need to book hotel in Dubai for one night early departure in morning to airport

[trekkamore]

We're cruising into Dubai, we will have one day in Dubai and leave the next morning on an early flight, 8:55am. We are looking for a hotel that will give us that Dubai experience and offer airport shuttle early in the morning. Thanks for any help, Trekkamore

[lilybob]

Originally Posted by trekkamore

We're cruising into Dubai, we will have one day in Dubai and leave the next morning on an early flight, 8:55am. We are looking for a hotel that will give us that Dubai experience and offer airport shuttle early in the morning. Thanks for any help, Trekkamore

Try Le Meridien. It is very close to the airport, less than 5 minutes so if they don't have a free shuttle the taxi fare would be super cheap. Also, many al fresco restaurants in a lively, attractive setting.

http://www.lemeridien-dubai.com/

[trekkamore]

Thank you, I'm going to check the hotel you suggested also I have been looking at the Arabic Courtyard Hotel and Spa. Have any of you cruisers stayed there?

[Cruzer Two]

Originally Posted by trekkamore

We're cruising into Dubai, we will have one day in Dubai and leave the next morning on an early flight, 8:55am. We are looking for a hotel that will give us that Dubai experience and offer airport shuttle early in the morning. Thanks for any help, Trekkamore

Check out the Sheraton Dubai Creek. This is the only hotel actually located on the creek. The views are beautiful and it is a great area for walking the promanade along the creek. The dinner cruises on Dubai Creek dock next to the hotel. THe Sheraton does not have a shuttle, but it is close to the airport so the taxi fare should be cheap.

Click on http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showp...0&postcount=53 for information about my video of Dubai that shows some picture of the Shearton and areas around the hotel.

Have a great time.

Ron

[buchhalm]

I agree with response Nr 1, The Meridien.
As location to the airport goes, it is very convenient.
That said, taxis in Dubai are cheap, clean and METERED, which is important. No haggling over fares. Just know which terminal your flight leaves (or at least which airline you are flying with)
For a 9 a.m. departure, be at the airport between 6 and 7.
So traffic (of you are not at the Meridien) should be not too bad, especially if you are in town over the Thursday-Friday weekend. Nothing much moves before 10 a.m. on those days..

[cruiserbank]

Try Le Meridien its very convenient.

[trekkamore]

My thanks to Cruzer two, bachhalm, and cruiserbank! It's so nice to have your recommendations, this is a great site. Bachhalm thanks for the tip on when to be at the airport. We are leaving from terminal 3 at 8:55am., so maybe around 6:30am. Just one more question do we need to show a visa when flying out of Dubai?

[buchhalm]

For nearly all "Western" passports you get a visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on arrival. (Canadians have some difficulties getting Visas into the UAE at the moment, because the governments of the two countries are arguing over landing rights for their airlines. Well, the UAE is under the impression that Emirates and Etihad should be allowed to operate to Canada pretty much at will, but the Canadians say "no!"...)

Anyway...
A visa will be stamped into your passport when you arrive into the UAE and the officers at departure will look for that stamp. That's all there is to it.

A tip: dress "modestly" when passing thru customs/immigration into the UAE.
No shorts, mini skirts, boob-tubes, revealing or sexy clothes etc. This will greatly speed up your process. (No need to cover the hair or face for the girls)

[trekkamore]

Thank you, the information on the visa and dress code, just great. I'm really looking forward to my day in Dubai. Happy cruising to you!

[trekkamore]

Cruzertoo, I checked out some of your YouTube videos, very helpful, just brilliant!

[Cruzer Two]

Originally Posted by trekkamore

Cruzertoo, I checked out some of your YouTube videos, very helpful, just brilliant!

Thanks!