Best deals to Dubai - recommendations?
Discussion
Need some advice. Wife and I have heard good things about short breaks in Dubai and want to have a 5 night break at the end of April.
Priorites are a 5-star hotel with excellent ocean view rooms, great food and close to the most interesting parts of the city (O.K. - shopping!).
Any particular hotels recommended or ones to avoid and does anyone know of any great deals out there for, say, £500 per head?
Thanks in advance and no, I can't afford the 'Burj-el-Arab'.
Priorites are a 5-star hotel with excellent ocean view rooms, great food and close to the most interesting parts of the city (O.K. - shopping!).
Any particular hotels recommended or ones to avoid and does anyone know of any great deals out there for, say, £500 per head?
Thanks in advance and no, I can't afford the 'Burj-el-Arab'.
Priorites are a 5-star hotel with excellent ocean view rooms, great food and close to the most interesting parts of the city (O.K. - shopping!).
Near the ocean and near the shops are contradictory requirements but: The least worst food (it's not a highpoint of the UAE) is at the Intercontinental, but it's not next to the beach, so for the experience try any of the The Jumeirah Group Hotels (same chain as the Al Arab).
www.jumeirahinternational.com/ji_site/index.asp
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the one to go for which should come in at £300 pp ish for a balcony room.
Try www.southtravels.com for deals.
With the change take her to the Al Arab's restaurant (I think you can reserve from the above address)
-Are you sure you can't afford the Al Arab ? Panoramic suites £750ish per suite per night. Rolls-Royce transport from the airport £55.
edited to add-you may mean £500 pp for the whole deal ie. £100 ppn I wasn't sure. Unlikely to find this anywhere, even with the impending war in the region !
>> Edited by mrsd on Wednesday 12th March 09:38
>> Edited by mrsd on Wednesday 12th March 09:40
mrsd said:
Priorites are a 5-star hotel with excellent ocean view rooms, great food and close to the most interesting parts of the city (O.K. - shopping!).
-Are you sure you can't afford the Al Arab ? Panoramic suites £750ish per suite per night. Rolls-Royce transport from the airport £55.
edited to add-you may mean £500 pp for the whole deal ie. £100 ppn I wasn't sure. Unlikely to find this anywhere, even with the impending war in the region !
Mrs D - thanks for the recommendations...I'm quite sure I can't afford the Burg-Al-Arab prices!
Also, I was sort of thinking £500pp for the 5 days, including flights!! Cheap-skate? Not me!! Just thought that there were bargains to be had over there, but obviously not at the best hotels (or any hotel probably).
Friends last year spent 4 nights at the Jumeirah Hilton for £500 each, incl. flights! So there must be some deals around (admittedly, that was in August!).
>> Edited by argonaut on Wednesday 12th March 10:30
Ah. Oops. Sorry. Wasn't really sure. August's v. cheap (it's too hot).
I searched on Lastminute and found:
5* Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai
Dubai has established itself as a leading year round destination for winter and summer sun holidays, golf and short breaks.
Lying on the calm, blue waters of the southern Gulf and flanked by majestic desert, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and five-star luxury... plus the adventure of a unique Arabian experience.
Accommodation
5* Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa - 5 nights - bed & breakfast
Hotel facilities
Caracalla spa & health club
2 swimming pools
Children's club
Various land and water sports
Tennis and squash courts
12 Restaurant and lounges
Jacuzzi, steam and sauna
Room facilities
Air-conditioning
Mini bar
Safe deposit box
Hair dryer
Direct dial telephone
Television
All rooms with private balconies
Price:
February 16 to March 30 - £829
April 1 to 9 - £1137
April 10 to 20 - £799
April 21 to May 10 - £599
May 11 to 27 - £609
May 28 to 31 - £539
June 1 to July 10 - £499
July 11 to September 13 - £509
Prices are per person, based on 2 adults sharing.
Price includes: Flights, local transfers and 5 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
It's near the hotel I recommended, also very nice and I reckon that'll do you ?
I searched on Lastminute and found:
5* Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai
Dubai has established itself as a leading year round destination for winter and summer sun holidays, golf and short breaks.
Lying on the calm, blue waters of the southern Gulf and flanked by majestic desert, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and five-star luxury... plus the adventure of a unique Arabian experience.
