Al Bishr Hotel Apartments, Sharjah

Advantages: Privacy and desert luxury - own private pool
Disadvantages: Pricey even by the standard of other 7/6 star resorts

...The Al Maha desert resort is unique amongst Dubai's luxury hotel offerings. Combining nature reserve, luxury hotel and Arabian hospitality the resort is highly recommended by this reviewer! The resort is set in the desert about 40 minutes drive (by hotel provided 4x4) from Dubai's International airport. It provides peace and quiet with first class luxury and service to match the best that Dubai has to offer. The chief attractions of this hotel are Peace and quiet Your own private pool Tasteful Luxury Nature Reserve Peace and quiet An ideal place to relax after the hustle and bustle of city living. The hotel has a meet and greet service at the airport which will welcome you to Dubai and arrange your transport to the hotel. As the hotel is set in its own 225 square kilometre private estate you must use the hotel... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Excellent value for money
Disadvantages: Basic range of facilities

...The Olivaer Apart Hotel is very reasonably priced and there are some excellent off-peak offers available. It is located just off Olivaer Platz, literally across the road from a bus stop that takes you up the Kurfurstendamm (or you can walk up) and about 5 minutes from the U-bahn at Adenaur. If you are happy getting round the city on public transport this is an excellent hotel. There are a few cafes, bars and restaurants close though not a huge selection (there is no dedicated night life area in West Berlin, you will need to try different areas each night). There is also a supermarket two doors away for water and other snacks. The rooms are quite large but had a small bathroom and are simply furnished with beds, desk, table, chairs and a wardrobe. There is also a satellite TV and mini bar and hairdryers etc can be borrowed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Everything - a real experience hotel
Disadvantages: Cost - A little too far from Town for easy shopping/eating out

...The Burj-Al-Arab (Arabian Tower) is Dubai and the UAE's answer to the landmark symbols of other countries, they compare it to the Eiffel tower (it's slightly taller by virtue of its mast) and other icons. The Burj is said to be the world's only 7 star hotel - this is something that has to be taken with a pinch of salt, hotel stars are usually awarded by national tourist authorities and in my opinion are rarely an indication of quality or value for money. I'm not sure who awarded the stars to this hotel but in this instance they are completely deserved and then more. From the moment we arrived at the airport we knew we were dealing with something special, the hotel's meet and assist "airport liaison" officer met us just before passport control - he took our hand luggage and walked us to the head of the queue, past the "priority... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful