Getting Around Town:
Cabs are inexpensive, but traffic can be heavy. Avoid rush hours.
|
Restaurants
We Like:
-
There is an enormous food court attached to the hotel.
- Irish Pub - taxi ride, but drinks are less expensive and it's a nice atmosphere.
Tipping: 10% is typical. Some restaurants include the tip in the bill.
|
Shopping
Finds:
Dubai is all about shopping. Gold is supposed to be a good buy. Popular traditional gifts are prayer beads, Arabic coffee pots, Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings), antique silver jewelry, inlaid rosewood and walnut furniture, Silver and brass swords and khanjars (maybe confiscated at security), brass, marble goblets, soapstone figures, hookahs. Expect to bargain in the souks (markets). |
What
to See:
| Burj Al Arab - iconic symbol of Dubai - resembles a huge sail. |
Burj Khalifa - "superscraper" -world's tallest building, recently opened |
| Ski Dubai - in the Mall of the Emirates |
Jumeirah Mosque - tours available |
| Souk Madinat, Jumeirah - traditional souk |
Gold Souk - Spice Souk |
| Atlantis on the Palm - huge, new Resort complex |
Dubai Old Souk |
| Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum) |
Dhow Tour |
|
What's
On Around Town:
|
Travel
Time to the Hotel: 15 min. |
Flight
Time from IAD: (+ or -) 13:00 |
| Nearest
ATM : On the hotel property - ask the concierge |
| Nearest
Grocery: In the mall connected to the hotel |
| Closest
Gym: In the hotel |
| Best
Place to Run: |
| Good
Walks: Through the mall - it's HUGE or the canal walk outside the hotel. |
Easy
Day Trips:
Many people like the "Big Bus" Tour, which is a good 3-4 hour "hop on-hop off" bus tour (ask concierge), but not inexpensive (around 50 dollars US). It makes two different loops - the red and the blue loops (www.bigbustours.com). There are private tours available with tour guides.
Desert excursion - ride camels, dune buggies. Arrange with concierge for morning start and you can be back by early afternoon. We have heard it's great fun, but a wild ride--do it at your own risk! |
| Safety: Warning: Dubai is not all Fun and Games See our sister site Realworldsafety.com and check the US State Department Travel Page at www.travel.state.gov |
| Misc: Gorgeous totally no-smoking hotel rooms have coffee maker, robes, free internet access in the rooms, refridgerator, flat screen tv with dvd player, lovely outdoor swimming pool, gym. Tap water is safe to drink. |
