Originally Posted by
intub8r
Hi all,
We are planning a trip to Dubai in November 2012 for a birthday for five nights. There are about 8 of us going, and we would need 4 rooms. I'd love to stay somewhere in the Madinat complex, but the prices seem breathtakingly high... Since it sounds like you have all been there before, can I ask for some advice on which hotel to stay in and what a "reasonable" price might be?
November is definitely a "peak", or maybe even a "super peak" time for Dubai. I'd wait until the "Summer Flavours" offer is over and the "Winter Flavours" offer begins.
This includes 1/2 board, which gives you a choice of about 30 restaurants you gan go to. It's worth spending the extra for this as restaurants will be far from cheap otherwise.
Originally Posted by
intub8r
My thoughts so far:
Because we are in a group, it would be fantastic to stay in one of the villas at the Dar al Masyaf so we could all be together and have a common courtyard, sundowner drinks, etc. the standard Arabian king rooms there are 2500 AED++ per night for Novner, which is about 860 USD. Wow!
For a similar price, we can get executive floor rooms at either the Al Qasr or Mina A'Salam. Those include buffet breakfast and airport transfers and executive lounge access during the stay.
Are you looking at the prices on their site, or going through an agent?
I wouldn't bother looking at the prices on their site as they are extreme!
Originally Posted by
intub8r
What are the pros and cons to executive rooms at the hotels vs the villas at the Dar?
Any advice or comments would be really appreciated. Thanks!
The executive rooms give you access to the lounge (free non alcoholic beverages all day) and also free afternoon tea (which can be a very good lunch substitute, if you don't mind eating lunch a bit late).
In the lounge, they also serve free pre-dinner drinks (including champagne) and canapees which are again excellent.
You also get to check in/out in the comfort of the lounge which is much nicer than standing at the main reception.
The staff at the exec lounge are also excellent and will know you by name rom the moment you arrive.
Well worth it in my opinion!
If you are able to get 1/2 board or a "Flavours" deal for a decent price, go for it, you wont be disappointed, and you will hardly need to spend anything on extras (apart from your drinks in the restaurants) while you are there.
Can you tell I'm itching to get back there!!!
