Dubai

[colandsuey]

My daughter is thinking of going to Dubai for a few days to see a friend. Personally I can't see the attraction - I've heard it's just a building site! I would love to hear from anyone who has been there - what did you think of it?

[flipflop104]

Dubai is very hot and has some very luxurious hotel - some of the (if not the only) 6 star hotels are in Dubai. Top class service in a luxurious setting + very hot weather = some people's paradise

[colandsuey]

Thanks for your answer flipflop104 - thing is my daughter is a young Mum with not much money so I don't think she'll be spending too much time in 6 star hotels - just for a drink maybe .... can you get one there?

[heathfield]

I've heard they charge you �20 just to get past the front door to have a gawp at the opulence.

[SteveD]

Scroll down for some reviews here:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Middle_Ea st/United_Arab_Emirates/Dubai/Dubai-1857296/Ho tels_and_Accommodations-Dubai-Hilton_Dubai_Jum eirah_Jumeirah_Beach_Road-BR-1.html

[beedeebee]

Only last week I was in dubai. I went sking on the largest indoor real ski slope, swam in the warmest sea I have been in, and went into the desert at sunset in a 4x4 and rode a cammel.
I also did have a drink in the 7star Bur Al Arab hotel, it cost more than 20 pounds.
There is alot to do there. It is also hot 40deg +
The buildings are fantastic, even during construction.

[missmoore]

I went to Dubai five ish years ago (at easter) and loved it. There is obviously really good sunbathing, but apart from that we visited the spice and gold markets (souks) which showed a very different way of life from the luxury hotels. If she's visiting a friend there, I'd guess they'll have a really good idea of how to have the best time.

[LindyLouLou]

Hi
We went last March and again Christmas just gone cos we loved it so much.
The hotels are fantastic and many are 5 star plus. Costs are high but much cheaper than the equivilent in the UK.
There is a huge amount of building work going on, but there is also a lot of completed work too, so it doesn't feel like a buidling site.
There is so much to do, as mentioned above, skiing in the morning in minus temp then scuba in the afternoon in 100 degrees plus - (can't ask for more of a balance that that!!!). The shopping is great and as well as the designer shops there are all the 'high street favourites' which are cheaper than the UK. There are also the markets and local shops, which are really cheap.
Its a great place with a massive mix of different nationalities and cultures and is definately worth a viisit...

[NixnJay]

Have been going to DXB at least twice a year since 1988 and although it's true that the construction is all around you, strangely, you dont seem to notice it! If ur on a budget, then our summer is their low season, but hot hot hot! UAE hotels.co.uk offer some of the most competitive rates around and THE PALM HOTEL on Jumeriah Beach usually do deals 3 nites for �99. Take an empty suitcase for all the shopping..copy bags/designer jeans/hand made suits will have you shopping til u drop!(which will be about 30mins in the humidity!) We LOVE it there!

[Dee Sa]

I lived in Dubai for 14 years, if your daughter is going to see a friend then there is a big ex-pat community out there with their own country clubs and sports clubs, weekend beach barbeques, squba diving, snorkeling etc so the pal will be able to show her around, a new face gets plenty of invites, theres plenty to do without hitting the expensive hotels.
when she gets back she will be full of it, and the crime rate is very low. Sorry but you definately have the wrong view of Dubai and your condeming it without even been there.

[buzztrev]

Fantastic city - go for a hotel in Old Dubai and not one of the advertised super enormous ones on the beach - I stayed there and saved my self money to enjoy all - their is a regular tourist bus that does the coast for not a lot of money - much cheaper in old Dubai