The Metropolitan Palace Hotel

Review of The Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Dubai

Dubai is the perfect holiday destination for those seeking sophistication as well as relaxation.

Its easy mix of Arab hospitality topped up with the promise of warm winter sunshine continues to attract many people form all corners of the globe.

It is a unique city, a city of contrasts but beautiful contrasts. Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of activities and there is something for every taste and adventure level - you can indulge in fine food served in spectacular restaurants, or snug street-corner cafes, shop to your hearts content, take dhow rides in the creek, experience the wonders of desert safaris, or roam the many museums that the city has to offer. And yet this breathtaking city still manages to preserve its rich heritage and culture, with sights such as 16th century preserved villages and ancient houses.

Dubai has some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, The one we stayed in, the Metropolitan Palace Hotel was particular appealing for its beautiful view and its well tended gardens - some of the roads were even lined with thousands of rose bushes and orange trees. Together with wildlife roaming freely, entering and leaving the hotel was a pleasure in itself!

The cities beating heart has got to be its vast shopping complexes, that buzzes with food stalls, bicycles, musicians as well as the vibrant mix of tourists, hoping to pick up a bargain or two!.

The variety of products available makes shopping here even more appealing. I was pleased to find products of the 21st Century, as well as items of a bygone era. The range of silk and cotton fabrics, spices, perfumes, carved chess sets made from thuja wood, candlesticks and leather holders was certainly something that you could not pick up in England. Whether you are looking to purchase gifts or souvenirs, or even something a little more unique such as Bedouin jewellery, the added bonus of everything being tax free ensures that the prices are within the range of your average shopper.

Dubai museum contains a fascinating collection of exhibits that help you to absorb the richness of its past. One would be wise to devote an entire day for this trip, as its splendour and the very architecture itself will completely mesmerise and captivate you. A visit to Dubai Zoo, one of the oldest in the Arabian Peninsula lets you view many of Asia's wildlife. There is cleanliness and freshness to the whole area. The whole trip is relaxing and fun, and is excellent for meeting the locals, who are as friendly and colourful as their surroundings.

Although Arabic is the official language, the fact that almost everybody in the major tourist hot-spots can speak fluent English can only add to the enjoyment of this magical paradise.

I would strongly urge you to visit Dubai, it is a City brimming with character and mystique, and you will find that it will be a truly memorable experience.