tikichris

Photo by Peter the painter

As mentioned about a week ago, I’ve got this fanciful idea swimming around in my head of possibly visiting Dubai sometime the near future to have a look see at some art. The best times to go are apparently October to March; so, there’s still time for me to consider the whens and hows of the trip.

With a few other trips already lined up for summer and fall and plans to visit the States at Christmas, the potential Emirates jaunt is definitely one for the back burner, but I have kept looking … just tinkering around on the internet for deals and such. I’m fascinated by the range of hotels there – from the ridiculously mega-swank to the totally economical. A few of the more interesting Dubai hotel options, should I decide to go, include the following:

Burj Al Arab (pictured above), the world’s only seven star hotel. It also boasts the world’s largest lobby atrium (which given this is the largest hotel in the world, makes perfect sense) replete with its own two story aquarium, airport shuttle service via Rolls Royce, BMW or helicopter etc etc etc. Reckoned by many as the iconic landmark of Dubai, it’s one for those that like their accommodation with a heaving dose of excess.

Considerably less dear (and with a mere five stars – just writing about the Burj Al Arab leaves me feeling posher!) but nonetheless highly recommended on a number of travel sites for its amenities, service, food and location is Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. On the Jumeirah coast and just a short distance from the Dubai Marina, it has its own Water Sport Centre for kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and deep-sea fishing as well as state-of-the-art spa and health clubs (yes, that’s clubs as in more than one) for post sport winding down.

For a much more budget conscious visit, there’s the Rush Inn. Situated near the Dubai International Exhibition Centre with souks, the famous Meena Bazaar and more nearby. And with rates potentially as low as $40 per night, a stay here might even allow shoestring tourists (as I suspect I’d be if I went) to indulge in a bit of shopping and sightseeing.

So there ya have it. Whether super rich or living out of a rucksack, there appears to be a room for pretty much any travellers’ needs.