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So I’ve just booked Dubai for after New Years. I’ve been reading some of the threads on Dubai, but the search function is limited, and I’ve other queries to what is mentioned.
On a side note – I’m not interested in political views, having been to similar and some worse countries in regards Human Rights.
I was totally suckered in with today’s article on Hilton points, and didn’t need much more points to book the WA Dubai Palm Jumeirah. I’m hoping as Diamond we get upgraded. It will be myself and the teenagers again. They seem to have developed a taste for travel, meanwhile my husband is exhausted from it!
I’ve booked BA109 and BA108 flights, so hoping we have Qsuite and planes don’t change unexpectedly. Seat selection suggests I choose correctly. I really couldn’t justify the difference between £350 in business taxes & fees and £700 for F x three. Not on a 7 hr flight. Plus 3 Barclays vouchers has saved me almost 70k per voucher.
QQ’s- should I hire a car? Kids want to visit theme parks, beaches, and areas with lots going on. Any advice or tips on great places to visit are much appreciated.
Other than the review on here, anything else I should be aware of with this hotel? Anything to look forward to?
Will the weather be humid? Does it get cool at night? I’m envisaging suitcases with shorts and t-shirts plus swimwear.
TIA
Highs of 24, lows of 14. It’s not as warm as you’d think in January. You’ll need layers, shorts and t-shirts won’t cut it. It won’t be humid this time of year.
Hire car, in my experience unless you have mobility reasons (wheel chair, baby seat, other) then Careem taxis are everywhere and very cheap, car hire is just an added hassle.
Jumping on this as we’re off there next week! Is the air conditioning fierce in public places? We are at Dubai Opera one evening so I’m just wondering what level of layering to take (light wrap? pashmina? full-on chunky knit?)
TIA!
Yes, Dubai loves a full blast AC. Everywhere from hotel lobbies and malls can get chilly.
Ohh @NorthernLass I will be keen to hear all about your adventures.
I’m in two minds about changing the hotel to the Conrad, or Hilton Walk. Due to location, lack of status recognition and lounge access. Not sure what to do!
Yes, Dubai loves a full blast AC. Everywhere from hotel lobbies and malls can get chilly.
I was forced to go in summer last year.
Something like 44 degrees outside and then straight into malls which felt more like 15 degrees.
Was shocking.Also, as Steve points out, car hire is probably unnecessary.
Taxis and metro are cheap and reliable.Hi, we have been twice now (most recent time was April this year) and we deem it as a “safe” destination. Metro is clean, service is excellent in the hotels, taxis are extremely reasonable. The weather is good. You don’t get pestered and have to worry about any pickpocketing.
I travelled BA109 (in PE) and there wasn’t a spare seat on the whole aircraft Apparantly.
How long you going for? Have you thought about splitting your stay between 2 hotels? We stayed at the Conrad for 2 nights and it was brilliant. A metro station is literally seconds from the hotel entrance and it’s only a few stops to the Dubai Mall. You may just get a taxi though. The Greek restaurant in the Conrad is absolutely superb and the pool area is in a fantastic setting. The breakfast was fantastic but we also ventured to the lounge, which again is really good.
I haven’t read the reviews of the WA lately but I recall a while ago one person reviewing it and saying it wasn’t luxurious at all and it was like a scene out of Benidorm. Obviously you have to take reviews with a pinch of salt but I certainly wouldn’t put you off booking the Conrad.Lastly, I am also keen on reading Northern
lass”s adventures in Dubai as I believe she is staying at the hotel that I hold dear to my heartI’m only there for 5 nights. Last minute trip and winter sun before I go back to work.
I’m now considering the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah or Conrad may be more suitable for us. We are definitely not the type to spend everyday at the hotel.
I looked at all the Hiltons and none of them was exactly right! In the end I settled on the HB package at Grosvenor House as you can also use the beach club and amenities at one of the Le Meridien properties. We have 5 nights there, then hopping over to DOH and doing 5 nights at the RC before getting the direct QR flight back to MAN.
We are on BA 107 on the A380 on the way out (thanks Barclays), and quite excited about our first time “upstairs”, lol, albeit in the old CW seats.
I looked at all the Hiltons and none of them were exactly right! In the end I settled on HB package at Grosvenor House as you can also use the beach club and amenities at one of the Le Meridien properties. We have 5 nights there, then hopping over to DOH and doing 5 nights at the RC before getting the direct QR flight back to MAN.
We are on BA 107 on the A380 on the way out (thanks Barclays), and quite excited about our first time “upstairs”, lol.
do not forget the seafood night at Sloanes on the Friday. Indigo by Vineet is awesome at GH but some prefer the one at Le royal Meridien. Torro Torro for the steak.
