Like most of leisure activities in Dubai, accommodation is also very pricey. After asking friends in Dubai, we decided to stay in marina area and made our decision on Mariott Harbour & Suites.
There are hundreds of hotel choices in Dubai. Some hotel chains have 4-5 options in Dubai! When we said to our taxi driver 'Mariott please', he asked which one, because there were already 10 Mariotts in the city!
I searched internet and found these amazing statistics!
- In year 2011 there were 575 hotels and hotel apartment buildings in Dubai!
- In year 2013, there were 11 million visitors to Dubai!
- Throughout the year, hotel occupancy on average is %75!
I think these explain why there are still ongoing hotel constructions in Dubai! And constructions are nonstop, 7/24!!!
If you want to be close to the marina, beach or mall, expect to pay more. There are cheaper options around, but you still have to pay for bus/metro ride to the activity points. Majority of the hotels have pool, gym, at least few restaurants in them! Majority offers free shuttle services. Make sure to check if your hotel offer free shuttle services, because it makes a big difference! Alcohol serving is prohibited outside of the hotel, you cannot drink alcohol anywhere else (remember this is a Muslim country, and Sharia plays an important role in the UAE) so restaurants are packed inside of the hotels. Even though Mariott Harbour & Suite cannot be counted as one if the biggest ones (from Dubai standards!), it has three restaurants and lounge/bar.
Buildings are mainly skyscrapers, 30+more floors! While we were taking a stroll along the marina, and I looked up one point, there I lost my sight! because metal high rise buildings cover the blue sky!!
Some of the big chain hotels locate inside of the malls, such as Kempinski, it is in Mall of Emirates.
Mariott Harbour&Suites is located in Marina area. It has three restaurants, top level lounge and a bar. As you can understand from its name, it has only suite rooms that are occupied with full kitchen, living area, 2-3 bedrooms. Ideal for family of four, like us! Kids have lots of space to run around:) Mariott offers daily free shuttle services to main attractions, shuttle service run on time and smoothly. Most of the hotels I searched did not include breakfast in their daily rates, including our hotel. In Mariott, breakfast was buffet style, rich, fresh and nice one! It typically cost $80 for two adults (no charge for children). There are also cheaper options outside the hotel. Such as local shops for tourists where you can get a quick bite and fresh coffee/tea. Hotel has a nice pool with beach view, spa and a gym. We used the pool, service was very nice, they provide towels, also serve food of course with a charge! Concierge service was very professional and friendly. We did not dine at the hotel restaurant, there are so many options in marina or every corner, but it had nice reviews from the customers.
If you plan to visit Dubai, make sure to do your search! I definitely recommend tripadvisor! I use it all the time!
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