StLouieGirl

I am going with a few women to Dubai this summer. Is air travel/airport safe for women to go in a small group? Has anyone stayed at the Ritz or the Inter-Cont.? Which one is more plush? Which has preferred location? Sights not to be missed? Shopping recommendations? Thanks!

rdkr

Dubai is safe for women. For posh head to the Burj Al Arab. A boat trip up the creek and a visit to the gold market is a must.
Richard,
http://www.franceinfocus.net
Photos and video of our trip to Dubai.

Travelnick

Intercon is past its sell by date. Also bar is still from what I have been told by recent guest full of hookers. Ritz CArlton is supposed to be far better. Locations very different - Intercon much better for access to Gold Souk and airport. Ritz better for beach and the newer upmarket restaurant areas. Airport/travel is safe. Summer time is stinking hot. Like much of Middle East, you will not see 50+ celsius (+ high humidity) shown (got to keep the workers on the building site), but that is what it is. Shopping - Burjuman Centre is perhaps biggest at moment, Wafi City as well, but without sales on, do not think you are getting value - lots of things here (especially non-gold and non-electronic) are a rip off, with prices of clothes especially being more expensive than Europe unless they are giving 70% + discount. Sights - its an interesting city in one way - seeing huge amount of change and new condos. Gold souk as noted. Creek is pleasant. Many residents see the place as style over substance. People living here either love it or are here for the work.

Gloxxx

The Ritz is definitely better and is considered as one on the most luxurious hotels here. The Intercont is a bit old by Dubai's standards. The location depends really on what you're looking for. Ritz is on the beach, around 20 km from the city centre, Intercont in the City centre, but Sheraton Creek and Hilton Creek are nearby and newer.
Sights are mainly about new malls and hotels!. So not to miss the new Madinat Jumairah, Mercato mall, Wafi Mall and Burjuman. The Gold Souk and the Spices Souk are also a must.

Dlemma

Well, I stayed at the Intercontinental in January and I thought it was just fine. Now, I was travelling on business so maybe I went with different expectations.

I was comfortable in the hotel and in the city (I'm female). Our group spent a couple of evenings in the British-style pub on the second floor of the hotel and it was fine. There was a bar in the hotel that was rumored to be a bit "dodgey", but we didn't go there. Maybe that's the one with the hookers, etc.

If you want to stay near the beach, this isn't the hotel for you. If you want to stay in town, near shopping, etc. then this hotel is fine.

Oh, and visit the Dubai museum in the old fort. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but it is a very interesting look at the city and how it developed.

julie1

Dear St. Louie girl.

My husband and I went to Dubai 4 years ago. Stayed at the Royal Mirage - could not fault it if I tried (and I usually do find something.)The Sheik has the summer palace which is located next door and he pops in from time to time - when we were there he came in with the Sheik of Bahrain and also the Crown Prince. The food was fantastic.
However, the Ritz did feature on our list of recommendations.
Just be mindful of construction work which is going on.
Apaarantly, there is not too much disruption.
The weather is boiling hot - but once it gets past 90 degrees, who cares?
The sea is like a warm bath and is so salty it acts as a great exfoliant - your skin will be fabulous.
Check the gold Soukh and take lots of spending money - there are bargains to be had. I bought several items including a gold chain which was only 7 GBP and is still as shiny today.
They ony sell 18 ct gold - no cheap stuff.
The dune safari was a laugh but not got those who suffer from motion sickness.
There is also a Hard Rock cafe a short taxi ride away - great!

Loved it and would go again but off to LA SF and Vegas this year.

Have a great trip

Julie

julie1

sorry - The chain for 7 GBP was silver.

julie

jiggylou

I've stayed at both hotels and enjoyed the Ritz the most. However, the Royal Mirage is much classier. Location depends on whether or not you rather be closed to the beach or in the city. My choice in the city would be the Grand Hyatt. Sights depends on what you enjoy doing.

Scout52

Dubai City Museum is nice, worth a couple of hours. located underground at the old Fort.

My favorite hotel for the hot part of the summer is the Jumeirah Beach, great views, great beach, the pools are chilled, and you can get a tour of the Bourj Al Arab.

Jumeirah Beach is about 20 minutes from the city, but taxis are cheap and safe.