Dusit Residence Dubai Marina

Overlooking the famous Dubai Marina, the Dusit Residence is an exclusive collection of fully-serviced apartments within easy reach of Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village. Guests of the Dusit Residence Dubai Marina can choose from a range of one, 2 and 3-bedroom luxury apartments. Each of the units is beautifully styled, classically decorated and features spacious open-plan living and dining areas, fully-equipped kitchens as well as the guest bedrooms. Many of the apartments feature private balconies and all offer stunning views over Dubai Marina and the beautiful waters of the Arabian Gulf. Recreational facilities at the Dusit Residence include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and a fantastic spa specialising in Thai-style body treatments and massages. There is also a children’s play room for younger guests. There are a number of dining options at the Dubai Residence. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at the hotel’s main international restaurant or light snacks and pastries from the coffee shop. There are also numerous restaurants within the Dubai Marina complex.
Rooms: 146. Hotel Chain: Dusit Hotels & Resorts.

Towers Rotana - Dubai

Situated on the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s thriving new business district, Towers Rotana - Dubai is 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. The route to Dubai International Airport is linked by the express highway, and is also 5 minutes from Jumeira Beach Front. The hotel stands tall opposite the Dubai World Trade Centre and Exhibition Halls. You can find it minutes away from the Media and Internet City and within 20 km of the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Rooms: 360. Hotel Chain: Rotana.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa has a beautiful location between landscaped gardens, right by the Arabian Gulf. The hotel has excellent indoor and outdoor facilities for business and leisure. It is within easy reach of the world-class Emirates Golf Club and The Montgomerie Golf Club, 10 minutes from Dubai Internet City or Mall Of The Emirate, and a 20-minute drive to the Dubai International Financial Centre. The pool and beach facilities offer three temperature-controlled swimming pools, tennis, squash, water sports, and a supervised Kid’s Club with play area and daily activities. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 1,500 persons. Guests can relax in the Caracalla Spa, work out in the gym or enjoy the Arabian Gulf by kayak or boat, or perhaps go windsurfing or on a fishing trip.
Rooms: 500. Hotel Chain: Le Meridien

Arjaan - Dubai Media City

Located in the heart of Dubai’s Media City, the Arjaan offers a range of luxury self-catering apartments alongside the full services and facilities of a top hotel. The Arjaan Dubai Media City features 167 suites and apartments, all beautifully furnished in a contemporary Arabian-style and offering a wide range of modern amenities. Each apartment is equipped with luxury bedrooms, modern bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens and a living-dining area. Each apartment also features at least one private balcony with stunning views over the marina, Palm Island or the city. Guests of the Arjaan Dubai Media City can make the most of the hotel’s many facilities which include a temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool, a separate kid’s pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The hotel’s courtyard features 2 cafés serving a range of snacks, salads, drinks and pastries. There is also a small souk at the hotel with a range of shops and a small food court. The Arjaan Dubai Media City is just a short distance from the Mall of the Emirates, the Emirates Golf Club, Jebel Ali Golf Club and Dubai Marina.
Rooms: 167. Hotel Chain: Rotana

Welcome to Abu Dhabi-first on a long road

We started of in England in the pouring rain and decided to get the Coach instead of the tube to Heathrow because we didn't want to get soaked.A dull but safe journey.I managed to get my International Driving Permit at Heathrow just in case I will need it in Australia. Nobody seems quite sure. Quite a long wait in terminal 3 but no trouble boarding.

Abu Dhabi Towers
However, at our age 6 hours on a plane overnight with a 3-4 hour jet lag at the other end was no fun. Neither of us slept that well but at least we were not too stiff the other end.Immigration took quite a long time to decide to let us in though I do not think there was any problem. Then we sat for ages as the only passengers in the Baggage reclaim until a helpful porter pointed out that the the bags had been taken off the belt and left on the floor long before we got there.We felt very foolish but to be fair they were hidden behind other bags. Got a taxi to the hotel on a very impressive 4 lane motorway which seemed like a race track. The Hotel originally couldn't find our booking-panic,panic- but it turned out they had the booking under my first name.

Dhow Harbour at Abu Dhabi
Thursday 13th October
We finally got into our room about 8.30 feeling very tired and wooly headed,jet lag I suppose.Found it really difficult to sleep and eventually went out for a walk about 3 pm.Big mistake! Although we should have known from our time in Saudi we had forgotten just how hot the Middle East can get.Must have been well over 30'C One good thing is that Vicki is walking well even coping with high kerbs. You really take your life in your hands crossing the road. they all drive very fast and blast the horns all the time and they do not stop for pedestrians. We decided to eat in the Hotel for convenience and then tried another walk after dusk which was a little cooler but with a wind like a blast furnace.Finally decided we had had enough and went to bed early with a sleeping tablet each.

Sruff in the Hotel atb Abu Dhabi
Friday 14th October
Woke up about 8.00 am feeling much better.Also feeling more positive about the trip. The way I felt yesterday I really wasn't sure I wanted to keep going but up for it again now. However I do think it is going to be very tiring at times.
We went for a walk before breakfast today and found it much more pleasant. Managed to find our way onto the Corniche which runs right along the waterfront. What is there now is spectacular and they are still building it. The view inland is amazing with lots of giant sky skyscrapers in glass and ceramics. Blue seems a favorite colour.The strange thing is at the bottom of the buildings there are lots of little shops and stores which don't really fit in. We have found that it is best to spend the hottest part of the day in our room reading and sleeping. This evening we our planning to get a taxi to the Gold Suk but more of that later.
We got to the Gold Suk but it wasn't quite what we expected.Plenty of gold but all in modern shops so we just had a quick look round and then went to the big, and I mean huge mall next door. Took ages to wander round but didn't buy anythinf, just had a meal and then walked through the main shopping streets and back to the hotel by taxi. Even in the evening it is incredibly hot and very busy since everyone comes out in the evening to break the Ramadan fast.
Saturday 15th October
Our last day and I have managed to persuade the hotel to extend our checkout to 5.oo pm since our flight doesn't leave until 11.30 and we didn't want to spend all day at the airport. We had another walk along the Corniche in the morning but the other way. Saw and enormous oil rig and and lots dhows in the Harbour and one under sail. The rest of the day was spent in the room because of the heat and we checked out about 5.00 with no problem BUT we thought we were going to die on the taxi ride to the airport.He drove at over 100mph in an old taxi and we were terrified and shaking when we got out. We managed to go to the wrong part of the airport and had some little porter running all over the place with our luggage. When we finally found the right place they said it was closed until 8.00pm. When we finally got to checkin it turned out someone had screwed up with the tickets and I had to run all over the airport sweet talking the guards to get a voucher to get us all the way to india because the existing ticket only took us to Muscat.
Finally got it all sorted and easy 40 min flight to Muscat. The transfer was OK but the plane from Muscat to Dehli was packed and we had big problems finding anywhere for our luggage. They wanted me to search a crowded plane for a space. No way. No sleep on the flight and having had two meals ( 2 planes!) and with four drunken teenagers being awkward a few rows down no a brilliant journey.

Welcome to Burj Al Arab

Arrive in absolute awe, stay individually inspired.
In it's relatively short tenure on the Dubai coastline this legendary and symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire – Burj Al Arab is simply individual, inspired, impressive.
This all-suite hotel reflects the very finest that the world has to offer. With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check-in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers, you can be assured of the ultimate in personal service throughout your stay.