As the mercury rises, hotel prices in the UAE plummet. Here’s our pick of the best UAE luxury properties to visit this summer…
ABU DHABI
1. Jumeirah At Etihad Towers
Undoubtedly one of the capital’s most striking hotels, you’ll recognise the skyscrapers of Jumeirah At Etihad Towers from miles away. Located just a short distance from Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Corniche, the hotel boasts a superb spa and some great restaurant offerings including Pearls By Michael Caines.
The deal: UAE residents who book a minimum of two nights’ stay receive 15 per cent off the best available room rates, plus breakfast, lunch or dinner and complimentary access to the Etihad Towers observation deck.
Ends: September 30
West Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8115888. jumeirah.com
2. Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
Enjoy a long weekend with the family in the capital this summer at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, where you can stay for three nights and only pay for two. Plus, children under 12 can dine and stay for free, provided they’re sharing a room with their parents. Discounts in the spa and restaurant are also included, as are Ritz Kids Club activities. Alternatively, you can try the Friday Brunch And Stay offer combining an overnight stay in a luxuriously appointed Deluxe Room, with pool and beach access as well as the award-winning Giornotte Friday Brunch experience for two guests.
The deal: Get three nights for the price of two, with rooms starting at Dhs550 per night, along with 20 per cent discounts in the restaurant and 25 per cent off spa treatments. Children under 12 stay and dine for free. The Friday Brunch And Stay offer starts at Dhs1,380 per room per night based on double occupancy.
Al Maqta area, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8188181. ritzcarlton.com
3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
If you’re celebrating a special occasion over the summer, this luxury hotel in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter will fit the bill. Enjoy a romantic overnight stay in a one-bedroom Anantara Pool Villa; with its own sunbathing deck, cabana, outdoor shower and private pool, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to leave. Unless it’s to get pampered in the Anantara Spa, of course.
The deal: Summer room rates start at Dhs1,999 per night, which includes a buffet breakfast for two adults.
Ends: September 30
Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi. qasralsarab.anantara.com
AJMAN
4. Ajman Saray
The UAE’s smallest emirate has a lot going for it, with a much more relaxed vibe than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Take advantage of the lack of crowds with a stay in the stylish Ajman Saray, one of the newer hotels in the city, whose great summer rates include breakfast and dinner at the all-day dining restaurant.
The deal: When you book a room during the summer months (rates start at Dhs649) you get a daily breakfast and a buffet dinner, plus half-price treatments in the GOCO Spa.
Ends: September 9
Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Al Nakhil 2, Ajman. Tel: (06) 7142222. ajmansaray.com
DUBAI
5. Fairmont The Palm
Have a family friendly beach break at the Fairmont The Palm, which has an on-site children’s club (the Falcon Kids’ Club) to keep little ones entertained while you relax at the Willow Stream Spa or soak up the sun on the 800-metre private sand beach.
The deal: From Dhs590 per night on a half board basis, which includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch or dinner from Flow Kitchen.
Ends: Until September 2015
Opposite Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4573388. Taxi: Fairmont Palm Jumeirah. fairmont.com
6. JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, you’ll find this relaxing hideaway set against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. It’s especially popular with mountain bikers, with the Hatta MTB trail centre nearby. The area is great for hiking, mountain biking and road cycling, but during the hotter months you might prefer to spend time relaxing by the pool.
The deal: Book a room for two adults (and up to two children aged six and under) for just Dhs375 from Saturday to Thursday. Breakfast is included.
Ends: September 30
Off the E44 Road (between Hatta and Oman), Hatta, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8099333. Taxi: Hatta Fort Hotel. jaresortshotels.com
7. Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s go-to properties and for good reason, with some of our favourite restaurants (including Beachcombers and the Dhow And Anchor), a fab beach club and Talise Spa. It also has some of the best Burj Al Arab views in town.
The deal: UAE residents get 25 per cent off the best available room rates (starting from Dhs1,050) as long as they stay for a minimum of two nights. This includes a buffet breakfast and lunch or dinner, as well as passes to Sinbad Kids’ Club and Wild Wadi Waterpark. You get free access to the spa and fitness facilities too.
Ends: September 30
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Tel: (04) 3480000. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. jumeirah.com
8. Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Spend some time in the older parts of Dubai by booking a room in the five-star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, which overlooks the historic Dubai Creek. If you wish to venture back to the other side of town, you can also enjoy access to other Jumeirah attractions including Wild Wadi Waterpark and a private beach on Palm Jumeirah.
The deal: UAE residents who book a minimum of three nights’ stay get 20 per cent off the best available rates, a free buffet breakfast, access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, a 20 per cent discount at Akaru Spa and 20 per cent discount at select restaurants. You’ll also get a free return shuttle bus to the waterpark, private beach and Dubai Mall.
