In which area in Dubai should I look for inexpensive city hotels with good transport links and a good price-quality ratio? I am telling you from my experience of traveling in January 2021.
Tips for choosing a hotel in Dubai:
- Look carefully at the final price – as a rule, it does not include city tax.
- There are two types of hotels in Dubai: city and beach hotels.
- City hotels are usually located far from the beaches, but almost every decent hotel has a free shuttle service to the main beaches: JBR Beach, Jumeirah Beach and La Mer, as well as to the Dubai Mall and Mall of Amirates shopping centers. However, free does not mean fast – it is faster to take a taxi. On the other hand, you can take the metro to any of the sights.
- Beach hotels are more expensive and it’s a completely different level of vacation. But if you are interested in city sights in addition to beaches, you will have to call a taxi every time.
- The most inexpensive hotels are in Deira, an area populated by third-country workers and far from the beaches. But it has a distinctive flavor that differs from the rest of Dubai.
- There may be problems with wi-fi, but this is generally a problem in Dubai. Even roaming was lousy.
- Most hotels in Dubai block a deposit on the card upon check-in, ranging from $50 to $250. This money can be used to use the minibar and other additional services. If you don’t spend anything, you will be refunded the full amount after the checkout.
- Dirty windows – if you see indignant reviews about dirty windows in hotels, don’t pay much attention to them. Dust storms are not uncommon in Dubai, and many hotels are multi-story skyscrapers where you need to order a high-rise crew to clean the windows. Of course, no one does this after every storm, and they happen often. It’s better to think of a plan than to do something if you find a dust storm on your arrival.
You can read about it here: What to do in Dubai – the main attractions.
Dubai Marina
For those who came to Dubai for the sea and beaches, Dubai Marina is the best neighborhood to stay in. The Marina Beach beach is within walking distance, and the area is mostly populated by Europeans, which means that you don’t need to bother with the dress code: shorts and T-shirts are appropriate here, and I’ve even seen girls wearing pareos over their swimsuits.
Marina Beach is the most popular beach among tourists staying in city hotels. Accordingly, there are a lot of people on it – this should be taken into account. But there is enough space for everyone. In addition, there are locker rooms, showers and toilets, cafes and restaurants, and sports grounds. And the transportation here is good – there is a subway to get to other parts of the city, trams and boats for those who don’t want to walk around the neighborhood. Opposite the beach is the famous Ferris wheel “Eye of Dubai”.
Cheap hotels in Dubai Marina
Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel
An Art Deco hotel with a rooftop pool, sauna, and in-house gym. DMCC Subway Station and JLT Tram Stop are a 5-minute walk away, and JBR Beach is a 10-minute walk away. There is a free shuttle service to Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina Shopping Center.
Book a room in Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel≫
Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina is a 15-minute walk from the beach. Apartments with panoramic views of Dubai Marina. Amenities include an equipped kitchen and a washing machine. There is a wellness center with a sauna, a gym and two swimming pools. Lebanese cuisine restaurant Zaroob serves breakfast daily.
Book an apartment at Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina≫
Roda Amwaj Suites Jumeirah Beach Residence features an outdoor pool and fitness center. This apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator. There is a restaurant overlooking the bay.
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There are not only hotels and apartments in DXB Backpackers. Here you can find cheap hostels for backpackers. The DXB Backpackers Hostel is an ideal place for those looking for cheap accommodation in an expensive metropolis, and close to the beach. The hostel has its own outdoor pool, fitness center, shared lounge and garden. And of course, the traditional communal kitchen, where everyone cooks, meets and socializes.
Book a bed in DXB Backpackers hostel≫
Internet City
Internet City is an information technology park established by the Dubai government as a Free Economic Zone and a strategic base for companies focused on emerging markets. There is also a large selection of hotels and apartments with a good price-quality ratio.
In addition, the Internet City district is located near Dubai Marina. It is enough to travel two metro stations or twenty minutes by bus. Most hotels offer a free shuttle service to JBR Beach and La Mer. The best location for hotels is near the Dubai Internet City metro station, this part of the area is called Barsha Heights, where there are several supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.
Cheap hotels in Internet City
TRYP by Wyndham Dubai is just 600 meters from Dubai Internet City Metro Station. It features a swimming pool with sun loungers and an excellent restaurant. The rooms are small but very cozy.
Book a room at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai≫
We stayed at the First Central Hotel Suites in January 2021. We booked a standard room with a kitchenette. But we were upgraded for free to a large apartment with a bedroom and a kitchen-dining room on the 25th floor. I liked the hotel very much – nice unobtrusive service, a small pool on the roof, a sports center, close to the metro.
Book a room in First Central Hotel Suites≫
Citadines Metro Central Apartments is 50 meters from Dubai Internet City Metro Station. This is the closest hotel to the metro station. The hotel has free covered parking, modern studios and suites with kitchen and dining areas, a café on the ground floor, a swimming pool and a gym.
Book a room in Citadines Metro Central Apartments≫
Downtown Dubai
This is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Dubai, located around the famous Burj Khalifa Tower, the tallest building in the world. The Downtown Dubai area has excellent infrastructure: many restaurants and cafes, the famous Dubai Mall with countless shops and the Aquarium. Here is also the Dubai Fountain, which every evening shows a stunning show of water jets dancing to music.
If you are planning a seaside vacation, the closest beach to Downtown Dubai is La Mer. You can get there by taxi in 5 minutes or by using the free shuttle service from the hotel.
Cheap hotels in Downtown Dubai
DAMAC Maison Canal Views – is the self-catering apartments are elegantly decorated in a modern style with a kitchenette. The windows overlook the Burj Khalifa and neighboring skyscrapers. Very convenient location.
Book a room in DAMAC Maison Canal Views≫
Ramada Downtown Dubai – is another apartment hotel near Bourges Khalifa. Great location in the Down Town area – the Mall, the Fountains, the promenade – everything is very close. I recommend getting a room with a view of the fountain, you’ll enjoy a great show every day. The rooms are quite spacious and stylish, and the layout is well thought out. There is a good supermarket around the corner.
Book a room at Ramada Downtown Dubai≫
Manzil Downtown is a wonderful hotel with helpful staff. The cleanliness is top notch. They cleaned the room every day without reminding me, asking if I was satisfied and how they could help. Breakfasts for every taste: oriental and continental. Very good quality. There was always room by the pool, the staff took care of the order and brought water. The hotel’s location is optimal for evening walks towards the breakwater and fountains, 5-7 minutes.
Book a room in Manzil Downtown≫
Useful articles and links:
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- The best road trip in Morocco
- Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
- Car rental – I am looking for inexpensive options on Rentalcars.com
- Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
