Dubai for 3 days

[jingtan]

So coming back from Maldives next year, connecting via Emirates, so spend 3 nights in Dubai. 6th Feb night to 9th Feb morning.

Never been to Dubai before, it will be a family trip, couple + 2 year child.

I guess we probably not into beach that much since coming back from Maldives?
Just realised there are so many / too many hotel options in Dubai. Let’s say for Hilton, which one would the Hfper would recommend? I noticed they have more options recently as they acquired the SLH?

[yorkshireRich]

I’d be tempted to stay at somewhere like the Conrad. there is a metro stop literally as you leave the hotel. It’s 3 stops to the mall, or a reasonably priced taxi ride away. It”s not too far from the airport and the old town.

Don’t get me wrong, if you were going for a week, I would say go to the marina or Jumeirah, but for 3 days I think this would be certainly be an option to look at.

There is a fantastic Green restaurant in the hotel and the pool imo was brilliant.

[aseftel]

You’re right that you’ll pay a premium for a beach side property. Furthermore, the Palm is a bit disconnected from the city as it can take some time to get on and off the complex.

I would agree with Conrad. It’s a little bit business-y, but not excessively so. It’s well-connected to the Metro if you want to go out and the pool area is nice enough if you don’t.

Outside the Hilton portfolio, I would typically recommend Intercontinental Festival City for a young family away from the beach. It’s a quick and easy taxi from the airport. There’s a pleasant pool with significant shallow/kids areas and it stays shady in the shadow of one of the towers until about 11am – so you can get out for a decent morning swim without having to worry about suncream. There is a large shopping mall and hypermarket connected to the hotel if you want more dining options or need to pick up child supplies. There are lightshows outside the mall every evening that you can watch from the hotel (and will go down well with a toddler). You can get a little shuttle boat over to the metro station across the river (this is a fun adventure for a two year old in of itself). Book a room with club access – in lieu of being able to go to the evening cocktail hour (no children allowed) you get to go to the (good) buffet restaurant, drinks included. Effectively half board. They are running a third night free offer though IHG Luxury, although I’m not sure if it extends into 2025.

[The real Swiss Tony]

Just to add my +1 to Festival City. In addition to the IHG pool being good for little kids, there’s a whole part of the mall dedicated to kids as well. https://leoloona.ae/park/. The Crowne Plaza next door shares the pool deck I believe.

[jingtan]

Thanks guys 😀