Dubai Travel Answers

I haven't stayed in either but in terms of location, I'd recommend the Hilton at Deira. It's convenient to Bur Dubai (Old Dubai), the souks, and the life on the Creek (abras/dhow). Taxis are cheap but the Big Bus does a great tour (2 days) of the old & new sections of Dubai - places that you are not likely to visit otherwise. Your ticket price also includes entrance to the Dubai Museum (great museum), walking tours that include a ride on an abra, and a dhow cruise. Be sure to visit Burj Khalifa (you may want to book online) and also have a drink or meal at the Burj Al Arab. The over the top malls are probably worth a visit if you have time but I wouldn't worry about missing them.

Both are safe - Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Jumeirah Hilton is on the beach in New Dubai, about 15 miles from the original city. Getting around is cheap and easy either by Metro or taxi (taxis are plentiful, metered, air-conditioned, well controlled). Have a look at our Dubai pages here on VT for info about what to see and do, how to get around, eating places etc etc etc.

Hi from Dubai :-) I would also recommend the Hilton Dubai Creek in Deira, simply because there are more interesting areas nearby that you can visit during your short stay. (from the roof top pool you have an amazing view over the Dubai Creek and the old Dhows (=ships) Taxi fare will be 25 Dirhams starting fee for pick-up from the Port, and then 1.71 Dirhams per kilometre. 1 US Dollar = 3.675 UAE Dirhams. The Big Bus Tour is very nice and flexible. However, you can also check with your hotel (whichever you choose) as they probably have certain tour companies that they work together with, and they will be able to recommend various sight-seeing options.

Hi Donna Thank u for your reply, I can see that u also r from U.S. Could you tell me if the dollars are accepted in Dubai, and if not where We can get a good exchange rate ? Also from the tourist point of view which of the malls is h best visit. Did u go to the aquarium. Is it worth it ? Thanks a lot

You need to change your to the local currency (UAE dirham), which you can do at hundreds of currency exchange shops. You'll find them in the malls and shoppinmg areas including the souks (markets). Banks and hotels will also change your money but they'll charge more. The dirham is pegged against the US$ at 3.678. My preference for malls are Mall of the Emirates (which has Ski Dubai, the ski slope) and Ibn Battuta (amazing architecture). The aquarium is in Dubai Mall (which is next to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building) and it's worth viewing through the (world's largest) window which is in the mall and free of charge. I don't think it's worth paying to go into the aquarium itself. All three malls are in New Dubai and on the Metro line, with a station at each mall. I have info on my Dubai pages.

hi there. i want to tell you specifically about the Dubai Mall Fountain. Its a real sight to behold. We were lucky to see it by chance in the middle of the day and we went back at night time to see it again. It plays to music and its GREAT. So enjoy! We also enjoyed the palm Monorail http://www.palm-monorail.com/ it gave some lovely views of beaches and buildings from a height.

Hi Vicky - As Colin mentioned the aquarium window is free and enough to see without going in. We have a young child so did pay to go in and it's similar to any good aquarium you've probably been to (only smaller!) so I wouldn't pay to go in. I'm not a shopper at all so the malls really had little appeal to me other than just seeing the over-the-top jewelry, etc. Because the aquarium and Burj Khalifa are in Dubai Mall, you will no doubt find yourself there, It's an easy trip to Emirates Mall if you want to visit there. By the way, the Dubai Mall has restaurants outside overlooking the dancing fountains and up at Burj Khalifa. We met VTer JessH there and had a lovely dinner. It's a nice place to stop at night for a dinner or drink.

To all of you, Thank you so much for your imputes