Dubai is one of the fastest-growing and most prosperous emirates of the seven United Arab
Emirates. By population, it leads the other emirates and by area, it is seconded only by
Abu-Dhabi. The multiplying growth of the emirate can be attributed to several factors e.g. the
growth of the oil and the construction sector, tourism, and a rise in the real-estate projects.
Furthermore, Dubai is also a major hub for the financial and banking sector. All these factors
make the area a rather rich one. The wealth of the region has caused tourism here to sky-rocket,
due to the range of facilities and attractions the city can afford to provide to tourists from
all over. These include the world's richest horse race, million dollar lotteries, international
sporting events like tennis and golf tournaments and month-long shopping festivals. It sports
the world's tallest and most lavish hotel - the Burj Al Arab, shaped like a billowing sail -
built on an artificial platform in the sea. Other tourist attractions include Creekside park,
the Bird sanctuary, Wild Wadi Water park, an indoor ski resort, and The Gold Souk.
These attractions tempt people from all over the world to wish to visit Dubai. This leads to one
major question by interested tourists like myself: accommodation. When traveling, accommodation
is one of the single highest costs deterring people from seeing different countries and cities.
However, this primarily depends on tourists’ budget. For those who can afford expensive, posh
accommodation, Dubai is paradise on earth!
Dubai is the home to numerous luxurious hotels. These include famous hotels like Park Hyatt,
Emirates Tower, Madinat Jumeirah, Le Meridien, Burj Al-Arab, Hilton Dubai Creek, Atlantis, Dubai
Seven Star Hotel, Dream Palace Hotel, Al Maha Desert Resort, City Season Hotel, Concorde Hotel
and Residence, Coral Boutique Villa, Dusit Dubai, Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, just to name a few.
Due to the ever-rising demand of accommodation in Dubai, there are various hotels under
construction as well. These can be expected to be open in a couple of years and include resorts
like Four Seasons Hotel Dubai, W Hotel Dubai, Layia Orchid Hotel etc.
These hotels are few of the most luxurious and renowned hotels of the world where footballers,
celebrities and the elite enjoy staying, while visiting Dubai. These are, needless to say, very
expensive and bookings depend on availability, especially during peak seasons. The facilities
offered are diverse – you can expect to be pampered, fed and treated like royalty. Facilities
include excellent locations, rooms, villas and suites with beautiful views of the sea,
restaurants, cafes and bars, conference and banqueting services, sprawling gardens, sports clubs
and gyms, and clubs and playing area for the little ones as well! There are spa treatments
available, complemented by saunas, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools alike. More information
regarding the cuisines served at each hotel, and the rooms etc, can be found on the respective
websites of the resorts.
Throwing some light on budget hotels in and surrounding Dubai, there is a growing demand for
such accommodation, owing to recession in the major economies of the world. Despite what people
may tell you, it is quite possible to find cheap hotels in this city (the frugal travelers have
a right to travel too, after all). Although they may not be as luxurious as the Burj Dubai,
there are plenty of cheap hotels in the emirate. The inner city is the perfect place to start
searching. The hotels here cater to visiting relatives of Dubai's large population of migrant
workers and you can expect to strike a good bargain at one of these cheaper places.
To search, the Dubai business and shopping district is also recommended. A few hotels here, for
example the Highland Hotel, offer reasonable rates with amazing views of the Arabian sea - ideal
for the 'coast conscious' tourist! The shopping district of Al Fahidi street is also a good
place to look. This area of the historic street bazaars, notably, Meena Bazaar, hosts quite a
few cheap hotels.
Cheaper hotels can also be found in areas including Deira, Bur Dubai and Al Satwa. Deira hosts a
large population of migrant workers. However, this is an excellent location – it is only a short
walk to the gold souk and Dubai Creek. Since Dubai is virtually crime free, the area is
relatively safe to visit at day or night. Hotels around this area include Le Meridien in Deira –
these are reasonably cheap! Most of these hotels will be very basic accommodation but it is a
lively place day and night.
Bur Dubai is a buzzing, lively little area which is home to a large Indian migrant population,
which is mostly Karela. It is within close proximity to major shopping malls such as Ibn Batuta
Mall, and is minutes drive away from Jumeirah. It has ‘Mina Bazaar’, a fantastic market which is
well-known for clothing. Other cheap hotels in Bur Dubai that you will be able to find include
places like Le Meridien Sandos and also Golden Sands apartments.
Hotels in Al Satwa should really be on the bottom of the list and not considered unless tourists
are on a very tight budget. Although the area runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road, it is the area
which is considered to be quite rough.
Prior to booking any cheap hotels in Dubai, it is imperative to do your research. It is advised
to read hotel reviews just to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when you arrive. Because
nightclubs are not really allowed in Dubai due to it being a Muslim country, you may find that
there are bars or discos integrated within the hotels so it is highly recommended to check out
the reviews before making a decision. The best and the cheapest deals are in the off-peak season
which is in the summer, between April and September where you will be able to get some very good
bargains on accommodation. If you do decide on going to Dubai in these months, however, be
prepared to witness boiling temperatures and experience sunburns!
Wrapping up, Dubai is one of the ideal resorts for travelers and tourists. It is heralded by the
elite as well as tourists on a tight budget. The key is to decide on a budget and then search
for hotels within that range. Gather as much information as you can, before going for this dream
holiday. In this case, what you don’t know CAN hurt you. To book your hotel room in Dubai just
right away, Please check out our Dubai Hotels listing !
