with the ship’s title.

Wooden deck chairs with blue and white striped covers on our cabin balcony

Exterior, the balcony railing and furnishings had been in want of a revarnish. Nevertheless the chairs had been unique and really cozy.

How many individuals can a Captain’s Room sleep?

You can match one further single mattress within the room however definitely not two. So, as is the case in plenty of Center East motels, what they count on you to do is all share the king-sized mattress.

An open door between our rooms onboard the ship

We did take into account reserving the Officer’s Suite as there’s a king measurement mattress and couch mattress as commonplace. However once I contacted the lodge about this room’s configuration for a household of 4 they steered the couch mattress was solely large enough for one youngster. 

There’s additionally a Duplex Room which might match households. This has been created by combining two cabins on on a special decks. There’s a bed room and a dwelling space with couch mattress.

And there are additionally two Royal Suites which may sleep households with further beds.

Is the QE2 family-friendly?

I’ve already talked about that our women had been very excited to remain on the QE2, particularly after we watched the documentary. Nevertheless, its household amenities aren’t a patch on those we’ve skilled on trendy cruise ships. 

If you would like splash parks and children golf equipment the QE2 shouldn’t be for you. However, there are plans to reinstate the outside swimming pools sooner or later.

What our youngsters loved was exploring the ship, each independently with us and on a fact-filled organised tour.

Discover out extra about QE2 ship excursions beneath.

Our women additionally love a buffet. We had breakfast and dinner buffets in addition to an al carte lunch within the Lido Restaurant. The fish and chips was the perfect we’ve had exterior the UK.

There are excessive chairs within the eating places and the restrooms close by have been up to date with child altering amenities. Elsewhere the restrooms are extra retro and fairly small. Count on to see ash trays in the bathroom cubicles!

There are lifts which might accommodate a pushchair.

Dubai is clearly a playground for all ages, so if you’re staying on the QE2 with youngsters there’s loads of leisure ashore.

Try these enjoyable actions for teenagers in Dubai.

QE2 ship excursions

The entire ship is a dwelling historical past museum.

One thing we extremely advocate doing throughout your keep is a ship tour. There are two every day, at 11am and 5pm, and they’re obtainable to lodge company and day guests.

We lucked in with a tour led by Brandon Clark, the QE2’s Curator and Heritage Coordinator. 

Over two hours he entertained us with tales in regards to the historical past of the QE2, its crew and passengers. All of us, together with the youngsters, thought the time flew by as we had been fed info and proven particulars we’d missed whereas exploring by ourselves.

The tour is the one approach to entry the ship’s bridge and chartroom. They’re fascinating.

QE2 lodge eating places

The Lido can also be open for al a carte lunch and you may e book afternoon tea within the well-known Queens Grill on Fridays and Saturdays. Kids over eight can dine on this restaurant. Afternoon tea is on my want listing for after we subsequent go to Dubai.

Dinner is out there as a buffet within the Lido or you may e book a desk for extra formal eating within the Queens Grill.

A view across the outdoor Pavilion dining area to the flag flying at the stern of the ship
Pavilion eating space

Alternatively there’s mezze, seafood and Arabic combine grill on the menu within the Pavilion outside eating area on Deck 1.

For one thing much less formal there’s bar snacks in The Golden Lion which, since arriving within the metropolis, has claimed the title of carry Dubai’s oldest pub. Below 21s aren’t allowed inside however Mr Tin Field and I snuck in for a fast pleased hour drink.

Bottles, fridges and glasses behind the bar in The Golden Lion pub on the QE2

The crests of Royal Navy and Service provider Navy ships line the highest of the bar space.

Discover out extra about all of the eating choices for company and walk-ins.

What’s the costume code for the QE2 in Dubai?

When you’ve sailed with Cunard you’ll know that there’s a costume code for all events. The identical applies to the QE2 and visiting Dubai on the whole. Nevertheless, it’s not as formal as you would possibly count on.

It’s positive to put on lengthy shorts or a knee size skirt and a t-shirt across the ship through the day. Within the evenings lengthy trousers or skirts are anticipated within the eating places. When you’re eating within the Queen’s Grill you would possibly need to glam up a bit. The costume code is ‘sensible informal’, so there’s no want on your black tie or ball robe.

We dined within the Lido throughout Ramadan and company added a bit of additional sparkle to their Iftar outfits.

Don’t neglect that you’re in a Muslim nation, so brief shorts and strappy tops are much less acceptable. Nevertheless, we discovered Dubai’s clothes norms rather more liberal than Oman the place shorts, uncovered higher arms and, dare I say it, cleavage will offend.

One thing to notice is that sporting swimming costumes across the higher deck would have appeared a bit misplaced after we stayed as there wasn’t an out of doors pool or any solar loungers.

Right here’s some concepts for what to pack for a cruise that can assist you plan for the same journey.

How a lot does it value to remain on the QE2?

We anticipated such a singular lodge to return with a premium value level, however it was comparable with and even cheaper than plenty of different 4 star Dubai motels*.

There are 447 rooms within the Queen Elizabeth 2 lodge.

After we booked in April 2024 our Captain’s Rooms with Balcony, together with breakfast and a buffet dinner, value 649 AED per room per night time – that’s about £140.

There are costlier suites and less expensive exterior cabins.

So, should you’re searching for a finances place to remain in Dubai the QE2 lodge is price a glance.

However as a lodge, the value stacks up fairly properly.

Information in regards to the QE2

QE2 ship alongside at Mina Rashid Port in Dubai

Right here’s some enjoyable info in regards to the QE2:

  • The QE2 accomplished 1,419 voyages between 1969 and 2008, travelling six million miles
  • The QE2 is 294m lengthy – 25m longer than the Titanic
  • The QE2 welcomed 2.5 million passengers whereas seagoing
  • Well-known company included members of the British Royal Household together with Queen Elizabeth II and the now King Charles III, Elton John, Nelson Mandela and George Harrison.

Summing up our QE2 lodge evaluation

Staying on the QE2 lodge went above and past our expectations.

It’s nostalgic whereas additionally offering excessive commonplace lodging, meals and repair. It might make an excellent pre-cruise keep if you’re becoming a member of a ship in Dubai. 

We might wholeheartedly advocate staying onboard and hope to have the chance to take action once more, or not less than return for a kind of Queen’s Grill afternoon teas.

Nevertheless, should you’re searching for a contemporary cruise expertise with all of the amenities of a model new ship then e book a cruise*.

And if you’re searching for a Dubai lodge with state-of-the-art amenities there are many different choices.

The ship is drained in locations however it’s nonetheless beneath renovation. It might be actually attention-grabbing to see the way it appears in a number of years.

Contained in the Particular Relationship exhibition there’s a mock up of how the QE2 would possibly look sooner or later, full with swimming pools and seating on deck. This can make what’s already a singular Dubai lodge much more interesting to a wider market.

Tempted? E book your keep at Dubai’s floating lodge*

You may additionally like our evaluation of LEGOLAND Dubai Resort.

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