Natalia K.
Google
Update 08/03/26:
Dear Rixos team,
The least I can do is amend my 4 star review to 5 star. You have been incredible in supporting my family through this difficult period as Iranian strikes started. I am grateful for your professionalism and for the smiles you all gave to my kid every day. Especially I would like to thank Richelle from the front desk, Donna and wider kids club team, Kaan and the sports team. You guys are doing incredible job and I hope we get to see you again!
Original review 28/02/26:
We stayed eight nights at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island as a couple with our nearly two-year-old child (end of February–early March).
Overall, we had a very enjoyable stay. The standard room was very spacious, the facilities are excellent, and the hotel feels luxurious yet relaxed. The main restaurant offers impressive variety and quality across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The beach is beautiful, the pool area is very comfortable, and the hotel is genuinely very family-oriented.
The reason for four stars instead of five is mainly a few areas where we believe improvements could elevate the experience further — particularly given the hotel’s strong family-friendly positioning.
Guest flexibility:
We had friends drive from Dubai with two small children just to visit us for a couple of hours. They were requested to purchase a full day pass (700 AED per person) and in general were treated by the staff in a rather rough way. While we understand that policies are necessary, a more flexible option — such as a half-day or 4-hour visitor pass — would make a big difference for guests who may want to accommodate short visits from friends or family. And of course, pass or not, everyone expects to be treated with respect.
Child-friendly dining:
Considering the hotel markets itself as very kids-friendly, it would be helpful to have a children’s menu available in all restaurants (for example, the People’s restaurant at lunch does not offer one). It would also be great to provide non-glass, non-ceramic kids’ plates and cups. That said, when we brought our own bibs and children’s plate and asked the staff to wash them after meals, they were always very helpful and accommodating — which we truly appreciated.
Kids’ club & mini disco:
The kids’ club itself is fantastic, but it is important to know that children under four cannot stay without a parent, and nanny services are available only at additional cost. In some comparable family resorts, limited complimentary nanny hours are included, which could be a valuable enhancement.
The mini disco is a nice initiative, but it felt more focused on talking than dancing. Several parents we spoke with shared similar feedback — making it more energetic and dance-focused would likely improve the experience.
Housekeeping:
On one occasion we left the room at 9am and returned around 5pm to find the room just being cleaned, which meant waiting outside with a toddler. However, once we raised this at reception and agreed on cleaning before noon, it was resolved quickly and professionally.
In general, the staff are attentive, the facilities are great, and we had a very positive stay. The points above are meant as constructive suggestions. With a bit more flexibility and a few additional family-focused refinements, this could easily become a five-star experience.