FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - A Christmas Bargain to Oman on Emirates and Swiss

May 12, 2020, 10:55 am

#3

hkskyline

Join Date: Jun 2005

Location: HKG

Posts: 1,505

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadwarrier

Looking forward to the two free nights courtesy of Emirates. A promo like Qatar has (although the rates are heavily discounted)? Last time I checked I needed a transit visa (for a fee) and pay for my hotel, albeit at a cheaper rate but still more expensive than what Qatar is offering.

After booking my cheap Emirates flight through the travel agency, I received a message the next morning informing me I got 2 nights' free accommodation in Dubai at a seemingly upper 3/lower 4-star hotel and Christmas Day was not subject to black-out (although New Year's Eve is). This would be perfect as I would arrive Dubai late on Christmas Eve and fly out to Oman late on Christmas Day, so the 2 nights were just right.

The agent took care of the paperwork and I ended up getting a confirmation a few days later for the Premier Inn Al Jaddaf, which is located in a construction zone part of town that isn't really near any attractions. However, for a free stay, it was sufficient thanks to the airport shuttle and a metro station nearby. They even offer a shuttle to Dubai Mall in the morning as well.

The hotel was perfectly fine - clean and functional. It looked relatively new and interestingly, wasn't alone. There was a Hilton Garden Inn next door.

I had almost a full day exploring Dubai Mall. I have been here before but not so much exploring the shops but to photograph the Burj.