We were having a 3 night/2 day stopover in Dubai after a Thailand holiday and needed a budget stopover location in Dubai. I managed to grab a booking during one of Accor Hotels flash sales – for bed and breakfast at less than £100 a night – a bargain in Dubai! This hotel is ideal for a quick stopover, but not for a longer stay. It’s located close to the Mall of the Emirates (but not part of the Mall), and mid way between 2 Stations (Sharaf DG and Mall of the Emirates). Sharaf DG is closest to the hotel. The train system is excellent, and cheap.
The room was basic, like most Ibis hotels, but clean and quiet. We had access to the rooftop pool of the adjoining Novotel hotel which was nice, and there was a shuttle bus to Kite Beach a few times a day. There’s not much storage in the room, so it’s definitely one just for a short stay.
The breakfast was amazing! I’ve rarely seen a better one in this level of hotel. Great range of choices and ‘proper’ juice (a change from nasty squash!). For us, there was an added bonus that on our departure day (with a 7.30 a.m. flight), breakfast was available from 4 a.m. Whilst we couldn’t face the full thing, a cup of tea and a croissant were very welcome.
For us, it was 14 years since our last visit to Dubai – and what a change in the city. February was a lovely time to visit as the temperatures were just perfect. We did a desert safari with dune bashing which was great fun, and the rest of the time we explored the Souks, walked on the beach saw the Burj Khalifa fountains and were amazed at the shopping malls.
