Cheap Family Accommodation in Dubai

Q: We have a three-day stopover in Dubai in January 2012. We are 2 adults 2 children ages 12 and 14. Can you recommend accommodation in Jumeirah or a central location? - Shaun Ranchi

A: Dubai is considered as an expensive destination for hotels, but you can find some bargains by opting for self-catering accommodation and using a discounted sales website. I checked for options in January next year on www.booking.com, which can be set to give prices in South African Rands. A good budget option would be to take two adjoining studio units at the Ramee Hotel Apartments. Located in the Bur Dubai area, this complex offers a rooftop swimming pool, a gym and spa. The studios, which have a kitchenette, are priced from R354 per person. Another self-catering option is the Grand Midwest Express Hotel Apartments. Located in the Discovery Gardens area, the building is within easy reach of the Dubai Marina and the Mall of the Emirates. If you don't want to cook, there is also 24-hour room service and coffee shop. A one-bedroom suite which sleeps four is priced from R935 plus 20 percent tax per night. You could also take two studio apartments, sleeping two in each, for R467 plus 20 percent tax per night. One of the most popular holiday options is the Golden Sands, which offers apartments of various sizes. A two-bedroom flat sleeping four costs R1068 plus five percent service charge per night. This complex, which offers a sauna, gym and free internet access, is minutes from the Bur Juman shopping mall. If you want to stay at one of the big shopping malls, then you may want to consider the Ibis Mall of the Emirates. Although the rooms are small, they have air-conditioning and satellite TV. The best feature of the hotels is that it is located less than two minutes walk from the fabulous Mall of the Emirates, with its hundreds of shops and indoor ski slope. A room sleeping two costs from R506 plus 20 percent tax per night. If you want to stay in Jumeirah, one of the best offers is the Regent Beach Resort. It is located a safe and sheltered beach. Double rooms are available on www.asiarooms.com for R431 plus 20 percent per night. (24/7/11)