In a year where the coronavirus has forced many people to cut back on costs, you might be wondering if finances can stretch to a staycation this National Day.
With the long weekend rapidly approaching, many of the best deals are already booked up, but that's not to say there are none to be found.
From a brunch-and-stay package in the heart of Dubai to an east coast escape in Khor Fakkan, these budget-friendly staycations across the UAE are all bookable for less than Dh600 per night, so you won't have to break the bank to enjoy some downtime.
Staycations up to Dh300
Rove Dubai Marina
Several of Dubai's Rove hotels have already sold out on National Day weekend, but there’s still availability at some properties – including the Rove Dubai Marina. Located opposite the top end of JBR, guests are walking distance from the beach and Marina Mall, making it a good place to base yourself over the coming long weekend. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site gym, and rooms have interactive televisions, tea and coffee-making facilities and pull-out sofa beds, which are handy if you’re travelling with children.
Rates including breakfast start from Dh266 over the National Day weekend; Rove Hotel Dubai Marina, Dubai; rovehotels.com
Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai
Guests checking into Zabeel House by Jumeirah will enjoy a weekend of pool time, as well as 20 per cent off dining at pan-Asian eatery Lah Lah or at Social Company, the chilled-out bar. There's also 30 per cent off spa treatments so you can really relax into your weekend.
Room rates including breakfast start from Dh300 per night. Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai; zabeelhouse.com
Bargain breaks up to Dh400
Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai
The Stay, Shop and Dine offer at Aloft City Centre Deira is aimed at those looking for some entertainment over the National Day holiday. Directly connected to City Centre Deira, the hotel is offering guests the chance to enjoy retail therapy for less with a 25 per cent discount at selected stores throughout the mall. Children will also have plenty to do with a 25 per cent discount at Magic Planet, and discounted tickets to Outdoor by Vox Cinemas on the hotel's rooftop.
Unwinding after a busy day of shopping can be done by the hotel's outdoor pool, which has amazing city views, or at Dreamworks Spa, where guests get Dh75 credit. With Dh150 per day to use on food and beverages, as well as late checkout until 4pm, your weekend is sorted.
Rates start from Dh305; Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai; marriott.com
Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis
Located in Dubai Digital Park, Radisson Red Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis has a laid-back vibe where everyone is welcome, including dogs. And this National Day, there's no additional charge to bring your four-legged friend along.
All the rooms and suites are spacious and colourful, with locally inspired art as well as mod-cons such as USB chargers, flat-screen smart televisions and super-fast free Wi-Fi. Pet owners will also find a dog bed and food and water bowls in their rooms. The tap water in all rooms is filtered, so you can top yourself and Fido up for free.
The hotel's rooftop swimming pool is a good spot for sundowners with a view over the city and the diner-like Oui terrace and bar offers tasty dishes for humans, as well as dog-friendly treats for pups.
Rates start from Dh309 for two adults and one dog booking the pet staycation package; Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai; radissonhotels.com
Western Hotel Gayathi, Abu Dhabi
If you want to get away from it all, the Western Hotel Gayathi near Ruwais is offering a Funcation National Day stay for two adults and up to two children. Surrounded by sand dunes, it's a bit of a drive to get here – 230 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, to be precise – but it's a great pick if you're after a desert staycation and a dose of tranquility on a budget. It's also a nice place to spend a night after a day or two of camping in the desert.
Accommodation in this Arabic-style hotel is basic but spacious, and outside you can take a walk in the landscaped gardens or go swimming in the sizeable pool which also has a separate section for children. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style and all guests booking the National Day offer will be given a 20 per cent discount on any other food and beverage spends during their stay.
Rooms from Dh349 for two adults and two children, including breakfast and dinner; Western Hotel Gayathi, Ruwais, Abu Dhabi; western-hotels.com
Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City
Sports fans can indulge with a stay at the Park Inn in Dubai's Motor City for a motor-racing themed staycation with a side of golf. The hotel has partnered with the Els Golf Club for a special staycation offer that includes early check-in and free breakfast, as well as a tee time at the nearby club. The Ernie Els-designed course has long rolling fairways, steep greenside bunkers, grassy swales and imaginatively designed greens perfect for hitting a few rounds. After a spot of golf, the rooftop pool at the Park Inn overlooking the Dubai Autodrome is the ideal place to unwind.
Rates start from Dh399; Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City, Dubai; radissonhotels.com
Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche
For a bargain National Day staycation, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche might be one to consider. Located on Ajman's corniche, all rooms come with sea views; book one with a balcony to see the sun set. The elevated swimming pool also overlooks the ocean and there's a decent fitness centre and spa with sauna, steam rooms and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Guests also have access to the private beach resort across the road.
Rates start from Dh352 in a standard king room with sea views; Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, Ajman; wyndhamhotels.com
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Located on Abu Dhabi's Corniche, this family-friendly resort is perfect for a staycation in the capital. The location means guests are within easy reach of Marina Mall, Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan, and rooms come with great views of the Arabian Gulf. There are several restaurants on-site and three outdoor pools to choose from, as well as a private beach that stretches along the tip of the capital's 8km corniche. For National Day, guests checking in get Dh200 back in credit to spend on food and beverages throughout the stay.
Rates start from Dh397; Radisson Blu Hotel, Corniche, Abu Dhabi; radissonhotels.com
Wallet-friendly escapes for less than Dh600
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown
One of Dubai’s newest hotels is celebrating National Day with an offer that combines bed, breakfast and dinner with a special welcome gift. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown lies on Marasi Drive, overlooking the Dubai Canal and within easy walking distance of Downtown.
The colourful hotel has an art-led design ethos with eclectic interiors, unique installations and travel-inspired rooms. Hit the pool deck where Instagram-worthy Balinese swings and comfy loungers cluster around the 25-metre infinity pool and tuck into refreshments and bites at the adjacent Orange Feels bar. A three-course dinner at the hotel's main restaurant Open Sesame is included in the rate, as is daily breakfast where coffee by Cafe Rider is a spot-on way to start your day.
Rates start from Dh499; Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, Marasi Drive, Dubai; hotelindigodubai.com
Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort, Khor Fakkan
Hotels in Fujairah and Dibba are typically the first to fill up on public holidays so finding a bargain stay this close to National Day is tricky. However, if you’re set on hitting the east coast and are looking for a stay that won’t cost the earth, you might want to consider visiting Khor Fakkan.
This little city is an exclave of Sharjah and has some stunning coastlines and cute little cafes to offer. The Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort is located about 20 minutes from Fujairah in the direction of Dibba. Framed by a stunning mountain backdrop, the four-star resort has a private beach, outdoor pool, tennis courts and an on-site scuba diving centre. Rooms and suites come with either mountain or ocean views and there are also chalets that offer direct access to the beach. When it comes to dining, try Al Murjan for dinner overlooking the water or Bab Al Bahr which serves freshly caught fish.
Stays are available from Dh596 at booking.com, Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort, Khor Fakkan; sharjahnationalhotel.com
Prices and availability were correct at the time of publishing
