I have just returned from a stay in Raffles for 3 weeks. As always the service and standards are beyond compare and the staff go out of their way with a genuine and sincere interest to ensure you are fully satisfied and being looked after.
My mother and I were staying in a suite and it was her birthday during the stay, its as if the whole hotel knew and every member of staff asked after my mother before and after her birthday, not just on the day! We spent the day of her birthday at the pool where the amazing pool staff let by Marina and Nick brought out balloons and a beautiful fruit platter in what could only be described as a well rehearsed and synchronised presentation with staff literally arriving from 3 different directions, it was quite something! The nice thing is they pool staff offered to take the plate and keep it in the fridge for us while we were not eating it so the fruit didnt spoil. These little touches are woven through your stay at Raffles.
Another nice touch is Jeffrey the pool lifeguard who once he knows where you prefer to sit by the pool often anticipates your arrival and has towels laid out for you and this wasnt just for me but quite a few guests.
Sara at reception was beyond helpful when I said I was going to get some balloons for my mothers birthday she said she could get some for me and conspired with me to deliver them when my mother was out of the room so it would be a surprise for the morning. Sara helped me arrange a cake at breakfast and even got me a card as the hallmark shop in the mall next door doesnt sell cards anymore for some reason! At other times Ankit and Kaiser have both been extremely helpful with various things for me too.
The Azur breakfast is really delicious and at this time of year you can sit outside and enjoy the weather juts nicely. Sidd and his team are really fantastic at looking after you and the chef Vinod makes the most delicious scrambled eggs you've ever tasted. Of course be careful not to eat too much because the Club Lounge food is absolutely delightful too, Khris and her team there are magnificent and its a fantastic experience with really delicious food and cakes.However for the most delicious cakes you need to check by the lobby cake stand where you will find Sofia working and happy to recommend a cake or two for you and let you taste the most heavenly macaroons you've ever imagined. We had started to work our way through the cakes there and all are delicious, especially the salted caramel one, plus if you are up in your room and fancy something sweet, they can send it up to you!!
Room service continues to be outstanding and with rooms as nice as Raffles has with what could rightfully be called the best views in Dubai, room service is a must! Mujaneer delivered room service a couple of times and he was really excellent! I dont know who the chefs are behind the scenes but they really are worthy of a mention as the steaks are mouthwatering as is every single thing we had on room service!
Raffles continues to maintain a very high standard professionally woven throughout your experience, from the greeting on arrival to the little touches during your stay and the final departure. I am continually amazed at the sincerity and passion evident in the staff. In a competitive market that is saturated with hotels with varying standards, the fact that Raffles continues to consistently provide such amazing service is itself an astounding achievement.
Finally thank you to the lovely valet staff Ismail, Dawo and Mohammed who are the smiling faces that warmly welcome you home every time you arrive at Raffles.
If you are in any doubt, stay here for a day or two on your next stay and you will see why Raffles is no.1
