I am planning a weekend trip to DXB (to finish my european sectors of my DONE4). As I couldn't get the 109 so I will be taking the 106 so I will arrive on Friday night and leave on Sunday night (well Monday early morning!) so that I can get back to work on Monday.

That means I will need 2 night hotel.

What recommendations would you guys suggest. I am thinking about the Shangri-La. But am not too sure how close is that to the shops and restaurants etc..

Remember that all of the decent restaurants and bars are in hotels or malls anyway, so don't stay anywhere which doesn't have them on tap.

The Madinat Jumeirah complex is an outstanding resort which has the great benefit that you never have to leave! 2 five star hotels plus some villas, quarter mile of beach, over 100 shops, well over 50 restaurants / bars, clubs, more pools than you could ever use ... a truly outstanding place, albeit not cheap. The Burj is also a 10 minute walk down the beach so you get to see that as well, and the new mega-mall is a very short cab ride away.

However, you're spoilt for choice in Dubai in general. Hyatt is currently running 'Faster Free Nights' again (do 2 paid nights and get a credit for another free night at any Hyatt, anywhere in the world) so 2 nights at one of the Dubai Hyatt's could be rewarding. Alternatively, think about looking for somewhere with a guaranteed late check-out as your return flight is so late.

Thanks. Last time I was at DXB Is tayed at the Burj, but didn't venture out anywhere because the hotel had everything I needed (except shops, but when you paid over 1400USD a night, I guess you tend to make the most out of the facilities).


The Shangrila looks pretty nice, but I will have alook at the other options you listed.

Le Royal Meridien is outstanding, went there earlier this year. Check the reviews on Tripadvisor, way better than the Jumeirah Beach (which is SO last year)

Agree with Raffles, re: the Madinat complex and this is my preferred choice when staying in Dubai, either Al Qasr or Dar al Masyaf.

On my last visit the area around the Shangri-La seemed very dusty although this may have been a one off. For a budget stay or if you are not too bothered about Beach access then the Grand Hyatt can be a good choice. Check for availability on Hyatt.com for stay certificates which work out to $165 a night including tax.

There is a Middle East Forum and a Luxury Hotels forum both of which have lots on Dubai.

The Grosvenor House is the best in my opinion. One of the best hotels I have stayed in ever. It's across the street from The Royal Meridien, GH is much better than that but you get to use their private beach.

The good thing about GH is that you get entry to Buddha Bar, which definitely is the best bar in Dubai (if you can ignore the smoking).

The NEW ICH (Festival City on the Creek) is well worth a stay but I think it opens its doors in November which may be too late for you. I had a scoot around the building recently and it was pretty impressive (somewhat remeniscent of the ICH Boston property)

I would be hesitant about making a decision based solely on what the hotel looks like without having a feel for other factors � service etc - before the place opens, even though it may have an excellent reputation elsewhere. Don�t assume that a hotel chain will give you the same experience everywhere � eg .have generally found many Hyatts fine but hated the one in Oman (irritated by the annoying background music and the food and service paled in comparison with the Al Bustan Palace). The Chedi hadn�t opened then.

Can�t comment on hotels in Dubai � haven�t been there as Dubai has never been on my wishlist. I have heard from close friends who�ve stayed at the Burj that they�ve loved it � but they are quite flash and brash but good fun too � other friends have found it a bit OTT.

It�s so subjective as everyone has different tastes and opinions. Sorry, I can�t be more helpful.

Royal Mirage is the only hotel i would stay at in Dubai simply one of the best hotels i have ever stayed at!

If you are arriving very late, and leaving very late you might consider Le Meridien at the Airport.

It's a five minute or less drive across the highway to the hotel, which is ideal when you arrive tired, and would be ideal for your late departure.

The hotel has some delicious on site bars and restaurants (frequented by cabin crew!) and three good size pools. If you really want the beach, this is not for you, but you can get a hotel bus to Le Royal Meridien for a beach day if you want to for a modest fee.

The Art and Tech rooms are superb, and staff cannot do enough to help. You can read my review on Tripadvisor here.

Despite the solid 5/5 ratings it's not one of the Jumeirah mega-hotels, but it doesn't sound like that's what you are after if your just popping over for a weekend and have late flights.

I recommend visiting Madinat Jumeirah for a walk round and a drink at the bar overlooking the lagoon, you can get a can there after an afternoon's shopping and indoor skiing at the Mall.

Thats a fair point but most of the staff transfer over from the old property where the service was consistently good.

Thanks all for the suggestions.

I have stayed at the Le Meridien near the airport before. A nice hotel but I want something different and slightly more luxuirous. Want access to big shopping malls etc and good restaurants.

Is the Shangri La located somewhere good? The price they are offerings is pretty good around 850AED per night and aroudn 1400AED to be upgraded to the Horizon floor incl free massage for 2

The Shangri-La is located right on ocean side of Sheikh Zayed Road - nearer to the malls and Jumeirah, but still a cab ride away. Pool is quite small, but nice enough.

Though I don't think Le Meridien Airport is what you are after this time, do consider that the Art + Tech Rooms have been completely refurbished, so quite different from what you would have previously experienced, and always a good bargain.

The Kempinski is located IN the Mall of the Emirates IIRC. The one with the ski slope. Not sure how good it is but I imagine it is good. Shangri-La isn;t far away though...then again that is traffic dependent. Could be 10 minutes could be 2 hours.....

late arrival = long immigration queues, but fast transfer time. if you want to crash out and not go very far, Al Qasr (or related properties wins everytime.

Have heard nice things about Kempinski, as excellent for being right on the mall, not sure about pool there though, it is all suite hotel, and easy to get a cab from.

Was in Gros House for 10 days ending last week.. the construction sites are closing in and make this a noisy place through the night hours.. i threw a strop and got an apartment, but my group was spending over 50 room nights.. i'd avoid this one to be honest for a few years, which is a shame as service is good, but sleepless nights.. urgh

The new wing at the Royal Mirage.. heard it is excellent. But the Palm construction is right in front of the hotel and is a blot on the landscape.

It you want something different, go to Bab Al Shams, the desert resort.. inland and remote and quiet and away from all the construction and commercial crasness.. nice desert retreat for a short stay, got a spa, then head back.. sounds best option to me.

do let us know how it went.