Ends: December 31
Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3647550. Taxi: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (opposite Park Hyatt). jumeirah.com
9. Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Summer in the UAE is the perfect time to enjoy a long weekend at these luxury skyscrapers that tower over Sheikh Zayed Road. UAE residents get a discount room rate, along with breakfast, Wild Wadi Water Park access, gym passes and more.
The deal: UAE residents get 20 per cent off the best available rates as long as they stay for a minimum of two nights from Thursday to Sunday. The price includes a buffet breakfast, access to the Talise Fitness gym, and unlimited access to Wild Wadi Water Park and the private beach at Zero Gravity (plus a shuttle bus to take you there, or to Dubai Mall).
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tel: (04) 3198555. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com
10. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is one of Dubai’s must-visit properties if only for the incredible Talise Ottoman Spa, the largest spa in the Middle East. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy their deluxe sea view rooms.
The deal: Get discounted room rates along with unlimited access to Wild Wadi Water Park, the private beach, the spa, the hotel’s on-site cinema and the Sinbad Kids’ Club. Plus, you also get complimentary shuttle service to the water park, Madinat Jumeirah and other selected malls, from Dhs550 per night or Dhs655 with breakfast.
Ends: September 30
Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4530000. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Jumeirah.com
11. Kempinski Mall Of The Emirates
If you’re braving the entire summer in Dubai, you’re going to need to cool off at some point (A/C not withstanding). We recommend booking a room at Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates. Not only do you get discounted room rates, but certain rooms and suites receive passes to Ski Dubai.
The deal: Stay a minimum of three nights between now and September 15, and receive 25 per cent off your room rate. Book the Aspen Chalet, Executive Tower Suite or Presidential Suite and you get one Ski Dubai Super Pass per guest.
Ends: September 15
Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3410000. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. kempinski.com
12. Madinat Jumeirah
With its Arabic style architecture, picturesque waterways and world-class restaurants, the Madinat Jumeirah is a fabulous choice for a Dubai staycation. There are three properties to choose from: Al Qasr Jumeirah, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf and Jumeirah Mina A’Salam.
The deal: UAE residents get 15 per cent off the best available room rates as long as they stay for a minimum of two nights. This includes a buffet breakfast, and lunch or dinner, as well as unlimited access to Sinbad Kids’ Club, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Talise Fitness and 2km of private beach.
Ends: September 30
jumeirah.com
13. The Oberoi Dubai
If you prefer a luxury city break to a beachside staycation, head for The Oberoi. This Business Bay hotel will be offering a range of perks including free room upgrades and discounted spa treatments, as well as a late check-out, providing you book a minimum stay of two nights.
The deal: With rates starting at Dhs800 per room for two, you’ll get a complimentary upgrade to a luxury pool view room, breakfast for two, 20 per cent off all food and drink, and 20 per cent off all spa therapies, along with a late check-out at 6pm. You’ll even get free transfers to Dubai Mall.
Ends: September 15
Al A’amal Street, Business Bay, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4441444. Metro: Business Bay. oberoihotels.com
14. St Regis Dubai
Escape to the St Regis this summer and cool off in the temperature-controlled rooftop pool, while being looked after by their team of attentive pool butlers. Not only are there deals on room rates, but you’ll also get credit to spend at the restaurants, along with a complimentary spa treatment.
The deal: Room rates start from Dhs1,050 per night, with an additional 10 per cent off stays of two nights or more. You also get Dhs150 credit to spend in the restaurants and a complimentary 30-minute massage in the Iridium Spa.
Ends: September 15.
Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4355555. starwoodhotels.com
RAS AL KHAIMAH
15. DoubleTree By Hilton, Marjan Island
For the ultimate in budget busting family breaks, book a visit to the Doubletree by Hilton. Children under six can dine and stay in the hotel for free, and the hotel boasts a kids club, an indoor playzone and outdoor shaded pool.
The deal: Enjoy up to 30 per cent off room rates, and children aged six and under stay and dine for free. Prices will depend on room availability.
Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. Tel: (07) 2030000. hilton.com
16. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, you’ll find what is Ras Al Khaimah’s most luxurious hotel. The Waldorf Astoria is the perfect beachside spot for a staycation to celebrate a special occasion. Hit the golf course, relax in the spa and be sure to order up at a steak at the Lexington Grill, which Tripadvisor rates as the best restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah.
The deal: Get 30 per cent off all room rates during the summer months. Prices will depend on room availability.
Ends: October 9
Vienna Street, Ras al Khaimah. Tel: (07) 2035555. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
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