Short break with temperature checks and socially distanced sunbeds
Astaycation is a different experience these days. For some, a carefree stint at a hotel used to be a last-minute weekend plan, but it now requires more forward planning and research.
While Covid-19 has disrupted all sectors, its global impact on the tourism and hospitality industry has been severe and wide-ranging.
Government guidelines issued by each emirate in the UAE mean hotels have to operate quite differently from how they did pre-pandemic.
What is more, every emirate has its own rules on social distancing, increased hygiene and sanitisation procedures, so what is on offer at a hotel in Dubai could be quite different to somewhere in Fujairah.
The National checked in to Andaz Dubai The Palm, a Hyatt hotel that opened in December, ahead of the long Eid weekend to find out what to expect from a Dubai staycation in the near future.
The welcome
As with many other UAE hotels, valet services are currently not available at Andaz. We were instructed to park our vehicle and then make our way to the hotel with no escort. The car park is merely five steps away, so this is not an inconvenience.
While we were not temperature checked as we walked in on Thursday, on Friday, we went back to observe and saw all guests entering the hotel were having their temperatures scanned.
The hotel also confirmed to The
National that “one person will now be dedicated to checking guest temperatures in the lobby at all times”.
When we were checked in, the only two other guests in the hotel lobby were not wearing face masks, but all the staff had them on.
Check-in procedures include filling in a Covid-19 document, which asks whether visitors have travelled in the past two weeks or come into contact with anyone who may have the coronavirus. Otherwise, the process largely remains the same.
The hotel was quiet; we saw barely a dozen other guests during our entire stay.
Hygiene
There are hand sanitising stations throughout the hotel, so you will not have to look far for these.
There are also restrictions on how many people can take the lift at the same time. The hotel says all its lifts and high-contact areas are cleaned every 30 minutes using government-approved disinfectants.
We do not actually see this happen during our stay, but the lobby and restaurant were clearly immaculate.
The scene
Andaz is on a busier part of Palm Jumeirah, right beside Club Vista Mare and several residential towers, so we were a little worried about noise.
Our worries were unfounded, however, and our stay was quiet and serene. The lack of other guests helped us feel like we were a world away from the busy city.
Social distancing
The hotel has four reception desks operating at the moment to cut down on any queuing, so there is absolutely no worry about being shoulder to shoulder with other guests in the lobby.
There are also stickers on the floor throughout the hotel, as well as smaller signs near the lifts and at the beach, reminding you of the rules around social distancing.
The room
Andaz says guest rooms are left empty for at least 24 hours between each booking to give staff time to properly sanitise everything. It certainly seemed like this is being followed through, as our room was sparkling clean.
Loads of natural light streams in thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and it has good views to boot, as well as colourful, contemporary Middle Eastern-inspired art. It’s spacious and bright, and a good boost for the mood.
Visitors can opt out of housekeeping to avoid allowing additional people in to your room, food from room service can be delivered in a contactless manner, and on disposable crockery if you want extra peace of mind, too.
The pool and beach
Now that hotel beaches in Dubai have reopened, guests can go for a dip in the sea – provided they adhere to social-distancing guidelines. Andaz has its sunbeds set up at a set distance from each other, and special care is taken to inform sunbathers that they cannot move them. There are barely any people around though – we counted two other lone sunbathers during our visit.
Guests have to bring their own towel from the room and the beachside shower facilities are temporarily closed. There is a maximum capacity of 100 people on the shoreline.
A security guard and a lifeguard are both on hand at the beach to ensure social-distancing guidelines are followed. Drinks and snacks are available to order straight to your sunloungers.
The fitness centre, spa and hotel pools are all closed at the moment to comply with Dubai’s safety regulations.
The restaurant
Only one of Andaz’s dining establishments is currently open. Hanami, KnoX and The Andaz Lounge are closed, which means guests have two options when hungry: The Locale, or in-room dining.
All-day dining restaurant The Locale no longer has an extensive buffet; it is now all a la carte. Tables have been rearranged to ensure distance and there is a limit of four guests per table. A sign at the entrance of the restaurant tells patrons that its maximum capacity is 66 people, and staff wear masks and gloves.
Menus have been replaced by smaller print-outs that are thrown away after each use. Food options are fewer than what is normally on offer, but there is still a good variety of cuisine: from dumplings and curries, to grilled fish and burgers.
For breakfast, instead of a buffet, diners can order unlimited dishes. There is a good range, far more than only eggs, toast and cereal.
Think green shakshouka, eggs Benedict, freshly cooked pastries, and plant-based breakfasts with tofu scramble. There is also decent barista coffee.
The service is attentive and genial, with waiters keen to check in on you regularly and pop over for a chat, while keeping the recommended distance.
The verdict
If you are feeling like you are at the end of your tether after staring at the same four walls of your own home for the past few months, a staycation could be exactly what you need. But choose a hotel or resort that you can rely upon for all government guidelines to be followed.
You would be surprised what a dip in the ocean and a change of scene can do for your mental health. While there is an argument that you are not getting the full package of what you would usually be paying for at a hotel, there are cheaper rates available for this very reason.
If you do your research and are discerning about your staycation options, there is no reason you cannot feel as safe visiting a hotel during these times as you would going to a supermarket.
Ashleigh Stewart Andaz Dubai The Palm’s Summer Staycation offer starts from Dh550 per room, per night, including breakfast. This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel