Accommodations
topHotels
Al Qasr
PO Box 75157, Dubai UAE
Tel: +971 4 366 8888
Fax: +971 4 3667 788
Al Qasr, which literally translates to “the Palace,” has been designed to reflect a Sheikh’s summer residence. Surrounded by water, Al Qasr forms a virtual island with a multitude of fascinating aspects: ancient wind towers, pools, meandering waterways, and the superb 2-km wide beach. It’s big but not impersonal, and well-planned, with golf carts and boats to transport you around. There are a number of great restaurants, many of which become nightclubs at night, and even a traditional souk. The afternoon tea is wonderful, too (though not as famous as the one served at the Burj, we thought the view was better here).
Burj Al Arab
PO Box 74147, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 301 7777
Fax: +971 4 301 7000
Housed in an iconic sail-shaped building, this opulent all-suite hotel offers the ultimate in personal service, including a private reception desk on every floor, a chauffer-driven Rolls Royce and a staff of highly trained butlers.
Armani Hotel Dubai
Burj Dubai Tower
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 888 3888
Fax: +971 4 888 3777
For an exclusive stay at a "fashionable" hotel, complete with your own personal lifestyle consultant, look no further than the world's first Armani Hotel in the world's tallest building at the heart of Dubai. Giogio Armani designed every physical detail of this extraordinary hotel, from the soaring arches in the lobby to the soaps in each room.
Al Bustan Rotana
Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud
P.O. Box 30880, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 282 0000
The flagship property of Rotana hotels, this five-star hotel is ideally located five minutes from Dubai International Airport. Recently refurbished in an elegant, contemporary style, it offers guests a unique blend traditional Arabian hospitality and modern luxury. 275 rooms, fitness center, pool, tennis courts, luxury gift shops, four restaurants serving a range of international cuisine.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha
P.O. Box 120679, Dubai
UAE
Tel: +971 4 341 0000
The Kempinski Hotel guarantees superior standards of service combined with distinctive style reflecting its old heritage and tradition in fine hospitality across Europe. The hotel features 393 deluxe rooms and suites including 15 unique Ski Chalets with unprecedented views over the amazing Ski Dubai indoor ski resort. There’s also a Kid-cierge program for 2 to 14 year olds.
Le Méridian Dubai
Airport Road
PO Box 1000, Dubai UAE
Tel: +971 4 217 0000
Surrounded by 38 acres of landscaped gardens, Le Méridien Dubai provides a serene and luxurious counterpoint to the city’s cosmopolitan flair. Located a short distance from the Deira shopping hub, the hotel offers 383 rooms, three outdoor swimming pools, a Natural Elements Spa, a state of the art gym, tennis courts and 18 fine restaurants serving a variety of cuisine.
Park Hyatt Dubai
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
PO Box 2822, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 602 1234
Fax: +971 4 602 1235
Waterfront resort adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. 225 guestrooms including 35 suites; spa, pool, 18-hole golf course, private charter yachts.
The Ritz Carlton
P.O. Box 26525, Dubai UAE
Tel: +971 4 399 4000
Fax: +971 4 399 4001
A private resort on an exclusive beachfront island in the heart of New Dubai Marina. Personalized service, numerous fine dining options, “Ritz-Kidz” program offering a variety of children’s activities.
topDesert Resorts
Though the city of Dubai is chic and fascinating, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Al Maha, surrounded by the wide horizons and striking landscapes of the desert. Consider spending an enchanted Arabian night – or several – at one of these luxurious desert resorts.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Al Maha Head Office, 3rd Floor, Emirates Holidays Building
Sheikh Zayed Road
P.O Box 7631 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 303 4222
Fax: +971 4 343 9696
E-mail: almaha@emirates.com
This exclusive eco-resort overlooks 87 square miles of pristine national park, home to the endangered Arabian oryx which the resort helps preserve. More couples-oriented than the Bab Al Shams, each of Al Maha’s 40 free-standing villas has a private infinity pool and deck – the resort also offers a signature spa and highly personalized service, to make your stay that much more relaxing and enjoyable. On-site activities include falconry demonstrations, archery, camel treks, nature walks, sand-skiing and dune safaris (done in a responsible manner to spare vulnerable habitats).
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
PO Box 8168, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 809 6100
Fax: +971 4 832 6698
Email: JBASinfo@jumeirah.com
A fanciful blend of Arabian architectural styles, themed dinners complete with whirling dervishes and belly dancers, and activities like camel rides and falconry displays make this tasteful desert hideaway worth a visit. Somewhat more family-oriented than the Al Maha, and more authentically Bedouin in flavor. 113 rooms and suites, infinity pool, full spa.