We've arranged a stopover in Dubai but don't want to stay in a big,
gold-plated hotel. Can you suggest any small boutique properties that might
suit? Glyn Chambers, London
Sunday Times travel expert, Susan D’Arcy, responds: Dubai hasn’t
quite got to grips with the concept of small and boutique, so it’s difficult
to find anything under 100 rooms, or that isn't dripping in enough gold to
make P Diddy feel like a wallflower.
One notable, though expensive, option is the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa (00
971 4 303 4222, www.al-maha.com),
tucked into a pristine nature reserve a 40-minute drive away from the main
strip. It has 42 rooms built in the style of Bedouin tents. Decor a lot less
Lawrence of Arabia than you might think, in fact reasonably subdued, and the
guided walks are fascinating. There’s a great spa and the food is decent
too. The bad news is it costs £800 a night but that does include full board
and all activities. If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed.
If that’s beyond your budget, it might be wiser to think B&B rather
than boutique. There’s the charming nine-room XVA gallery cum hotel (00 971
4353 5383, www.xvagallery.com),
which has doubles that verge on minimalist from £90. It’s in Bastakiya too,
which is one of the most authentic quarters of old Dubai.
Or try the La Maison Dubai (00 971 4289 6227), its seven rooms are spacious,
the building is wi-fi’d and guests have use of a kitchen. Rooms are from
£55, although that doesn’t include breakfast.
