marmot

I know there's a separate Africa/Middle east board, but it doesn't seem too active so I thought I'd try my Asia travelers. My son will have a 24 hour stopover in Dubai. He needs a moderately priced hotel. He'd like to do some sightseeing, with emphasis on contemporary architecture. Anyone been there?

wintersp

I have done the 24 hr stay there but don't have a lot to say about Dubai. Having planned the trip 3 yrs ago and unable to go then, I found Dubai hotels to be outrageously priced then. I stayed at a Pullman Hotel,(the Accor chain) formerly Sofitel. Around the corner was a Novotel (usually cheaper than Sofitels). This Pullman was connected to a shopping mall. The price was reasonable in Nov. but their season seems to be January so I expect prices will be much higher now. Dubai suffered ecomomic setbacks recently (so I was told by cab driver and hotel folks) so I don't know if that means lodging is now cheaper or if it was cheaper because of season.

qwovadis

travela.priceline.com/hotel/city-Dubai_Dubayy_United_Arab_Emirates-5000003658.html

Holiday Inn Express from $40 bidding priceline usually best

for price but many other good value options there.

www.asiarooms.com www.agoda.com if you do not want to bid.

Happy Journey,

merckxxx

I stayed at the Novotel not far from the airport. They have a free shuttle. It is a beautiful property at a reasonable price (I think it was $110.). Breakfast is expensive (I think $26) but it is really nice. I tried like Hell to eat & drink $26 worth of everything. I strongly rec'md that Novotel. Next door is its sister op - Ibis which looked ok too, but not after you stayed at the Novotel. You have to choose your architecture carefully as Dubai is laid out like L.A. - vast and expansive packed with slow moving traffic. To see the coast where the famous buildings are and midtown where the burj Dubai is, I think you would have to take one tour each day for two days, or start really early one morning, pay a lot for a cab, and see it all in a single, long day.

JaneB

We stayed at the Arabian Courtyard and loved it. Here are the TA reviews:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Spa-Dubai.html

The hop-on hop-off bus goes right by it so it is very easy to get around to the sights.

marmot

Thanks very much for all the advice. I knew the Asia board posters would come through!

My son had a great 24 hours in Dubai. Stayed at the Novotel Tried his best to eat $26 dollars worth of breakfast, took the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, saw some phenomenal architecture, soaked up the curious cultural blends and hopped back on Emirates to LAX.