Accommodation
5* Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa - 5 nights - bed & breakfast
Hotel facilities
Caracalla spa & health club
2 swimming pools
Children's club
Various land and water sports
Tennis and squash courts
12 Restaurant and lounges
Jacuzzi, steam and sauna
Room facilities
Air-conditioning
Mini bar
Safe deposit box
Hair dryer
Direct dial telephone
Television
All rooms with private balconies
Price:
February 16 to March 30 - £829
April 1 to 9 - £1137
April 10 to 20 - £799
April 21 to May 10 - £599
May 11 to 27 - £609
May 28 to 31 - £539
June 1 to July 10 - £499
July 11 to September 13 - £509
Prices are per person, based on 2 adults sharing.
Price includes: Flights, local transfers and 5 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
It's near the hotel I recommended, also very nice and I reckon that'll do you ?
We stayed at the Sheraton once - just over £100 a night by calling them directly and booking. It was the Radisson SAS at the time - very very nice indeed and right on the beach a few hotels down from that posh one. Weather is perfect in March/April.
I suggest hiring a car to get around - parking is easy and it's really cool inland. Best not try wadi bashing in a rental saloon car though.
Not sure about flight prices - went on airmiles.
T/.
I suggest hiring a car to get around - parking is easy and it's really cool inland. Best not try wadi bashing in a rental saloon car though.
Not sure about flight prices - went on airmiles.
T/.
Same here, Argonaut, except I'm there now. You are welcome to PM.
BTW, not sure I agree with the comment that food is not a highpoint of the UAE - there are a huge variety of restaurants within easy reach of virtually anywhere in Dubai (no struggling across town on a crappy tube for an hour), and IMO the quality is generally better than for an equivalent price in London and definitely anywhere else in the UK.
At risk of starting an argument, Europeans do tend to have a slightly warped sense of what is "good" and "bad" food, IMO: when they go to an Indian or Pakistani restaurant, for example, they seek out the 20 quid a head places instead of the 5 quid a head places and wonder why the food was mediocre when what they were really buying was ambience and presentation. Similarly, you will find food at the Burj to be expensive and only adequately tasty, even though the service may be fetishisticly attentive and the presentation may be a work of art. Not worth it - my advice is don't eat at the Burj!
As for the hotels, you can't really go wrong. There is more competition here than anywhere else in the Middle East and quality of the 5 star hotels is generally much better than 5 star hotels in London. I assume the same applies at other hotels as well.
Oh, and the cars are awesome. Sit on Dhiyafa St one night and watch the Lambos and Ferraris go by.
BTW, not sure I agree with the comment that food is not a highpoint of the UAE - there are a huge variety of restaurants within easy reach of virtually anywhere in Dubai (no struggling across town on a crappy tube for an hour), and IMO the quality is generally better than for an equivalent price in London and definitely anywhere else in the UK.
At risk of starting an argument, Europeans do tend to have a slightly warped sense of what is "good" and "bad" food, IMO: when they go to an Indian or Pakistani restaurant, for example, they seek out the 20 quid a head places instead of the 5 quid a head places and wonder why the food was mediocre when what they were really buying was ambience and presentation. Similarly, you will find food at the Burj to be expensive and only adequately tasty, even though the service may be fetishisticly attentive and the presentation may be a work of art. Not worth it - my advice is don't eat at the Burj!
As for the hotels, you can't really go wrong. There is more competition here than anywhere else in the Middle East and quality of the 5 star hotels is generally much better than 5 star hotels in London. I assume the same applies at other hotels as well.
Oh, and the cars are awesome. Sit on Dhiyafa St one night and watch the Lambos and Ferraris go by.
OK chaps, I've been to Dubai many times on business always stayed in the Intercon' because it was where I was put the firts time I went there and have always returned since, as has been said locatio wise you can be by the coast or in the city but not both, and don't be tempted by one of these really cheap deals in June/July/August, the reason the place is chaep then is because you will cook in the heat! Admittedly it was in Abu Dhabi but I once say 52degC on my mates BMW 7 series outside temp gauge, lunchtime in July!
Now then all this chat make me feel like a return visit, with my wife - perhaps I should try a coast place this time what do you reckon? Rich...
oh and p.s. I don't think people reliase that the Jameira Beach & Burj Al Arab etc. are approx 20-25 mins drive away from Dubai city centre, there is a Harbour and the Free Port in between.
