A little bit of moderation in Dubai.

[markis10]

Will be heading over through Dubai this afternoon, so can see a couple of these things that the mods have

So how is the journey??? So keen to go back, think I have DD ( Dubai Disease), three days was no where near enough time.

 

[bossreggie]

So how is the journey??? So keen to go back, think I have DD ( Dubai Disease), three days was no where near enough time.

I'm staying for 5 nights on my way to Italy. 2 at JW Marriott where we all stayed. OH is coming from London to meet me. We're going to try out their Presidential Suite.

Then 3 nights at Al Maha.

Will be nice to not be in an organised tour and be able to do our own thing.

 

[Grooba]

Will be nice to not be in an organised tour and be able to do our own thing.

That's my plan in a few weeks. Have done stacks of research on what to do in my 2 days (this thread being a great starting point) and can't wait to arrive and take it all in at my own pace.

 

[pagingjoan]

So what are the recommendations from those who have already been there in recent days, in terms of where to stay?
Anything in the current QF sale hotels that would be of interest?

 

[markis10]

So what are the recommendations from those who have already been there in recent days, in terms of where to stay?
Anything in the current QF sale hotels that would be of interest?

i don't think it matters where you stay, although there are some old hotels around, like the Crowne Plaza, have to say the Marriott was impressive, the Hyatts look like cookie cutter Hyatts.

 

[pagingjoan]

i don't think it matters where you stay, although there are some old hotels around, like the Crowne Plaza, have to say the Marriott was impressive, the Hyatts look like cookie cutter Hyatts.

Thanks, Markis10.

 

[markis10]

I should elaborate on my answer a bit, Dubai's attractions are spread out, for instance the Hyatt Regency might make a good base if you wish to do some cultural exploration at the old town or souks, but its a good way from the Mall for instance. There are no jogging maps or walking maps because no one walks if your a tourist ( the palms at dusk was full of expats exercising). I am not sure what the price of taxis are like, Dubai does have a very good rail system that I regret not exploring on this trip, but even that requires some walking to attractions and is mostly for the residents AFAIK.

 

[pagingjoan]

I should elaborate on my answer a bit, Dubai's attractions are spread out, for instance the Hyatt Regency might make a good base if you wish to do some cultural exploration at the old town or souks, but its a good way from the Mall for instance. There are no jogging maps or walking maps because no one walks if your a tourist ( the palms at dusk was full of expats exercising). I am not sure what the price of taxis are like, Dubai does have a very good rail system that I regret not exploring on this trip, but even that requires some walking to attractions and is mostly for the residents AFAIK.

And thank you, again, for the elaboration.
Guess that AFFers will be building up the database of recommendations matched to specific requirements over the coming months.
I will be passing through in a couple of weeks but not doing a stopover until the return trip in July, so no rush to book accommodation at this point.

 

[MYT105]

When I was there in May last year, taxi's were relatively cheap, but there is a minimum charge of 10AED per trip, so short trips can be expensive relative to longer ones. I stayed a the Hilton Dubai Creek and it was about 25AED by taxi to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa tower, so most trips should be under 50AED unless going out of the city. I did get the train which was clean and efficient and fairly cheap from memory, but don't recall the exact fare, but as noted above the train stations are not always convent to where you want to be so unless you know the way and walk, it is an other taxi ride, which would end up removing any saving of just taking the taxi for the whole trip, if it is only a short train ride.

 

[QF WP]

Got to get back to this thread and post the remainder of my photos - now my iPad is back working again and I should have some time over the weekend

 

[Mal]

Don't discount the buses either. They have a good network of buses that go various places. From memory a day pass from the train works on buses too.
But just keep in mind... The front seats on the bus are for women and children. Men should definitely not sit there but move through the barrier into the rear of the bus.

 

[markis10]

Thinking about heading back next year around Easter and doing some often activities again, maybe even making it an unofficial and slightly late QF 1st Birthday celebration in DXB with other AFF members, anyone interested? Could also be a nice addition to those heading to Gallipoli for Anzac Day making the most of its proximity to Easter re getting time off.

 

[JessicaTam]

Thinking about heading back next year around Easter and doing some often activities again, maybe even making it an unofficial and slightly late QF 1st Birthday celebration in DXB with other AFF members, anyone interested? Could also be a nice addition to those heading to Gallipoli for Anzac Day making the most of its proximity to Easter re getting time off.

Would this be the 'Moderator's Tour' as opposed to the 'Captain's Tour'?

 

[pagingjoan]

Thinking about heading back next year around Easter and doing some often activities again, maybe even making it an unofficial and slightly late QF 1st Birthday celebration in DXB with other AFF members, anyone interested? Could also be a nice addition to those heading to Gallipoli for Anzac Day making the most of its proximity to Easter re getting time off.

Would you stay in the same hotel, markis10?
Or did you see or hear of an alternative that you would like to try out next time?
I'm still deliberating over the choice between the "Dubai Skyscraper" experience and one of the (very few) boutique offerings for our upcoming stopover.

 

[markis10]

Would you stay in the same hotel, markus10?
Or did you see or hear of an alternative that you would like to try out next time?
I'm still deliberating over the choice between the "Dubai Skyscraper" experience and one of the (very few) boutique offerings for our upcoming stopover.

I probably would, it was amazing for the price, and that's taking into account status with SPG and IHG, its nice to have choices and the EK resort (Al Maha) is on the bucket list.

 

[pagingjoan]

I probably would, it was amazing for the price, and that's taking into account status with SPG and IHG, its nice to have choices and the EK resort (Al Maha) is on the bucket list.

Agree. The Al Maha looks and sounds amazing. I had it in my sights but blinked at the prices showing when I searched.

Have not booked anything yet, so will take another look before I make the difficult decision.
As I recall, there were inclusions in the Al Maha price that offset the initial shock a little - but not quite enough, at the time.

 

[QF WP]

Golly, I really must get back to this thread and update it with commentary and photos. Now to find a free block of 2+ hours when I can post uninterrupted.