Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island

Review: Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island via TUI – Sadly, Far from Expectations

We booked this trip in August 2024 – almost 10 months before departure – with high expectations. Two years ago, we had a fantastic holiday at the Ajman Saray Hotel (also through TUI), which was 100% value for money. Everything was top-notch, so we wanted to repeat the experience but try a new hotel and location – we chose Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island.

Construction Work Near the Hotel – Last-Minute Warning

Just 13 days before departure, we received an email from TUI informing us of ongoing construction near the hotel, which might cause noise disturbances. Honestly, it was incredibly disappointing to be notified so late, considering we had booked so far in advance. We had expected TUI to be more proactive and transparent much earlier.

Getting There – Qatar Airways and Self-Arranged Transfer

We flew with Qatar Airways via Doha – a smooth and enjoyable journey, even with three children. Upon arriving in Dubai, we opted to arrange our own transport rather than using TUI’s overpriced transfer (3,300 DKK round trip). Instead, we got a large 7-seater GMC taxi for just 640 DKK one way – easy and comfortable.

First Impressions vs. Reality

Check-in was straightforward, and we were assigned a room on the 8th floor – unfortunately facing a massive construction site. Work began as early as 4:30 AM (!) with trucks and excavators, continuing until around 5:00 PM every day. After four days of discussions with TUI, we were upgraded to a room on the other side of the hotel with a beautiful view – but the initial disappointment lingered.

Noise, Entertainment, and Lack of Relaxation

If you're hoping to relax on your balcony, forget it. The hotel’s entertainment was loud and low-quality – the sound travels directly into the rooms. The shows felt like something you could order off TEMU – not what you’d expect from a Hilton-branded hotel.

Pool Area – Unhygienic and Overcrowded

The pool was severely overcrowded. The adult and kids’ pools are essentially the same pool, divided only by a rope. We saw several toddlers without swim diapers, and – as feared – a child defecated in the pool. It was closed for only one hour, which is far from enough to resolve such a serious hygiene issue. We reported this to TUI but were told the hotel had deemed it safe to reopen.

Additionally, we noticed rubbish like hair, underwear, a comb, and scissors behind the grate by the infinity pool – and it stayed there for four days without being cleaned up. There were five lifeguards present, but they seemed more focused on constantly blowing whistles at guests than on maintaining the facilities.

Food, Drinks, and Facilities

The buffet was very basic, with little variation – particularly disappointing over a 10-day stay. We chose to dine at the à la carte restaurants more often (where you get a 20% discount). All drinks and cocktails were served in disposable paper cups, completely ruining the atmosphere. The drink menu was uninspired, and the drinks themselves were bland.

That said, we can recommend visiting Karma Kafé by Buddha Bar in the hotel – especially during happy hour – where you can enjoy a proper cocktail experience.

The gym policy was also surprising: no one under 16 is allowed to use the fitness center, not even when accompanied by an adult. This should have been clearly stated on TUI’s website. Also, the photos on TUI’s site are outdated by at least three years and no longer represent the current state of the hotel or beach area.

Credit to the Staff – But Leadership Is Absent

The staff are hardworking and genuinely try to make guests happy – and they deserve praise for that. However, it’s very clear that visible leadership is lacking. A General Manager walking the grounds, checking quality, and greeting guests would make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Ras Al Khaimah is under heavy development, with a major casino and other infrastructure being built. It may become the “new Dubai” – but if you're expecting peace and quiet, this is not the place. The standard Hilton usually upholds is nowhere to be found here.

You must fetch everything yourself – even with an all-inclusive package – and the overall experience falls far below what you’d expect from a Hilton-branded hotel.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

We recommend waiting a few years until the area is fully developed and the hotel has reached a more stable and acceptable standard. TUI should also update their information, photos, and descriptions to reflect the current reality of the hotel and surroundings.

Virkelig dårlig oplevelse. Lukket strand. Larm om natten. Fulde gæster som var grænse overskridedende

Tror 90% af gæsterne var russere

Der var meget for russer og lidt øv, det gjorde at børnene aktiviteterne blev på russisk en del og dårligt engelsk.
Men mine børn kunne heldigvis underholde sig selv🥽🏖☀️

Sødt og meget service minded personale. Lækker 27-29 celsius grader varm pool. God betjening fra al personale.. 95 % af gæsterne var russiske. Det var lidt for overvældende at være i 9 feridage/nætter. da vi oplevede at den højspændte verdens situation smittede af på de russiske gæsters attitude til min datter og jeg selvom vi selv gjorde os umage for at møde dem med smil og venlighed. Der var en mærkelig kold stemning. Havde gerne set en hotel belægning med 40% - 50 % europæiske gæster repræsentere. Men personalet især i Flavour restauranten, ved pool området og nede ved stranden var som sagt meget service mindede og i mødekommende. Stor ros til dem.

Meget larm fra hovedvejen, hver aften og nat!
Vågner mange gange i løbet af natten!

Godt og dejligt hotel. Venligt personale. Restauranten ALT for lille til det antal gæster. Hotelen var stort set kun russiske gæster

Sandstranden er med hårdt komprimeret sand, hvilket gør ondt at gå på. Pool og strand lukker for tidligt (ved 18.30 tiden)

Tak for en dejlig ferie.

Vi vil klart anbefale andre om hotellet