The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Resort in Dubai

Dubai is a bucket list destination for people all over the globe. Its resorts are known to offer a worry-free vacation as they usually incorporate everything into one price (room, food, drinks, on-site activities and extras).

So, when you put the two of them together, you have an incredible vacation ahead of you.

Whether it is your first time staying at a resort, or you are a veteran of the all-inclusive trip, there are some unique things to keep in mind when looking to book a resort in Dubai.

Here is the ultimate guide to choosing a resort in the City of Gold

1. Utilize your network.

There is a good chance that someone in your network has been on an all-inclusive vacation to Dubai before, so your starting point should be to talk to them.

Ask your friends, neighbors and colleagues if they have any recommendations or know anyone who does. While there is obviously the Internet (see #2), it is always a good idea to talk to people you know, as you can ask them more in-depth questions about their experiences.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should bypass your own research, but it is a good starting point.

2. Browse online for all-inclusive resort deals.

In 2018, the internet allows all budding travelers to browse for the best travel deals available. As long as you devote adequate time and wear your smart-buyer glasses when browsing the web, you should be able to find some incredible all-inclusive resort deals.

You may even find some deals that bundle your flight costs, necessary transport to the hotel and the all-inclusive resort stay into the price of the package deal. Bingo!

That being said, while large travel sites can extend reduced price packages, make sure to pay attention to any shocking fees or unexpected expenses that suddenly pop up when it is the moment to input your credit card details while booking reservations.

Undoubtedly, some deals will seem too good to be true but are in fact true, while similarly, the reverse is also true.

Keep your wits about you and make sure that even for a low price, the flight patterns and layover times aren’t too much of a nuisance.

3. Plan thoroughly to examine the value.

As most savvy travelers know, careful in-advance planning is the way to get the best deal from resorts.

While most resorts include on-site classes and activities (dancing classes and yoga, for example), many will charge for extra off-site excursions, such as trying out water activities or enjoying an excellent dining experience in a superb floating restaurant during a JA Bateaux Dubai dinner cruise.

For this reason, you want to make sure that you are comparing resorts to ensure you are getting the best deal for your purposed.

Knowing what you are going to do and how much you are going to participate in the said included activities will give you a better idea of the value for you.

If you have a picky eater in your traveling group, or are a couple just wanting to lay on the beach throughout your stay, then you might want to opt for an a la carte vacation option where the hotel, meals and activities are paid for separately.

Alternatively, if you want to be active, eat three meals a day, and not have to worry too much about logistics, then an all-inclusive resort would be a great value option for you.

4. Consider the age range of the travelers.

Another crucial part of figuring out the actual value is considering the age range of the travelers who are coming on the trip. For example, if you have children or are organizing a large family get-together, then resorts with activities for young children and child care options are perfect.

So, search for a resort where child care is covered and one that also contributes fun extras for kids.

That being said, also pay attention to occupancy rules, as some state that no more than four people can stay in a room, which can be an issue if you have three children in your family.

If you have teenagers, you know that they are going to be safe at a resort and also will be able to help themselves to food as many times as they want.

For young adults, a resort with 24-hour bars and other fun nightlife options will ensure they stay content.

5. Be a smart vacationer and read the fine print.

As with everything you book on the Internet, you want to be a smart consumer and read the fine print. Make sure you spend time reading the fine print regarding tips, booze and any extras (phone, internet) that you may want.

For example, while some resorts don’t permit workers to take gratuities but aren’t strict about it, others are so serious about it that staff may be discharged for accepting gratuities.

Some resorts don’t include alcohol in the price, while at other resorts only local, inexpensive wine and beer are included. Keep in mind that in Dubai, alcohol is only available at hotels and resorts.

At the end of the day, you want to be selecting your resort based on reviews of good service and quality rather than merely going with what is the cheapest. Often, the cheapest resorts actually end up being a lot more expensive as they don’t initially include the cost of Wi-Fi fees, transit costs to and from the airport, gratuities and drink expenditures in the price.

6. Book as early as possible.

Unless you are flexible and interested in a potential last-minute deal, the best thing to do is to book your resort stay as early as possible — especially if you are looking for a room at a beachfront resort in Dubai.

Ideally, for the best rate, select your location eight to nine months in advance, then carefully follow the prices at your preferred property or destination.

Once a sale or discount is announced, then you will be ready to commit!

Alternatively, you will be able to notice when prices are slowly beginning to climb, and then will be able to make an educated decision.

Have you ever been to Dubai? Have you ever stayed at an all-inclusive resort? What did you love about it? Let us know in the comments below!