The “City of Sheikhs” is of course famed worldwide for its glitz, glamour, and (often over-the-top) luxury, and this goes as much for its lodgings as anywhere else - with exhibit A being the "seven-star" Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (where room rates start north of US$1,000 a night). But bargain seekers do have a suprising menu of options, and without having to resorts to fleabags or hostels. Here are five three-star properties which provide a modicum of luxury at very accessible rates indeed (as little as US$60 a night!):
With more than 280 fully serviced and kitchen-equipped apartments, this aparthotel (top) is an exceptonal deal on Sheikh Zayed Road across from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and close to the World Trade Centre and Jimeirah Beach Park, as well as well connected by metro to the rest of the city. Amenities include a luxurious rooftop pool, a gym with sauna, onsite parking, and two dining options: St. Andrews for pub fare and Ambot Tik, which serves delicious cuisine from the Indian state of Goa. Typical nightly rates run US$60–$120/£45–£90/€52–€103.
Located in the Deira/Omar Bin Al Khattab Road area, less than a kilometer from the Corniche Road and the city´s main shopping and amusements zone, the Pearl may be the best on our list when it comes to value for money. It has 131 rooms appointed in simple but clean and modern wood accents and offers, in addition to a very good restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a fitness center, business facilities, and even a rooftop pool. Yet typical nightly rates start at just US$35-$90/£26-£68/€30-€77.
At the start of The Walk, a café and restaurant lined tourist promenade in the Jumeirah Beach Residence/Marina area, its 188 suite style rooms in 23 stories have water views and come with kitchenettes. In addition to a restaurant serving breakfast lunch and dinner, there´s a good Asian fusion restaurant serving dinner only; a coffee shop (open late); a fitness center, a spa; and a rooftop pool. Rates run about US$90-$180/ £68-£135/€78-€155.
If you´re willing to spend a bit more, this boutique resort member of the Spanish upscale hotel chain Meliá offers a bit more of a desert and less of a hyper-urban feel, located as it is on the city´s outskirts in the 158-acre Desert Palm Polo & Equestian Club estate, some 20 minutes from central Dubai. It has 39 elegant, modern rooms, suites, and villas - some with private pools and views of tropical gardens and the polo grounds. Amenities include the Samana spa and wellness center; the indoor-outdoor Epicure restaurant serving Levantine-Mediterranean cuisine; an infinity pool; and tennis courts. There´s even a fine-art collection! Rates run US$190-$280/£143-£210/€163-€241.
Novotel Suites Dubai Mall Of The Emirates
Out in the western zone of Al Barsha (15 minutes by taxi and 25 by metro) next to Ski Dubai as well as Mall of the Emirates, this member of the French midrange Novotel chain is known for its affordable comfort, with 188 spacious, suite-style rooms including kitchenettes and sea/marina views. Besides the casual Deli Boutique international restaurant, there´s a small rooftop pool and a fitness center. Rates run US$90-$180/£68-£135(€78-€155.
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