Now then all this chat make me feel like a return visit, with my wife - perhaps I should try a coast place this time what do you reckon? Rich...
oh and p.s. I don't think people reliase that the Jameira Beach & Burj Al Arab etc. are approx 20-25 mins drive away from Dubai city centre, there is a Harbour and the Free Port in between.
RichB said: don't be tempted by one of these really cheap deals in June/July/August, the reason the place is chaep then is because you will cook in the heat! Admittedly it was in Abu Dhabi but I once say 52degC on my mates BMW 7 series outside temp gauge, lunchtime in July!
Couldn't agree more. Dubai is not like a meditteranian sunshine holiday in July/August. I used to live there, and in July/August you will NOT be wanting to sunbathe... Unless of course you like 3rd degree burns. Also that time of year the humidity is high (100% at times) so expect to sweat a lot if you walk around the outside Gold Souq. Shopping centres are better.
Mum and Dad were in Duibai last month, however was relatively cheap as they stayed in my brothers villa. Much to my amusement the weather wasn't that good, and it actually rained twice! Would have thought you'd be lucky to find a break for £500pp for 5 nights. After all the flight alone costs about that!
Other than that can't really add much more than others have said. Try searching the internet for cheap deals and keeping a look at in the travel agents. I suppose it really depends how much notice you need.
Other than that can't really add much more than others have said. Try searching the internet for cheap deals and keeping a look at in the travel agents. I suppose it really depends how much notice you need.
Harris_I said:Not worth it - my advice is don't eat at the Burj!
You don't think it's worth it for the experience ? I'd agree that some of the restaurants are pretty good, but are you paying local, business or tourist prices ? There's a hell of a difference, particularly for women
Mazazeek on top of the WTC tower has great views, beer and pretty good shisha. You might want to try kitchen £10 a head, near Diyafa St:
Oh, and the cars are awesome. Sit on Dhiyafa St one night and watch the Lambos and Ferraris go by.
Don't do this if you're a woman. The cars aren't the only exotic nightlife in this area and, unless you wear gloves and shaila, you'll get loads of hassle.
Must have been a different Dubai then, 'cos my wife has been with me 3 x times and NEVER had the slightest hint of hassel. Sorry but I would stress that ladies DO NOT have to wear anything other then normal clothes in Dubai. Rich...
mrsd said:...unless you wear gloves and shaila, you'll get loads of hassle.
Only around Satwa at night. Why do you think all the young blades in the Lambos congregate there ?
Sorry if this wasn't obvious. It's absolutely fine in the daytime, probably safer than at home, and most women wear western clothes.
Edited to add: Presumably your wife was with you when you were out and about ? I've never had a problem when my son's been with me. You would find that single women have a very different experience and perception of (particularly, but not exclusively) Muslim countries.
>> Edited by mrsd on Thursday 13th March 11:35
Sorry if this wasn't obvious. It's absolutely fine in the daytime, probably safer than at home, and most women wear western clothes.
Edited to add: Presumably your wife was with you when you were out and about ? I've never had a problem when my son's been with me. You would find that single women have a very different experience and perception of (particularly, but not exclusively) Muslim countries.
>> Edited by mrsd on Thursday 13th March 11:35
been about a dozen times to Dubai, you can have a days access to all the facilities of Jumeira Beach hotel for about £50 a day, got about 3 pools, its own
marina etc, even have indians picking seaweed out of of the sea so it don't get washed onto the sand. You do get buzzed by the occassional helicopter trying to land on Burj-el-Arab, which is quite entertaining on windy days. There are always cheapish off season deals going at Jumeira Beach, 4/5 days flying emirates in the daily rags
You can book a table at the under water restaurant starting at £200 a head, or just get the penthouse at £16k per night (last time I went, I was told it was booked for 6 months by some Sultan)
>> Edited by viper on Thursday 13th March 11:59
marina etc, even have indians picking seaweed out of of the sea so it don't get washed onto the sand. You do get buzzed by the occassional helicopter trying to land on Burj-el-Arab, which is quite entertaining on windy days. There are always cheapish off season deals going at Jumeira Beach, 4/5 days flying emirates in the daily rags
You can book a table at the under water restaurant starting at £200 a head, or just get the penthouse at £16k per night (last time I went, I was told it was booked for 6 months by some Sultan)
>> Edited by viper on Thursday 13th March 11:59
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