Where to stay in Dubai??

[alan-87]

Myself and the missus are looking at a week in Dubai at the end of may.

Having looked through the usual lastminute, trip advisor etc there is so much bloody choice!!

Anybody have any first hand reccomendations for a nice complex?

We were originally looking at Atlantis, but not sure we can justify the additional cost, for what seems to be not alot??!?

[ChasW]

I did 6 days at the Royal Mirage in November. Have previously stayed at Royal Meridian. Both have their own beaches. Could not fault Royal Mirage for cleanliness and service. Drinks are expensive though. Location not a big deal as taxis are cheap. The metro is good too. Seems to me that the less expensive hotels do not have beaches and maybe not so many pools or other leisure facilities.

[Robsti]

One&Only Royal Mirage is excellent Atlantis is not!

[alan-87]

Thanks gents. Had at a look at the one and only and agree it looks great.

The missus was happy with it to, so will report back once we've been!

[ChasW]

I tried all the main specialist travel agents. All really helpful. I got the impression that there are different deals, ie 5 night for 4 or free half board upgrade, floating around at any one time. No two offered the identical deal so worth doing your homework. I went with Best At Dubai in the end and the description given by the agent was spot on. In order to maximise time there we travelled overnight on Emirates on the way out and a PM flight on the way back. Effectively had an extra day. Don't take the airport transfer options because taxis are much cheaper. You can even do it on public transport. Unless you are in close proximity of restaurants outside the hotel I'd recommend half-board. At least you can have wine with your meal in the hotel.

[ChasW]

Also the One & Only is split into two hotels. We stayed at Arabian Court.

[BarnatosGhost]

Mina a salaam, dar al masyaf. Walk down the beach to the Burj. Great hotels.

[BIGDAI]

From my experience (admittedly some time ago when it had only just opened) avoid Atlantis

[6th Gear]

One & Only Palm (Best hotel IMO)
http://thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com/

One & Only Royal Mirage
http://royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com/

Al Qasr & Mina Salam (Jumeirah Souk Madinat)
http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/dest...
http://www.jumeirah.com/hotels-and-resorts/Destina...

Westin
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/over...

Grosvenor House (not on the beach but offers a free shuttle service which takes 10 minutes)
http://www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com/

All excellent hotels.

PM me if you need further advice.

[IAN1967]

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Stayed there several times and excellent service and food every time, especially the Argentinian steaks.

[ChasW]

If I were to go again I'd try the One & Only Palm.

[brissleboy]

We're off there next Wednesday, staying at Grosvenor House, got a good deal through BA of all people.

[willmcc]

If you don't fancy the beach and do like to hit small balls then the Park Hyatt is simply awesome
Park Hyatt

Normally would recommend the Ritz Carlton but there is a lot of building going on next door so maybe not this year.

there are also a number of nice 4 stars in the marina with beach access the Amwaj Rotana

and the Sofitel link though neither are directly on the beach

[dasherdiablo1]

IAN1967 said:

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Stayed there several times and excellent service and food every time, especially the Argentinian steaks.

I've stayed here too; but it was back in 2006 so not sure if it is still as good as it was. As others have said One and Only are fantastic - not stayed in the one(s) in Dubai but going on others we have refquented they are plush and relaxing!

[alan-87]

Thanks for all the info.

Having looked at them we have booked the one and only royal mirage.

Very much looking forward to it.

I think the missus is planning to lay on the beach / by the pool. But any must dos / see whilst we are out there?

[Robsti]

alan-87 said:

Thanks for all the info.

Having looked at them we have booked the one and only royal mirage.

Very much looking forward to it.

I think the missus is planning to lay on the beach / by the pool. But any must dos / see whilst we are out there?

Go snowboarding when it's 30 degrees !

[ChasW]

If you go half-board at Royal Mirage you can choose between any of their buffet restaurants for supper. Alternatively you can have a credit towards the other slightly superior restaurants in either hotel or at the Palm. The staff kept urging us to book early as they claimed the restaurants would be overbooked. This was never the case. When we went over to the Palm, worth doing by the way, the restaurant was less than half full yet they had made a big fuss when we booked the day before suggesting it would be tricky to get a table.
The rooftop bar at the Arabian court is also worth visiting.

[V8LM]

We found Atlantis great, although very expensive.

[alan-87]

ChasW said:

If you go half-board at Royal Mirage you can choose between any of their buffet restaurants for supper. Alternatively you can have a credit towards the other slightly superior restaurants in either hotel or at the Palm. The staff kept urging us to book early as they claimed the restaurants would be overbooked. This was never the case. When we went over to the Palm, worth doing by the way, the restaurant was less than half full yet they had made a big fuss when we booked the day before suggesting it would be tricky to get a table.
The rooftop bar at the Arabian court is also worth visiting.

Thanks chas that's good to know. We have gone half board so will bare that In mind!

[Viperzs]

I've stayed in numerous hotels in Dubai and the best has been Le Royal Meridian. It was always fantastic!

That said the original One & Only was great. Not sure what it's like now though, was probably nearly 10 years when I was in it last.