There are few hotels in the world where children are the most important guests and the adults are merely there to accompany them. Legoland Hotel in Dubai is one.
The themed property opened in January and all reservations include breakfast and day passes to one of the two neighbouring Lego parks.
The National visited the hotel on a fully booked weekend with Lego aficionados Aden, aged 8, and his brother Aaron, 5, to find out what a stay here is all about.
The welcome
Such is the allure of the place to young children that Aaron, after spotting the hotel’s roadside sign before we had drawn up at the entrance, said: “I love Legoland Hotel. I want to marry it.”
Dubai’s standard hotel greeting — valet parking and a friendly doorman — is available and helpful when the children in your party are already in a state of (beyond) excitement.
The hotel experience, which is an assault on the senses by all things Lego for the duration of the stay, begins in the lobby, where all attractions and activities can be booked. Children swarm around a small play area full of the brightly coloured plastic bricks, which are removed and sanitised regularly throughout the day, and can climb on a soft play area "castle" which is supervised constantly.
The neighbourhood
The theme parks, hotels and The Outlet Village of Dubai Parks and Resorts make it a relaxed, fun district, just north of the Abu Dhabi border. The hotel’s proximity to Legoland Dubai and Legoland water park — it is a one-minute walk to both from the swimming pool at the rear of the property — makes it an ideal base either for a weekend or longer break exploring more of the neighbouring attractions.
The safety measures
Our visit followed the UAE's easing of Covid-19 restrictions in outside areas, but mask-wearing is strictly observed inside the hotel and there are limits in place on the number of guests using a lift at any one time.
The room
Where to begin? The hotel is in some senses functional, a little like a giant Lego brick, but the level of detail to which each room has been themed and decorated is not far from bewilderingly imaginative.
We stayed in a Pirate Room, where a challenge greets each child as they enter and if they solve a mini treasure hunt for clues and unpick the code for the safe, they are rewarded with a prize — in our case it was a pack of Lego.
The rooms are entertaining for adults as well as children, over the top and endlessly rewarding — you will keep noticing new details, from a Lego lizard on the wall to the intricate carpet pattern. Aden warned ominously that a giant beetle above the adult bed “will haunt your dreams" and was amused that a large Lego spider in the bathroom would be keeping a close eye on anyone using the room.
Each floor has a different Lego theme that will be familiar to children and parents alike and you can select your preference when booking. Our Pirate Room had bunk beds and a double bed for the non-VIPs, plus a decently sized shower room. Suites are also available within each theme and come with separate bunk bed-filled rooms and a lounge/dining area.
The service
The hotel staff are some of the sweetest we’ve encountered in any hotel in a country where hotel employees generally go out of their way to tend to your needs, and they all greet each child with affection and enthusiasm. It does not feel forced — but like true hospitality. They are beautifully trained and/or perhaps picked for their kindly nature.
The scene
The constant piped music from Lego films — think Everything Is Awesome — is everywhere except in the rooms, where guests can instead watch one of those movies from the comfort of their (bunk) bed.
On the ground floor beyond reception is a giant Lego camel. Staff dance about in Lego costumes that include a yellow brick and a dragon, and there are “creative workshop” classes where children can try new things with the famous bricks under guidance from experts.
There's also a programme of morning activities including hula-hooping and scavenger hunts, and a large outside pool for all the family, plus a children's splash area.
The food
Bricks, the main restaurant, caters well to the little VIPs — "unbreakable" plates and a child-height buffet along with Lego-shaped chefs are all nice touches — but it could improve in terms of options for parents. It’s also not a dining room you'd wish to linger in, but the staff are friendly and there is plenty to eat.
Breakfast was better than dinner, which was a buffet with pasta station and decent ice cream, or an a la carte menu similar to the room service options (including a reasonably priced adult-sized Wagyu beef burger for Dh60). It is licensed so “adult” beverages are available.
A second restaurant-lounge area, Skyline, is expanding from serving drinks to offering a full menu soon, but it will need to be good if it is to make the hotel more attractive for parents contemplating a return visit.
Highs and lows
A fun detail for young and older guests is that clapping your hands in the lifts starts disco lights and an ad hoc dance party ensues until you reach your floor. The child-sized slippers and bathrobes provided alongside adult ones in the room is a cute touch.
Any downsides? Not really. Adults just need to go with the flow for the duration, as all children staying at the hotel seem blissfully happy. The view from our room wasn't that interesting, but while in it, all eyes are drawn to the stimulating decor and features inside.
The insider tip
Though Bricks is quite a large restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, you might want to reserve a table for dinner as the hotel gets busy at weekends, especially if you're eating early as many families do.
The verdict
The experience was such a hit that by the time we were ready to check out the next day, Aaron was questioning why we hadn’t brought his school uniform so he could stay another night and go directly to classes the next morning.
And does he want to return? “Yes. It's too good. I want to stay here until I'm a grandpa. I want to live in the hotel.”
The bottom line
Rates at Legoland Hotel Dubai are from Dh770 ($210) for two adults and one child, including breakfast and passes for one of the Legoland parks, when booking 21 days in advance. Half-board and other packages are available. Taxes will cost you from Dh173 upwards. Check-in time is 3pm and check-out is at 11am.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel during the global coronavirus pandemic. It reflects hotel standards during this time; services may change in the future.
RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
The cost of Covid testing around the world
Egypt
Dh514 for citizens; Dh865 for tourists
Information can be found through VFS Global.
Jordan
Dh212
Centres include the Speciality Hospital, which now offers drive-through testing.
Cambodia
Dh478
Travel tests are managed by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health.
Zanzibar
AED 295
Zanzibar Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, located within the Lumumba Secondary School compound.
Abu Dhabi
Dh85
Abu Dhabi’s Seha has test centres throughout the UAE.
UK
From Dh400
Heathrow Airport now offers drive through and clinic-based testing, starting from Dh400 and up to Dh500 for the PCR test.
Honeymoonish
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'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
SPECS
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Difference between fractional ownership and timeshare
Although similar in its appearance, the concept of a fractional title deed is unlike that of a timeshare, which usually involves multiple investors buying “time” in a property whereby the owner has the right to occupation for a specified period of time in any year, as opposed to the actual real estate, said John Peacock, Head of Indirect Tax and Conveyancing, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, a law firm.
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
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SPEC%20SHEET
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Racecard
6.35pm: The Madjani Stakes – Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.10pm: Evidenza – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,200m
7.45pm: The Longines Conquest – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 2,000m
8.20: The Longines Elegant – Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (D)
8.35pm: The Dubai Creek Mile – Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.30pm: Mirdif Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,400m
10.05pm: The Longines Record – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,900m
Results
5pm: Warsan Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Dhaw Al Reef, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Al Quadra Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mrouwah Al Gharbia, Sando Paiva, Abubakar Daud
6pm: Hatta Lake – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Yatroq, George Buckell, Ernst Oertel
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adries de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Zakher Lake – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Alfareeq, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Results
6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer)
6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m
Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m
Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor
8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons
9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Profile of Tarabut Gateway
Founder: Abdulla Almoayed
Based: UAE
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 35
Sector: FinTech
Raised: $13 million
Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.
RESULTS
6pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $40,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: AF Alajaj, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Global Storm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Azure Coast, Antonio Fresu, Pavel Vashchenko
7.45pm: Business Bay Challenge – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Storm Damage, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Appreciated, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill
8.55pm: Singspiel Stakes – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O'Meara
9.30pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Meraas, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
