Dubai

[Kazter]

Anybody been to Dubai recently? Is the Jumeirah Beach Hotel as good as the reviews say? Anywhere else to consider for a winter-sun week with a 2 year old?

thanks!

Not been for a couple of years - building work was starting to become a little intrusive which is why we haven't been back since. Not sure what it is like now though. Loved it at the time though and would be interested to know how extensive the development work is currently as would love to go back. Can't help feeling we went at just the right time though - ie. before tourism took off in such a major way.

We stayed at the the Royal Meridien on Jumeirah Beach which is exceptionally good - service is superb, rooms lovely, great restaurants. Although we went without the children, the kids' club is supposed to be fab. First time we went we spoke to some people who were staying at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel - although they said it was good, they had great difficulty in getting to eat at any of the restaurants as they were all fully booked every night. This is not a problem that we had.

Hi Kazter, I've been to Dubai twice this year with DH and 2 ds's. We stayed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in February and the Al Qasr in October. There is no building work on this part of Jumeirah Beach but EVERYWHERE else is littered with cranes and half constructed buildings. Having said that, the Wild Wadi Water Park which is next door to the Jumeirah Beach (and free to guests) is currently undergoing fairly major refurbishment but this is due to be completed in December. The Mina a Salam and Al Qasr hotels are part of the same hotel chain (Jumeirah International) and are sited just the other side of the Wild Wadi. Both hotels are much newer than the Jumeirah Beach and share a Kids Club which is comparable to the one at the JBH. Having stayed at both hotels I would definitely pay the extra to stay at the Al Qasr again but the JBH is an outstanding hotel and I would also jump at the chance to stay there again. It is very popular with families with young children so your 2 year old would be quite at home. There is also the most amazing outdoor adventure playground sited in the hotel grounds.

However, I have to mention that when we were in Dubai in February the weather was pretty poor. It was very windy and not especially warm and we had one day of incessant rain. It was also very wet and cold in Dubai last Christmas/New Year so don't bank on the sunshine. I believe the weather we experienced was unusual for the time of year but nevertheless you may wish to take it into account. When were you planning on going? Don't forget to check Tripadvisor for recent reviews and for a discussion forum on Dubai.

hi kazter,
was in dubai last september, stayed at jumeirah beach hotel... again fantastic hotel, excellent food, service,rooms. child friendly hotel,so many activities for children.
if you need any help for your holiday., let me know. i run my own travel agency. www.globalsunholidaysdotcodotuk
email me [email protected]
kind regards, bev

Hi - went to Dubai in July(boiling hot i know) - stayed at Jumeirah Beach. My dd (5) loved it and asks when we are going back ! one thing to watch for as you have a two year old - tjey have to be a certain age before you can leave thenm in the kids club on their own (4 or 5 - can't remember but I'm sure someone will know on MN) under that age you have to stay in the KKid's club with them - that said the family pool is fab and there are loads of children playing there even if you don't use kids club - we dain't have any problems with restaurants although breakfast was usually very busy. One piece of advice - if you can afford to upgrade to premium leisure club do. You can have breakfast there - they have a children's play area, computer games, internet access, all the newspapers, complimentary soft drinks and tea and coffee all day long, complimentary afternoon tea between 3 and 5, happy hour where all alcoholic drinks are free between 6 and 8 with canapes - it really is worth it.

I am so jealous that you are going - you will love it

Also - waiters come around the pool with lollies, wet flannels and iced watermelon and cucumber to help you stay cool.

Yes, definitely upgrade to Premium Leisure Club if you can - afternoon tea is included and this saved us buying lunch every day!

Thanks girls - all sounds fab - now just need to work out how to guarantee sunshine!!!

Thanks for your help!