If you are preparing for a quick vacation and looking for a place where you could enjoy flying for a week or two, consider the UAE as an option. This is not about a completely budget vacation. But if you choose a hotel in the "right place", you can save money and relax with pleasure.
Al Bustan Hotel in the emirate of Sharjah, although it has the status of four stars and relevant standards, but due to its location is much cheaper than similar hotels in Dubai. In this post we will talk about the features of this institution, find out what people are talking about it and whether it is worth spending your holidays there or not.
A few words about the Emirates
If you are an experienced tourist, then the nearby "abroad" will not surprise you. Turkey is very reminiscent of Sochi or the southern coast of Crimea; in Egypt, it wasn’t just lazy ... So, it’s time to expand horizons! The Emirates will surprise both people spoiled for travel and those who have never been to the cordon. This state, or rather the union of independent emirates, was created no more than in the last century, but in a technical sense is more perfect than states with a century of history.
If you are going to visit the country of sheikhs, all the wonders of the world and indescribable technological innovations, get ready for the fact that everything will be different. Another culture, other customs, a different climate.
Hotel location
Al Bustan Hotel is conveniently located - you will not need anything, even if you do not want to travel far. Even if you decide to spend the whole vacation at the hotel, you will not get bored with the Emirates, and you will return home, full of emotions and impressions. But those who like to visit the sights will appreciate the advantages of the hotel.
Of course, holidays in the Emirates did not initially belong to the budget option. However, you can cheat if you choose to stay in a hotel not in Dubai, but in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. This emirate will not amaze you with amazing sights - so what? In no more than an hour you can get to the highest tower of the Burj Khalifa, visit the most famous Dubai Mall in the emirates, go to Ferari Park or visit Wild Wadi Water Park.
Knowledge of the language
If you do not know English, then you will not be lost, but still the language will come in handy. At the reception of this hotel, alas, there is no Russian-speaking staff, and even in the Emirates there are many Russians, it’s not a fact that you will meet compatriots when you need to.
If you evaluate your knowledge as "zero", learn the basic phrases before the trip. However, nobody canceled the sign language, the maids and waiters will understand you, and the language of money works without fail in the store.
What's in the rooms
The four-star hotel in Sharjah and the four-star hotel in Turkey, despite seemingly the same standards, are still different. So, in the hotel room Al Bustan Hotel 4 * you will find everything you need for a comfortable life for several days. A comfortable large or two twin beds, a table, a mirror, a TV, a safe, a minibar, an iron, an ironing board, and a hairdryer.
The furniture is in good condition, new, plumbing is working properly.
When cleaning, the maids will regularly deliver cosmetics to the room - shower gel, shampoo, liquid soap, change towels, regardless of the tip left. Bed linen is changed every third day, if you do not ask to do it more often or less.
For some reason, guests relaxing at the hotel, all as one complain about a poorly functioning minibar - either noisy or not freezing. Feel free to call the front desk and ask for a replacement. It is possible that the hotel prefers not to splurge on new equipment, but hopes for the unpretentiousness of the guests. The TV shows not only Arabic channels, there is also “First”, TNT and STS, however, due to the time difference, it will be difficult to get to your favorite shows.
Wi-Fi does not catch in all rooms. But it works perfectly on the second floor and in the hotel lobby. You can contact relatives, talk on Viber or Scype. In general, with regard to Wi-Fi, in the UAE there are certain difficulties for citizens. Due to the fact that there is only one service provider, the Internet is expensive everywhere, and free access points are not everywhere.
Hotel Features
If you can not imagine life without sports, which is nice, Al Bustan Hotel 4 has a small room with equipment. Not all simulators are serviceable (again, apparently, the savings on equipment affect), however, dumbbells are available, and you can keep fit. The hotel has a shallow pool on the roof, sun loungers and parasols. You can enjoy sunbathing without leaving the Al Bustan Beach Hotel.
What is fed
Four stars give hope for gastronomic pleasure, but it cannot be said that the Al Bustan Hotel restaurant offers a huge variety of dishes. The fact is that despite the apparent comfort of life in the Emirates, the state is an oasis in a sea of sand. To grow fruits and vegetables, to keep farms - this is a huge labor and financial costs. So, expect breakfast omelet, boiled eggs, cereals from the usual cereals, cereal with milk, juices.
Beach
Across the road from Al Bustan Hotel is a free beach where you can sunbathe and swim. However, the sea here seems more dirty than on the beach from the hotel. A shuttle bus will take you to it. Do not worry, if you do not have enough space, in any case another one will drive up. Just check with the driver what time he will come for you back, otherwise you will have to get by public transport.
Some useful tips for tourists
If you decide to visit the Al Bustan Hotel, these tips are sure to come in handy:
1. Do not wear too open clothes, especially if you have chosen a hotel located in Sharjah. This is the most strict emirate in relation to religion and the implementation of religious canons. Locals understand that visitors should not adapt to the rules of a “foreign monastery”, but you also respect the culture and traditions of others.
2. Do not drink tap water if you decide to stay at Al Bustan Hotel 4 *. Reviews of vacationers in this hotel, and in any other institution in the UAE, recommend purchasing bottled water in supermarkets.
3. Do not look closely at the women in the Abai, this can provoke a conflict. And even more so it is not worth photographing them.
4. If you have chosen Al Bustan Beach Hotel in Sharjah as your vacation destination, then the subway will be the cheapest way to get around. It is best not to purchase single cards, but silver Silver. They operate for several years, and they can be replenished in special machines.