Affordable staycation offer in Dubai
Looking for a short getaway within the region or a UAE staycation? This is one of the most affordable options I’ve found in the UAE!
I recently stayed at First Collection Business Bay in Dubai, I paid for my own stay and didn’t inform the property I would be writing about it or sharing it. So you can be rest assured this is my honest staycation review.
All four properties are under Marriott group, so you get that reliable Marriott service no matter which one you choose. Right now, you can book the ‘Ultimate Stay Package’ at any of these hotels through Booking.com or Marriott. I do like staying at Marriott properties as they typically take care with the small details that make your stay more comfortable.
Please note – You’ll need to book their ‘Ultimate Stay Package’ in order to get the extra benefits, so make sure you select the correct rate when booking
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first collection Staycation offer
Another advantage of this offer, you don’t need to be a UAE resident to use it, and they don’t require for Emirates ID to receive the discounted rate.
- Discounted room rate of 30% off
- Upgraded room
- Early check in of 12 pm
- Late checkout of 6 pm
- Discounted property dining of 30% off
- Discounted laundry services of 30% off
- Free access to a premier Palm Jumeirah beach club
- Free shuttles to Dubai Mall or beach club
Based on my experience with the many Marriott properties, the discounted food rates aren’t automatically applied and you’ll have to ask staff to apply it. Always check your receipt before paying or signing it to your room. The discount didn’t apply to room service either
All of the staycation deals come with free access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah which would normally only be included when paying for a premier room.
Soluna Beach Club
The deal comes with free access to Soluna Beach Club, tucked away on Palm Jumeirah at Balqis Residence. It’s an Aegean-inspired beach club while the Balqis apartments themselves showcase traditional Arabian architecture typically found in Saudi or Yemen. The beach club includes access to a private beach, private pool, elevated jacuzzi and a kids pool.
For free access included with you stay, you’ll get a free sunbed on the beach. If you want to upgrade to a pool lounger or cabana then you’ll need to pay extra but the amount is redeemable on food. Water sports and activities are also available.
There are three places to eat on site too: a Greek-inspired Mediterranean restaurant, an artisanal café and bakery, and a beachside food truck. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. You’ll get 30-36% off food here too.
The First Collection Business Bay
⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Business Bay | ✅ Book it!
If there’s a choice between this one and Waterfront, I would personally go for Business Bay as I feel the gym is nicer and the bathrooms are slightly nicer too. It features a larger swimming pool plus a kids pool, which is why I picked this one over the others plus I like the Business Bay location.
As part of the staycation deal you’ll enjoy 30% off dining in the on-site restaurants, excluding room service. You can choose to have breakfast in the room rate, I paid 44 aed per night for breakfast, full price was around 85 aed a day or 59.5 aed with the 30% discount.
This is the more family-friendly option, as it has a kids pool. Though I didn’t see many families staying here and Business Bay tends to attract more business travellers.
If you book via Marriott Vacations, you’ll get a free rental car during your stay. As I highly recommend renting a car for getting around Dubai.
“This was my second stay at this hotel, and definitely not my last! The staff are excellent, the hotel is very clean, and the location is very central and close to everything. The room was spacious, and the pool was large and enjoyable.” – Ben (Read more reviews)
Hotel details
- 30-32 sqm studio rooms with twin or king beds
- 58 sqm 1 bedroom rooms
- Balconies on premier rooms
- Outdoor pool (1st floor)
- Small kids pool (1st floor)
- Fitness centre with treadmills, bikes, weights & machines
- Spa
- 5 eateries: The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery (steakhouse), Aaliya Lounge (shisha & cocktails), Vyne (international), DiVyne (pool bar & light bits) and Risen Cafe (cafe)
- Free shuttle bus
The First Collection Waterfront
⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Business Bay | ✅ Book it!
This hotel has a better view on the canal side of the hotel, compared to Business Bay; however the bathrooms do feel a bit more basic compared to the other hotel in the same location. Both the gym and pool are smaller too. Overall though, both properties are very comparable and opened in 2023. This one has more modern rooms and all rooms have a balcony.
You’ll still get the same staycation deal here, 12 pm early check in, 6 pm late checkout and 30% off dining plus laundry.
“The staff provided exceptional service, and the accommodations were both comfortable and impeccably maintained. I truly appreciated the thoughtful birthday arrangement prepared for my arrival. Thank you for the excellent experience, and I look forward to my next visit.” – Sonia (Read more reviews)
Hotel details
- 30-32 sqm studio rooms with twin or king beds
- 58 sqm 1 bedroom rooms
- Balconies on all rooms with terraces on premier rooms
- Rooftop outdoor pool
- Fitness centre
- 2 eateries: Local (international restaurant) and Risen Cafe (cafe)
- Free shuttle bus
The First Collection Jumeirah Village CIRCLE
⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Jumeirah Village Circle | ✅ Book it!
A nice and larger hotel than the others but be aware you are a bit further back and public transport options are more limited in this location. The hotel does however offer a free shuttle bus to Dubai Mall and Soluna Beach Club provided you’re happy with keeping to the times they operate.
You’ll still get the same staycation deal here, 12 pm early check in, 6 pm late checkout and 30% off dining plus laundry.
If you’re wanting to take your pets with you, this is the only option that’s pet friendly.
If you book via Marriott Vacations, you’ll get a free rental car during your stay
“Hotel is very good, with excellent service, cleanliness, and comfortable rooms. A special thanks to Mr. Waseem from the night-shift reception, who took great care of us and arranged a high-floor room and breakfast. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. We truly appreciate the hospitality and would be happy to stay here again.” – Shaikh (Read more reviews)
Amenities
- 29-35 sqm studio rooms with twin or king beds
- 57 sqm 1 bedroom suites
- Outdoor terrace pool with a poolside bar
- Fitness centre with treadmills, bike, weights & machines
- Spa
- 3 eateries: Village Bistro (international), Sante Ria (Latin American) and Risen (cafe)
- Pet friendly
- Free shuttle bus
The First Collection Marina
⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Dubai Marina | ✅ Book it!
The main benefit of this hotel is the location; as you’re walking distance to Dubai Marina Walk and JBR Beach. It’s also possible to walk to Bluewaters in the cooler months and the tram is around a 20 minute walk.
Part of the staycation deal you’ll get a larger 35 sqm 1 bedroom suite which is pretty nice as all the others are studio rooms only.
You’ll still get the same staycation deal here, 12 pm early check in, 6 pm late checkout and 30% off dining plus laundry.
“Had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The view was absolutely stunning, but what truly made the experience special was the exceptional hospitality and service. A special shoutout to Mr. Soliman and Mr. Mahmoud at the reception, who went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and welcomed throughout our stay. Beautiful views, great service and an even better team definitely a memorable stay and a place I’d happily recommend!.” – Tony (Read more reviews)
Amenities
- 26 sqm studio rooms with twin or king beds
- 35 sqm 1 bedroom suites
- Larger 49 sqm studio suites
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness centre
- 4 eateries: Alloro Ristorante (Italian), The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery (steakhouse), Hello Cafe (cafe) and Chillz pool bar (pool bar & light bights)
- Not currently listed as family or pet friendly, but the most restaurant choice of all four hotels