About Dubai
Burj Khalifa
A must do if only to say you have been to top of the world’s tallest structure.
We did the platinum tour which took us to floor 154 and on the way up and down you get to read what an engineering feat it truly was. The lift takes 72 seconds to the very top, is very dark and quite disarming. Very impressive.
We were also amazed that the open balcony on floor 152 only has glass to about 4 foot whereas the lower open balcony’s on say 148, have glass to around 12 foot high. Perhaps they assume that those that shell out on the platinum tour are not looking to chuck themselves off.
Great views from the top although it was a bit dusty or smoggy, we were not sure which. Our 1st souvenir purchase as well was a Burj bottle opener, and a steal at £6 LOL
Dubai marina cruise and BBQ
We love a boat trip, so signed up for a 2 hour sunset Burj Cruise, which left the marina and wended its way around Dubai giving us a great view of the already built and those still in progress. Phil counted 24 cranes in just one small section. It was a BBQ tour and the least said about the food the better I think with us binning the majority. Still it didn’t dent our enjoyment although we were all pleased we had put trousers on (except for Steve, who I swear must be cold blooded) and had jackets. Mind you he banged his head a number of times on low beams, so perhaps that explains a lot! At this time of the year when the sun goes down it can get a bit chilly especially out on the water.
Hilton Palm & Friends
The Hilton Palm Jumeira was recommended to us by Grant & Michelle who have stayed there whilst visiting their daughter and her family who live there. What a fab recommendation although we did find it slightly amusing that the Hilton Palm and the Marriott next door are literally identical in respect the building. I guess a developer built two and sold one to each.
It was a great base for the Izatt/Coleman’s though who took full advantage of the pool, half board and everything going on. The swim up bar was a fave of the boyz, of course it would be! We also met up with Becca and Amrit who live in Dubai, and took a stroll down West Beach to a lovely restaurant at the Voco Hotel, where among other dishes Bangers and Mash, and a Dingley Dell pork chop were selected, which seemed most odd in a Muslim country! Still, it was a brilliant night away from the Hilton. After the Colemans departed, we spent the afternoon on the hotels beach and managed to dip our toes in the Persian Gulf without getting stung by a jelly fish. Probably good timing given a certain POTUS seems intent on turning it into a gulf of blood!
Anyhow, we would highly recommend the Hilton and the West Beach area generally.
Hamish says ....
It would be safe to say that Nikki and Steve have never really been attracted to the idea of Dubai, and mainly planned a 3-night stopover to see what all the fuss is about.
While we have not been wowed to extent we are thinking of next trip, we certainly would not be averse to another visit. I think we had a slight misconception that you had to have a reason to come here – visiting folks; business or something else. However, for a winter sun holiday, why not come here instead of, say the Caribbean? Certainly more reliable weather than the Canaries, and definitely our beloved Portugal.
Our observations. It is expensive, but you can work a way through that. It does lack a bit of class – throwing money at stuff makes it a bit more Disney than classy. It also seems to be a massive building site. On the plus side, pick a hotel like the Hilton Palm and it ticks a lot of boxes; the locals we met have all been very friendly; the weather is amazing, even in January, and you will always find something that suits. We guess that is Dubai.
Next stop
Off to Perth, more on this later, although safe to say that Steve and I loved the VIP check-in process on arrival back at Dubai airport which is a totally different entrance and also included a buggy to the Emirates lounge, because we were ‘senior citizens’ apparently. Flippin cheek !
Anyhow, we jumped on to the biggest plane either us have ever flown in, an Airbus 380-800. Not only is it 2 levels, it has a cocktail bar to grab a drink or a snack as you scoot through the air. Living the dream!
3 Responses
All sounds amazing, I can really feel your pain travelling on to Perth in such dismal surroundings 🤣🤣🤣
Brilliant! All looks amazing but I bet Dubai airport is just like Stansted 🤣
Looks fantastic guys, surprised you didn’t play floodlit golf. Tom did on his way back from NZ and said it was amazing. I have news for you. I am going to be a grandad in August as Alice and Jack are expecting their first baby. That I suppose makes me old!!!
Have fun👍