The Al Maha Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Dubai was one of the very few bright spots of the SPG-Marriott merger. It went from costing 60K Starpoints to just 60K Marriott points (20K Starpoints) in August. That’s a real bargain for hotel that can set you back over $2,000/night!
It’s an ultra-luxury desert oasis that consists of all villas with private pools. All meals are included as are 2 daily activities likeĀ Falconry, camel trekking, archery, horse riding, desert AWD, and more.
I loved my Dubai stopover in 2017 and definitely plan to try to make it to Al Maha one day when I have more time to spend there.
Unfortunately last month Al Maha stripped out the meals and activities from rooms that were booked with points:
The full board and activities is one of the reasons that the resort is able to command the prices that they do, so stripping everything out seemed pretty unfair.
Al Maha’s Trip Advisor rating tanked from the top of the list in Dubai all the way down to #67 as reviewers pummeled the hotel with 1 star reviews for the new policy and for making the changes apply even for people who booked award stays before the policy change.
Gary points out that he was able to help get the situation resolved.
As it turns out, Marriott requires hotels to offer everything on point stays as they do on revenue stays, so Al Maha management didn’t have a leg to stand on.
However Al Maha was also supposed to be reimbursed at a higher rate for point stays that they have been since the merger due to the all-inclusive nature of their resort.
All of that has been resolved and point stays once again include all meals and 2 daily desert activities:
This hotel will climb to a category 8 (70K-100K Marriott points) when Marriott releases their new program in the coming months, so be sure to book your stay now for 60K points/night if you have any Dubai travel plans this year.
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22 Comments On "Marriott Forces Al Maha Dubai To Restore Full Board And Activities On Award Stays"
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Is there kosher food available in Dubai?
There is an underground Chabad there, but I wouldn’t count on them for food in Dubai.
Just bring your own double wrapped meals from any restaurant or takeout counter and have your hotel warm them up for you.
Stayed at the Ritz in Dubai with private villa + private pool on points and it was awesome!! Highly recommended!
Isnt this the purpose of resort fees? Why don they just charge a resort fee.
Let’s not give them any ideas š
Haha indeed.
Safe for frum Jews to travel? What about passport with Israeli stamp?
Thanks
Yes.
No issue
I called them last month and they offered full board on award, when did they remove it.?
It was gone from about December 10-January 9.
was planning to go with my children on vacation to Dubai.can anyone please tell me if they would feel safe to walk around with a yarmulka and tzitzis and children of all ages.please only answer if you have been to Dubai.
Try the Forums.
I was there and they seem to be tolerant of all kinds of people BUT I wouldnāt recommend walking with a kipa and tsisit , especially with children .
I personally wore a cap but felt completely safe. Just feel like why advertise ur Judaism. Can’t really hurt to wear a cap and not stick ur tzitzis out.
I didnt wear my kids zizis and kippot i admit
Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed at the property
Can you post about the spirit air discrimination story against the boro park family? Seems like a good boycott is in order..
Dan,
Based on this info, how is it that the Marriott/SPG hotels in Israel can get away without providing breakfast for award stay?
“As it turns out, Marriott requires hotels to offer everything on point stays as they do on revenue stays, so Al Maha management didnāt have a leg to stand on.”
I’ve asked that they look into the Renaissance.
The other ones seem to offer non-breakfast paid rates, but correct me if I’m wrong.
You asked recently?
Renaissance – that’s the one I was referring to. Thanks Dan
I stayed there 2 years ago and it was amazing