I have spent days reading through all the info on this thread and am a bit lost as to which would be the best solution for my trip. I will be in Dubai on the way and way back from the Maldives, only spending the day (arr. early and leaving late for an early morning flight).

I have read that location is not a problem, taxis are cheap, but then I read you can spend hours in traffic.

I have found the following options which corespond to my budget :

Sofitel city center - linked to a Mall, but looks a horrible hotel
Novotel - very cheap but location of little interest
Sofitel The Palace - good opening deals, but in the midle of a huge building site!

On the way - we want to get an overview of the city, beach, creak...
On the way back - shopping shopping shopping

Any help would be much apreciated