The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah

This property can easily score 5 star reviews but I felt the service was quite aloof and lacked the warmth I expected while escaping the hustle and bustle of Dubai. I booked the hotel on the day of given the steller reviews and would have extended my stay but felt the check in staff didn't make any effort to make me feel welcome. It was off season so they could have easily upgraded given the rather empty property but instead put us in a room where there was no view of anything, and a stale smell. The room was spacious and impeccably clean and well equipped but at the other end of the hotel. The next morning at breakfast the maître d' was more dismissive than welcome. He lacked any hint of warmth and rather than making us feel welcome, he reminded us of the breakfast closing time. I felt the junior staff was quite kind and helpful but the staff with authority failed at establishing a culture of warmth at this place. It was just stale. It's a shame because the property is so beautiful and can actually be such a warm and relaxing place. This was mu first time staying at an Oberoi and I must admit I don't have any resson to return. The management really needs to spend time training their senior staff and building a culture of warmth at this hotel. Whats the point of leaving Dubai if you're gonna get the same rushed and impersonal service?