An Affordable Pad in Dubai

Q: We will be visiting family in Dubai over New Year, but they cannot accommodate four more adults. Can you help us to find reasonably-priced central accommodation over this period? - Jeane Gere

A: You will find some great offers if you book early, with some discount websites offering discounts of around 50 percent on some apartments. I checked the availability of self-catering accommodation for four adults on www.booking.com and found some excellent deals. The best offer I could find was a two-bedroom apartment in the new Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments in Al Qusais, a popular residential area. The building is located only 3kms from the airport and close to major malls. The total price for four nights is US$372, which works out at US$93 per night. There were three buildings offering two-bedroom apartments for a total of US$490 for four nights, which is US$125 per night. These buildings, all located in Bur Dubai, are the Fortune Grand Hotel Apartments, the Grand Midwest Hotel Apartments and the Ascot Hotel Apartment. All offer a host of facilities, including swimming pools. One of the most popular buildings among South Africans, the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, offers a family suite for US$143 per night. This has two double beds, one in the living room. If you want to splash out for more swanky accommodation, you could try the Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartments, where a luxurious two-bedroom apartment with a creek view will cost you US$245 per night. There is a spa and an indoor swimming pool. If you want a view of the landmark Burj Al Arab Hotel, you could opt for a two-bedroom suite in the Grand Midwest Tower in Sheik Zayed Road. Expect panoramic views of the Burj and the Palm and an expansive pool area for US$218 per night. (9/10/11)