sleeping
accommodation options
There are essentially two types of hotel in Du-
bai: the beach resort and the city hotel. Beach
resorts are generally five stars with private
beaches (and waiter service), acres of marble,
chandeliers and those pinch-yourself-extras
such as private whirlpools and Armani pencil
sharpeners. The number of midrange options
is increasing and encompasses the business
market. More tourist-orientated hotels in
this price bracket may have five-star stand-
ard facilities generally coupled with an out-
of-the-way location (ie away from the beach)
and, all too often, little character. Budget ho-
tels vary considerably, so always ask to check
out the room before you check in.
accommodation Websites
̈ www�hotels�lonelyplanet�com Lonely
Planet’s online booking service with insider
lowdown on the best places to stay.
̈ www�hrs�com Emphasis on budget hotels
and hotel apartments.
̈ www�definitelydubai�com Run by the
official tourist authority with a solid choice
of mainly midrange to top-end hotels.
longer-Term rentals
The Bur Dubai area is full of longer-term
rentals; many hotels throughout the city
also rent out furnished apartments with
kitchens and washing machines. Prices start
at around Dh350 for a studio in one of the
midrange hotel apartments in Bur Dubai and
often drop for stays longer than a week. At
top-end apartments, rates are stratospheric.
boutique hotels & b&bs
Boutique hotels are seemingly the antithesis
of the biggest-is-best hotel scene in Dubai.
But the idea is catching on (slowly) and there
are several superb, characterful choices.
There is also a small but growing number
of B&Bs, usually set up by expats in private
homes in residential areas. Staying in one of
these won’t give you much privacy or a wide
range of top-end amenities but it will give
you easy access to personal perspectives on
life in Dubai.room rates & amenities
Room rates fluctuate enormously. At any
given time most hotels will have some offer
or another, ranging from a complimentary
upgrade to discounted half-board. Overall,
midrange and top-end hotels have superb
facilities. Look for an indoor or outdoor
swimming pool, diving centre, children’s
club, babysitting service, spa and gym, shut-
tle bus to beaches and malls, in-room wi-fi,
dedicated taxi service, tennis courts, and res-
taurants and bars.single or sharing
In theory, unmarried men and women should
not share a room. In practice, hotels turn a
blind eye. Having two different names is no
tip-off, as most married Arab women keep
their name. Two men sharing is acceptable,
while single women may sometimes raise
eyebrows due to the large number of ‘work-
ing girls’ in town.Although Dubai remains primarily a luxury travel destination, there is
still a choice of places to unpack your suitcase, ranging from budget hotels
and hotel apartments to international chain hotels and outrageously
luxurious resorts such as the Burj al-Arab. There are more than 50,000 beds
in Dubai – and not a Bedouin tent in sight.