Is Summer Really The Best Time To Visit Dubai?

June 20, 2012 at 11:32 AM | by ASchechter | Comments (2)

A new article has gone up on The National, delving into the question, "is Dubai a good place to visit in the summer?" And while the answer has traditionally been no, hotels are now attempting to reverse that trend with enticing deals and freebies thrown in.

Visitors are usually cautioned against visiting the city during summer months, when temperatures soar up to over 110�F and much of the outdoor nightlife shuts down. Add to that the occurrence of Ramadan this year from the end of July through mid-August, and it's clear why a vacation in the winter months would make far more sense to Western tourists.

But then again, rates are lower in the summer�and there are more deals to be had. So what's a mall-strutting, dune-hopping Dubai visitor to do?

While the article cites one instance of low summer rates at Ramada Downtown Burj, it then goes on to note that bookings are actually up this summer, and that in fact, hoteliers are optimistic about demanding higher rates than last year for July and August:

"'It will be a stronger summer than last year from a rate and occupancy point of view,' said Brett Armitage, the senior vice president of sales and marketing at Atlantis The Palm, the biggest hotel in Dubai, with more than 1,500 rooms. 'The great value that we offer in the summer, that's really what drives it.""

So you've got an enormous hotel like Atlantis the Palm expecting tons of guests, and places like Emirates Palace and Rotana Hotels offering inclusive packages (free breakfast, a sunset cruise, discounted drinks) that sound nice but whose rates aren't exactly "deals" as we like to think of them.

So, are there legitimately lower rates to be found this summer in Dubai?

A quick search on Hotels.com spat out a few good-looking rates that were able to pique our interest. On the lower end, Ibis World Trade Centre showed up for $51/night, as well as Le Meridien Fairway for $54/night, Four Points by Sheraton Downtown for $71/night, and Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa for $62/night.

Meanwhile for hotels located either downtown or on the beach, which tend to be priced higher than the rest, we found Moevenpick Jumeirah Beach for $123/night, Radisson Blu Downtown as well as Radisson Blu Marina both for $109/night and Sofitel Jumeirah Beach for $127/night.

You tell us. Would you consider any of these rates when booking a trip to Dubai in the hottest season of the year? Do you know of better deals? Let us know!

[Photo: Radisson Blu / Facebook]

Comments (2)

Return to » Is Summer Really The Best Time To Visit Dubai?

While it's over 100 every day, there's still plenty to do inside: ski, shop, visit the tallest building in the world. You won't be able to enjoy some of the outdoor activities (anything related to the water - the Gulf is like a giant bathtub right now) or dune bashing, but there's still enough to keep you busy for a few days.

Now living in Doha, I can tell you I'm definitely going to head back to civilization (Dubai) for a few days and splash out at a nice hotel...maybe even the Armani!

Too bad about the beaches, but it does seem like the city is suited toward a bit of momentary hedonism. I say do it! Splurge on the Armani, and tell us about it after!!

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