Do you have lounge access at GH. It is more certainly worth it if you are as “northern” as me and turn up 5 minutes before 18:00 and order 2 cocktails just as last orders are called at 19:45.I looked at all the Hiltons and none of them was exactly right! In the end I settled on the HB package at Grosvenor House as you can also use the beach club and amenities at one of the Le Meridien properties. We have 5 nights there, then hopping over to DOH and doing 5 nights at the RC before getting the direct QR flight back to MAN.
We are on BA 107 on the A380 on the way out (thanks Barclays), and quite excited about our first time “upstairs”, lol, albeit in the old CW seats.
That sounds like a fascinating itinerary!
I would prefer to keep this trip more on a budget level as we are not long back from Japan. I have the Hilton points now too lol. So it will definitely need to be one of the three choices I’m considering.
@yorkshireRich, no lounge access at GH, sadly, but we have it at the RC and apparently it’s more like an AI set-up so as Lancastrians we’ll be taking full advantage! (OH even more so as he was born in Halifax 😂) Sadly we are not there on a Friday night but have reservations at Toro Toro and a few of the others. Very kindly GH have said we can use the allowance towards room service on the first night, as we arrive late, and also for lunch on the day we are going to the opera.
@angela – Flights and 5 nights at the RC are on avios/Bonvoy points. The HB package at GH worked out around £280 pn but looks to be excellent value, there are more restaurants to choose from than nights we are there!
How much on points did the RC cost? I’ve loads of Bonvoy points, but saving them for a Masai Mara trip next year.
Angelmac, look at where you will spend most of your time.
If it’s by the beach, I would stay at Jumeriah. If it’s by the mall and the old town then I’d have a serious look at the Conrad.It’s gone up since I booked, but it was around 220k for 5 nights in a club room – reviews of the lounge are excellent. We’ve both blown our Bonvoy stashes now, I’ve pretty much given up on Marriott properties since dynamic pricing came in and IHG started giving free breakfast for Diamonds!
I think Dubai points pricing is also quite a bit higher than Doha.
When I started collecting hotel points I went with Marriott initially because the Bonvoy card seemed a good way of collecting points. I do like Marriott and they treat me well. But now I’ve been given Diamond Hilton, I’m noticing their properties are cheaper and their promotions seem much more generous than Marriott. I want to build my experience with Hilton and see how upgrades go. Marriott are very accommodating with upgrades as Titanium.
As for where we will be in Dubai, my guess is all over the place lol. Looking at prices for Hilton, it may make more sense to spend cash if not going with original choice of WA.
Have you looked on Dubai forum on Tripadvisor, there is a wealth of info on there. Going by regulars you might need a wrap etc for evenings, and one of regulars who lives out there said they were by pool but it was windy. You need to choose hotels wisely as this time of year some pools are quite shaded.
Dubai doesn’t really have a “ main bit” as such so depends on what your requirements are to where you stay. Taxis are cheap easy to use and get you can also do Uber or Careem I think are the apps. Make sure you use a proper metered taxi not a limo one.If you plan to visit the theme parks and water parks, consider purchasing the Entertainer app which gives you substantial savings e.g. 2 for 1 tickets to theme parks. You have to pay for the app (can’t remember how much), but if you use enough of the offers, it is worth it. They have a cheaper version for tourists (at least they did when I went in 2022). It also gives discounts at restaurants as well as tourist attractions. There is a detailed thread on how it works in the Dubai forum on Tripadvisor. For the Atlantis waterpark, it’s cheaper to buy tickets online in advance rather than at the gate.
Emirates mypass which is just your boarding card allows you to get similar discounts to entertainer too
I second the opinion of specifc Jumeriah resorts for beach access. I havent done this myself but would consider it next time
If you plan to visit the theme parks and water parks, consider purchasing the Entertainer app which gives you substantial savings e.g. 2 for 1 tickets to theme parks. You have to pay for the app (can’t remember how much), but if you use enough of the offers, it is worth it. They have a cheaper version for tourists (at least they did when I went in 2022). It also gives discounts at restaurants as well as tourist attractions. There is a detailed thread on how it works in the Dubai forum on Tripadvisor. For the Atlantis waterpark, it’s cheaper to buy tickets online in advance rather than at the gate.
Is there a similar app for Abu Dhabi? I assume the Dubai version wouldnt cover Yas Island.
When I started collecting hotel points I went with Marriott initially because the Bonvoy card seemed a good way of collecting points. I do like Marriott and they treat me well. But now I’ve been given Diamond Hilton, I’m noticing their properties are cheaper and their promotions seem much more generous than Marriott. I want to build my experience with Hilton and see how upgrades go. Marriott are very accommodating with upgrades as Titanium.
