Recommend me a hotel in Dubai

[isittheweekendyet]

Brief overview...long birthday weekend away with 3 girlfriends, want an affordable, but bit more special than a travelodge, base for a bit of sightseeing, shopping and sun worshiping.

Most hotels I've seen seem to be room only - is it best to do this and then eat out or should we be looking for more half board accommodation, bearing in mind we'll only be there for 2 or 3 nights.

Any recommendations to add to my research most appreciated!

Arabian Courtyard is reasonable by Dubai standards and is located in the old part of Dubai, opposite the museum.

The Coral Beach hotel is nice- it's in Sharjah though so doesn't sell booze

However , the Kamplinsky is also nice and does sell booze

Our company has been using the Movenpick for several years now and I found it fine, think we were just b and b though.

Check if the Atlantis had any deals, especially on groupon.

Ergo to Dubai every year and all hotels sell alcohol, it's so westernised there now, nothing like it used to be! The best hotel we have ever stayedst is the grovesnor house hotel near the marina. It's absolutely fantastic! Trip advisor it so you get more if an idea what it's like! don't stay at the keplinski as it's quite an old hotel and the service isn't up to scratch and the Atlantis is way to busy and touristy to enjoy yourself there!!! hope this helps x

I have lived in Dubai and returned as a visitor many times.We.usually get an apartment but for a first timer
I would stay at the Hilton Jumeriah Resort. It is busy but you can get Executive rooms that include lounge access so you save on food and drinks ( Alcohol is expensive ) . There is a beach
nice pools and good "Dubai essential bars like
Embassy and Budda bar in striking
distance. Taxis are really cheap.
You
can buy booze at duty free on arrival so
stock up as there aren't off licenses
anywhere else for tourists .
Buy a lots of soft drinks at a cold store or supermarket . The hotels charge 20AED for a diet coke - they are 1.5 AED in the minimart.
The Dubai Mall is amazing but not cheaper than the UK.