Suggestions for Dubai stopover hotel / aiport hotel experiences

[GCC]

Mrs G and 10 month old Baby G are flying Emirates to the UK in a few weeks.

They have a 24 Hour stopover in Dubai on the way there, so we're looking for any AFF hotel suggestions, or what to do in a day itineraries? Baby friendly / largish rooms would be a plus.

Also a 12 hour stopover on the return leg so wondering if anyone has stayed at the airport terminal hotel and how they found it.

They are flying J - not sure if they are entitled to limo transfers in Dubai or only at departure and final destination points?

 

[Homer]

They will be entitled to free transfers in Dubai, though the term "limo" should never be applied to a Volvo estate...

Emirates usually offers discounts at its partner hotels for stopovers. Have you checked its web site?

 

[sinophile888]

I stayed at the Premier Inn at Dubai for 2 nights in both December and January. It had a very good rating on Tripadvisor. There is a free 24hr shuttle from the airport to the hotel and back. The hotel is very close to the airport as the crow flies but the shuttle takes about 15 minutes to get across the freeway. I paid UAE 395 (less than $110) per night. This did not include breakfast but breakfast was available for UAE 55. The hotel was very clean and we were most comfortable, especially as we usually stay in 4* or 5* hotels. There is a Costa coffee shop inside the hotel.

During our free day each way, we caught the shuttle back to the airport and used the Metro to get to some of the places we were interested in. My daughter was interested in indoor skiing at The Mall of the Emirates and the aquarium and indoor ice-skating at the Dubai Mall.

We also did a private tour of Dubai in a car with a driver with limited English, but still thoroughly enjoyed it.

A couple of highlights were the Gold Souk and the Cloth (Textile) Souk. We didn’t make it to the Spice Souk.

 

[malmacdowall]

Dubai is full of interesting things to do for the day..plenty to entertain people of all ages... I have done many stopovers and shot stays there and have really enjoyed it.. Generally everything can be reached easily and at low cost in the local taxis... safe, clean and great service. dont get caught paying for an expensive hotel arranged transfer... catch the taxi at he airport doors... As far as hotels go there are a number of options depending on budget... but for a clean centrally located hotel i would recommend the crown plaza on Sheikh Zayed rd. it is connected to a small mall and has a few restaurants attached... if you have a few dollars to spend and want a treat then try the Madinat Jumerah... a unique traditional hotel on the beach with a venice style river and gondola system... lounge by the pools or down on the banana lounges on the beach while the staff bring you drinks and snacks.. the madinat is also attached to a traditional style Souk and has many restaurants... The big highlight is sitting by the pool bar, watching the sun go down as you overlook the Burj al Arab hotel... the changing lighting on the outside is a great site..
If your interested in seeing a few of the local sights, check out the Big bus company.. a hop on hop off tourist bus system that runs regularly around Dubai... the 24 hr itinerary really depends on what time MrsG +1 arrives. What does Mrs G like to do? hope this helps... Happy to answer any other questions you may have...

 

[winfred]

Mrs G and 10 month old Baby G are flying Emirates to the UK in a few weeks.

They have a 24 Hour stopover in Dubai on the way there, so we're looking for any AFF hotel suggestions, or what to do in a day itineraries?

Shopping, shopping and more shopping. They have their Dubai Shopping Festival in Jan & Feb. I was there last week and prices were unbelievable. I went to HKG afterwards and didn't buy anything as I kept comparing the prices to Dubai's.

I stayed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel which is right on the beach and overlooking the Burj Al Arab hotel. Room was huge but a bit dated. As there is only 24 hours I suggest staying at one of the hotels close to the airport such as Premier Inn Dubai International Airport or Le Meridien.

 

[GCC]

Thanks for the ideas. They arrive 0520 and depart 0730 next day - ideally would want to check in on arrival.

Shopping can be hard with baby, but she (ie baby) loves being out and about so being able to access more general "sights" along with the big malls would be ideal.

TA has suggested Regents Place, in the city opposite Bur Juman shopping centre?

 

[Major]

If the stopover is Emirates choosing ( no suitable flight connection ) and greater than 6 hours they will provide accommodation.

As a J customer they will take you to Le Meridian ( 5 min drive ) where they have their own wing and private entrance.

If the stopover is your choosing then accomm. is at your discretion. Emirates have some great suggestions on their website with locations.

 

[MAX_1]

If the stopover is Emirates choosing ( no suitable flight connection ) and greater than 6 hours they will provide accommodation.

As a J customer they will take you to Le Meridian ( 5 min drive ) where they have their own wing and private entrance.

If the stopover is your choosing then accomm. is at your discretion. Emirates have some great suggestions on their website with locations.

Mrs Max and I stayed at Le Meridian for a 6 hour stop-over on our way to Cairo. Very nice hotel. From memory, I think it is one level. Nice pool area and eating facilities.

 

[GCC]

On the way back to Oz they have a 10 hour stopover with accommodation at Le Meridian. The longer stop on the way there was our choice.