As for where we will be in Dubai, my guess is all over the place lol. Looking at prices for Hilton, it may make more sense to spend cash if not going with original choice of WA.
I stayed at the new Hilton Palm last November on a 5for4 points for 240,000, and as Diamond was upgraded to one of the only 20 or so sea view one-bed suites on the hotel wings, it was fabulous! I think the price has gone up to 70,000 per night (280,000) now though so the same price as the Conrad, but less that the WA.
The Hilton Palm is very well located (for a palm hotel), it’s right at the entrance to the Palm, so a short taxi ride to get on and off – or use the monorail. It also face JBR, and the big wheel, so great views and sun all day (although they are building on an island directly in front of the hotel which partially blocks the wheel view). Huge pool area and direct beachfront access if you prefer the sea.
There is a lengthy garden/relaxation area across the street behind the accommodation blocks, with a nice walk which lead you directly to the huge Nakheel Mall, if that’s your thing.
The hotel has an abundance of restaurants and an on-site Mcgettigans.
As Diamond we were given access to the exec lounge on our visit, but it isn’t the biggest lounge in the world and the talk back then was about maybe limiting access to Suite paying guests only, so that’s something you may want to check on before booking if you do decide to go there.
Food was hit and miss in the lounge, although they do a hot entree from one of the restaurants each evening, and drinks service can be slow. There are a few high seats at the small bar if you prefer.I am also a huge fan of the Conrad btw, but on balance I think this may tick more boxes for you given the location, as Conrad is way back towards the airport by the World Trade Centre.
I would go back to Hilton Palm in a heartbeat, assuming they don’t limit the lounge access – as yorkshireRich can attest, I also like to get in there early and leave late 🙂
If you plan to visit the theme parks and water parks, consider purchasing the Entertainer app which gives you substantial savings e.g. 2 for 1 tickets to theme parks. You have to pay for the app (can’t remember how much), but if you use enough of the offers, it is worth it. They have a cheaper version for tourists (at least they did when I went in 2022). It also gives discounts at restaurants as well as tourist attractions. There is a detailed thread on how it works in the Dubai forum on Tripadvisor. For the Atlantis waterpark, it’s cheaper to buy tickets online in advance rather than at the gate.
Is there a similar app for Abu Dhabi? I assume the Dubai version wouldnt cover Yas Island.
There is a premium version of the app which covers both Dubai and Abu Dhabi (you can see online what attractions and dining options are covered…they do change from time to time, e.g. Ferrari World was no longer covered when I last checked). You can also ‘rent’ the app from eBay but check the seller’s reviews and also contact them to see what vouchers have already been used before purchasing. We rented the app (effectively the login and password) for a recent trip to the UAE…it cost around £20 which we easily saved on our first 2-4-1 meal.
Ohh @NorthernLass I will be keen to hear all about your adventures.
I’m in two minds about changing the hotel to the Conrad, or Hilton Walk. Due to location, lack of status recognition and lounge access. Not sure what to do!
All other things being equal – the Hilton Walk’s location wins by a long way, especially for first timers. There is a lot to do along “The Walk”, and it is also convenient to get taxis from there to other areas.
We stayed at the WA but havent been back as it is a hassle to get off the Palm to explore elsewhere. The Conrad looks like it is in the business area a fair way from the “action”.
Ohh @NorthernLass I will be keen to hear all about your adventures.
I’m in two minds about changing the hotel to the Conrad, or Hilton Walk. Due to location, lack of status recognition and lounge access. Not sure what to do!
All other things being equal – the Hilton Walk’s location wins by a long way, especially for first timers. There is a lot to do along “The Walk”, and it is also convenient to get taxis from there to other areas.
We stayed at the WA but havent been back as it is a hassle to get off the Palm to explore elsewhere. The Conrad looks like it is in the business area a fair way from the “action”.
“The Walk” is way overpriced for what you get, the points price is the same as the Waldorf! I’ve stayed there. Rooms are stuck in a time warp, lounge is a joke, and the lifts are an absolute nightmare given it’s also a huge residents block. You are paying top dollar for location alone.
Plus, there are only so many times you can walk up and down that street !Some really great tips and advice here – thank you. The app will be hugely beneficial for us.
After doing quite a lot of research today on hotels, both Marriott and Hilton, I think I’ve decided on Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Seems to tick all the boxes are reviewers score them highly.
I’ll probably pay cash though as the rates seem decent. 5 nights is costing me just under £1500 including taxes, whereas the points would be 280k. I’m not sure if the points rate includes the taxes, but I like to get over 1p a point, regardless of the listed base value. Although I’m kinda new to Hilton points so maybe I’m overly optimistic.
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