Fodor's Expert Review Sofitel Dubai, The Palm

Palm Jumeirah has some of the most expensive hotel real estate in Dubai, but the Sofitel offers a good balance between luxury, convenience, and price. This large, Asian-inspired resort is lush and exotic and sprawls over many zones. The 182 apartments make this an excellent choice for families. There is a kids' club, complete with water slides and waterfalls, and the main pool (one of six) is lined with a good proportion of cabanas and shaded areas, perfect for watching progeny splash while adults rest and rejuvenate. When it's time for more activity, there are a plethora of water sports on offer, and for golfers, there is an "eco golf" driving range on the beachfront–-the balls fall into the Arabian gulf and disintegrate into fish food.