Is Atlantis Ready for Us?

Q: We are considering taking a short holiday at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai and would like to clear up some of the issues we have before we book. Firstly, we fear being stuck way out in the underdeveloped Palms area without access to the city. Is this the case? Do hotel guests have free entry to both the Aquaventure waterpark and the Lost Chambers? Are there shops at or near the resort? Is alcohol freely available? - Shane Rogers

A: As in many areas of Dubai, development and building work is taking place on the Palms Jumeirah, where Atlantis is located. However, access to the city centre is relatively easy. The hotel has a free shuttle service which runs regularly, there is a monorail which connects the Palms Jumeirah to the mainland, and there is no shortage of taxis for the 20-minute journey from the hotel to the city centre. However, the Atlantis complex covers 113 acres and is home to an amazing variety of entertainment options, so you may not feel the need to venture out too often. Hotel guests get free entrance to the waterpark and the aquarium, but certain attractions (a behind-the-scenes tour and ray feeding) cost extra. You also have to pay to take part in the dolphin encounters. There are boutique-style outlets in the hotel, but for other shopping you can use the free shuttle bus to the city malls. You can buy alcohol in the hotel, but not at shops. You can, however, buy a supply at duty free outlets on arrival at Dubai airport. (25 July 2010)