Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Dubai

My review is not about the place because I am not willing to try it. I asked a cab driver where there was a reasonably priced place to stay. He said the Golden Sands. I searched for it on the web and found this Yahoo Travel page saying that it's "from $71" but the cheapest room starts at 550 AED which is $150 or more than twice what I would have agreed is reasonable. Maybe they doubled their prices like it seems everyone else in Dubai is doing in the past couple years.

if money is an issue then this place will do it, though i did not the fact that the check out time is too early and yet all flights leaves in the wee hours of the night. We recommend it for the budget traveller.

If you are going to Dubai get ready to constantly hear the biggest/the best in the world "when it is finished". I do not knock them for this as even foreign workers out there are so proud of the acheivements of Dubai. If you are thinking of buying booze or cigarets to take in with you don't. You can buy beers cigs ect at duty free prices at the airport going in. I didn't find anyone who who did not understand and speak English so no problem there. The gold/textile/spice souks [market] are a must to visit and within easy walking distance. The food is ok localy if eating out and British produce is readily available at the local supermarkets. I was amazed that the prices of British items, PG Tips and the like, had not been inflated. We were told that we should keep knees and shoulders covered but after a few days found that this was not required. The peple on the street were the most freindly I have met anywhere. Two examples. We were walking along the creek [river inlet]when a man who had been sitting on a wall rushes up to me shakes my hand asking me "how are you today my freind" I obviously thought he wanted to sell me something but replide in the same way after a few pleasantrise he returned to his seat on the wall. A few days later a simalar thig happened when we got in a taxi an outsider watching would have though we were long lost freinds and tai drivers do not even get tipped! The hotel itself was superb. As there were 3 of us we had a 1 bedroom appartment which consisted a living area fridge freezer cooker sink ect with full ensuite and a bedroom with equal ensuite. Both also had seperate access to the balcony. The food at the hotel was ok but very limited in choice better to eat out. Trips worth taking. Burg el Arab the tallest and only 7 star hotel in the world. Seems expensive but is in fact good value for money if booked direct with the hotel. Do not book at the Golden Sands or with your rep as they are a rip off!!! An example of a rip off is one we booked in advance in UK. The races. We paid 55 pounds each [3 of us]we were in the stands and paid for our own food and drinks. Booking direct for the same stands would be 10 pounds plus taxi apprx. 15/20 between us. Booking direct you can book at the stands restaurant 5 course meal free drinks all night 50 pounds or seats at ground level free!! We booked with Kuoni Travel what a con. Another trip, if you like horses, is the trip to the stables. Its an early start but well worth it. You will also get a lovely breakfast. The other trip worth taking is The Big Bus Ride two routes taken over a 24 hour period,you can get off and on wherever yo like, and includes a river trip on the creek which can be taken any time or day you like I couldn't realy fault the hotel or Dudai although it would have been nice to be closer to the beach.