Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel By Accor

“The experience was truly memorable”

Dear Team at Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the wonderful stay I had in 1028. The experience was truly memorable, and the service exceeded my expectations. A special thanks to Mary at the reception for her warm welcome, kindness, and professionalism. … more

Dear Team at Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the wonderful stay I had in 1028. The experience was truly memorable, and the service exceeded my expectations. A special thanks to Mary at the reception for her warm welcome, kindness, and professionalism. She made the check-in process smooth and pleasant. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Tarek, the Manager, for his excellent hospitality and support throughout my stay. His attention to guest satisfaction is truly commendable. Thank you once again for making my stay so comfortable and enjoyable. I look forward to visiting again soon. Warm regards, Muhammad Riaz Khan-

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“A fabulous tour of the QE2 with tour guide Megan”

I had the most amazing time being shown around the fabulous QE2 with the lovely tour Guide Megan. She really knew the ships history so I really did come away knowing so much more about the QE2 and to be able to see so much of the ship I have to say it was one of the best tours I have ever had. Than… more

I had the most amazing time being shown around the fabulous QE2 with the lovely tour Guide Megan. She really knew the ships history so I really did come away knowing so much more about the QE2 and to be able to see so much of the ship I have to say it was one of the best tours I have ever had. Thank you so much.

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“Really great spending time”

It was very interesting, funny, historical useful and memorable tour. Thanks to our Heritage tour guide - amazing Megan. She made the tour really great time. The ship is huge and full of beautiful places and facts

“A Bittersweet Stay on a Legend – QE2 Hotel, Dubai”

A Bittersweet Stay on a Legend – QE2 Hotel, Dubai (February 2026) Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (would have been higher if more areas were accessible and maintained) I stayed for three nights aboard the iconic QE2, now a static floating hotel under Accor management at Mina Rashid. The ship’s history and uni… more

A Bittersweet Stay on a Legend – QE2 Hotel, Dubai (February 2026) Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (would have been higher if more areas were accessible and maintained) I stayed for three nights aboard the iconic QE2, now a static floating hotel under Accor management at Mina Rashid. The ship’s history and uniqueness drew me in—I wanted to experience a piece of Cunard legend up close. Parts of it delivered real charm, but overall the visit felt surprisingly sad and underwhelming, especially given the ship’s prestige. Exterior and Decks The outside tells a story of wear. Upper decks and boat deck areas show significant weathering: gray deck surfaces are patchy and faded, with visible rust streaks on white superstructure panels, peeling/chipped paint, and corrosion on railings and fittings. Wooden handrails look tired and in need of refinishing, while some sections have temporary barriers, exposed wiring/piping, fire hose cabinets with grime, and scaffolding remnants or caution tape blocking access. Half the boat deck and upper deck were closed off during my stay—no full circuit possible, no proper sun deck lounging, and the aesthetic suffers from black scaffolding clutter and mismatched paint tones (especially noticeable around the funnel and hull). In Dubai’s harsh sun and salt air, this level of exterior maintenance is understandable for a 1969 vessel that’s been static since 2018, but it makes the ship feel neglected rather than proudly preserved. Interior Public Areas Inside is where the QE2 still shines in places. The curved lobby/lounge spaces with marble-like floors, wooden pillars, large panoramic windows, potted plants, and classic arched doorways feel elegant and true to the 1960s/70s Cunard style. Wood panelling (e.g., around private office doors with brass hardware) is warm and well-varnished in visible areas, carpets are decent and clean, and heritage touches like the ornate Queens Grill entrance grille with its bust are impressive. Public lounges and bars appear tidy and atmospheric. However, many areas feel restricted or in flux. Scaffolding blocks some stairwells (with “Danger – Scaffolding Work in Progress” tape and no access), elevators were under repair for parts of my stay, the pool and gym were closed (signs apologising for “essential maintenance”), and some corridors or upper access points were cordoned off. This made navigation confusing and limited exploration—key parts of the ship felt out of bounds even as a paying guest. Dining and Amenities Dining has been heavily consolidated and feels far from the fine-dining legacy. The Lido is the daily go-to: self-service buffet for breakfast/lunch/dinner with international options and views—decent and reliable, but casual. The Golden Lion pub offers classic pub food and drinks in a historic setting (Dubai’s oldest pub), but it’s relaxed rather than luxurious. The Queens Grill—once the pinnacle of elegance—is now weekend-only: Royal Afternoon Tea on Fridays/Saturdays and Sunday Roast lunch. I tried multiple times to get in (including advance attempts), but never succeeded, and it’s not open for regular dinner or walk-ins. Princess Grill, Britannia Grill, and Caronia are closed off or abolished entirely. No true fine-dining experience exists anymore; evenings are self-serve or pub-style, which doesn’t match expectations for such an iconic vessel. Overall Impression The preserved interiors, maritime artifacts, and sheer novelty of staying on a real ocean liner are highlights—there’s genuine charm in the woodwork, curves, and history. Staff were generally helpful, rooms were clean, and the location near the growing Rashid Yachts & Marina adds potential. Invariably, I needed a taxi to get to/from the ship. Overall the visit felt sad. So much is “in progress” or restricted: half the main decks closed, key heritage restaurants limited or inaccessible, exterior wear prominent, and amenities like pool/gym/elevators offline. It left a sense of faded glory—a time capsule that’s just about being maintained but not fully revived. For history enthusiasts willing to accept phased upgrades and casual vibes, it can still be worthwhile. For anyone seeking luxury, full access, or fine dining, it falls short right now. I left with more wistfulness than wonder. Hopefully future phases bring more of the ship back to life. Would I stay again? If major restoration work happened.

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