I will be updating the schedule this weekend. The official hours of the brunch are 12.30pm to 4pm. People are welcome to stay longer - although those who have opted for the alcohol option will have their "free" or included supply cut off at 4pm.

You folks knock yourselves out at the Burj. I couldn't think of anything worse and after the lunch I am going to need a good lie down...

Oh ! Veuve Clicquot's tap stops at 4pm

Dont stress. We'll stash some bottles under the table

I expect nothing less from the guy who wants us to smuggle a few gallons of Robert Weil Riesling out of the FCT.

Why is this trip still so far away?

ruh roh, maybe I should bring a barf bag from the plane for this thrill ride...

What a really great schedule organised by eightblack and committee! Have a great time - sounds superb.

Having been to all, and run most of the 8 x "OzFests" here, I realise more than most that organising these deals with ~50 folks are a handful.

We really tried to get there for this, but Margo couldn't get holidays until July 2, so we arrive in Dubai July 3 evening, and fly out midnight July 6.

So if any FT'ers are stil lingering around then, please touch base and we can hopefully catch up for a drink!

Was hoping to book one night at the Burj just for fun, but am not seeing anything at all under $1,200 a night when taxes added. And that - or anything close - is not going to happen.

No secret FT deals around via upgrade or miles swaps etc to get this place?

I thought being hot low season they may offer quiet deals via hotel agents etc, but seems like no-one on the thread is staying there, so maybe not!

Glen
.

I am quite skinny and my teeth begin to chatter in ferocious airconditioning...Do the hotels, restaurants, etc. of DXB keep their interiors on meat locker cold as is done in southern USA?

Will I need a parka at the brunch at the Park Hyatt on Friday?

For the brunch at least it will certainly have a hot mood

If you like we can have an outdoor table organized especially for you at the brunch

I get the drift.....

I haven't yet decided which reservation to keep and which one to cancel. Park Hyatt or Grand Hyatt? Here's how I see them:

Grand Hyatt: larger, more facilities, more choices for food and drink, a few less AED.

Park Hyatt: bigger rooms, anticipate more boutique-like feel, convenient for Friday Brunch, closer to the airport.

I am soliciting opinions (informed or otherwise) on these hotel choices from anyone who cares to give one.

I remember someone in an earlier post mentioning a car trip to Abu Dhabi. Is anyone considering this kind of jaunt? Saturday morning perhaps?

Finally, what's the best (cheapest) way to buy beer in the UAE?

Arriving UA IAD-DXB Thr Jun 23 1930
Departing UA DXB-IAD Mon Jun 27 12:10 (AM, of course!)

--Stan

Beer - Dubai Duty Free at the arrivals area after going through immigration and customs you will see it on your left hand side. You can purchase before or after collecting your baggage. Its around $10 for a six pack.

The hotels are literally on opposite sides of the creek from each other. The activities are split with Drinks, Brunch and EK visit on the Deira side whilst Burj Khalifa, Ski, Desert and bbq on the Bur Dubai side. I personally prefer the Park for its exclusivity feel, the Grand is too large and gets busy.

The Park is across the road from Deira City Centre if you fancy some shopping although a 10 minute walk in the heat could deter you ....

The Grand is next to Wafi city (another mall) and has a Cinema as well.

Cab fare difference between the two shouldn't be more than a few dollars

One reason I chose the Grand Hyatt is that it has a Club Lounge.

IIRC that wasn't a very nice club lounge. Eightblack has a picture somewhere.

The Park Hyatt definitely seemed like a much nicer place than the Grand Hyatt. Cosier, more exclusive, less people milling around, and far better customer service.

Woud Eightblack please post picture and/or comment on the Club lounge at the Grand Hyatt when time allows?

I like the idea of the lounge because I am travelling alone.

Thanks