Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a short walk from a metro station. It has a great range of facilities, including a pool, tennis
court, coffee shop and laundry. Private rooms in the newer wing (Hostel A) come with
TV, refrigerator and bathrooms, but amenities in the four-bed dorms in the older wings
(Hostels B and C) are minimal.
Riviera Hotel$$
HOTEL
( 222 2131;
www.rivierahotel-dubai.com
; Baniyas Rd; r from Dh600; ; Union)
The Riviera's up-
dated rooms are a delight with their soothing colour scheme, plush carpeting and classy
slate-grey-and-cream bathrooms. Those in front are noisier but have creek views. No alco-
hol.
XVA Hotel$$
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
( 353 5383;
www.xvahotel.com
;
off Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai; d incl breakfast Dh600-800; ; Al Fahidi)
This classy oasis around three courtyards gives you the feeling of staying in an authentic
Arabian guesthouse. Each of the seven rooms was designed by a different artist and sports
Arabesque flourishes, traditional furniture and rich colours. Amenities include a fridge
and water cooker but no TV.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa$$
HOTEL
( 351 9111;
www.arabiancourtyard.com
;
Al Fahidi St; r from Dh650; ; Al Fahidi)
This gracefully
aging hotel is an excellent launch pad for city explorers and a good-value pick in a central
location. The Arabian theme extends from the turbaned lobby staff to the design flourishes
in 173, mostly decent-sized, rooms. Get a top-floor one for views of the creek. Best of the
six-pack of restaurants is Mumtaz Mahal for delightful Indian fare and nightly entertain-
ment.
Golden Sands
Hotel Apartments$$
HOTEL, APARTMENT
( 355 5553;
www.goldensandsdubai.com
; off Al-Mankhool Rd; studio apt from Dh325; ; BurJu-
man)
Golden Sands gets kudos for being a pioneer of the hotel apartment concept in Dubai
and remains one of the best-value stays. The 750 studios, one- and two-bedroom apart-
