courtyard by Marriott, first class business hotel offering superb service and comfort

We found the hotel to be of a high standard with really good facilities in the adjoining community. The hotel staff were very friendly, efficient and helpful. Unfortunately for tourists the hotel is located well away from Old Dubai town and the Creek. The surrounding area is presently under major development with a large industrial complex nearby.

We stayed in Golden Sands 3, a comfortable apartment with a small kitchen and a minimum of cutlery - no tea-towel, dishcloth or washing-up liquid- so you may want to pack these. It is ideal for snacks or ready meals. If you don't want to cook there is a restaurant on site, if not there is a grocery shop just first left from the hotel.For a real selection of fantastic food go to Spinneys near Golden Sands 10 - about 10-15 mins walk. The staff at Golden Sands are extremely helpful and will direct you. We were also grateful that the receptionist was able to give us an early check -in before I fell asleep at the restaurant breakfast table after arriving at 8a.m. Golden Sands 3 has a tour desk and we booked two really fantastic excursions on the Dhow with a lovely meal and Dune bashing - where we went out in a 4x4 with a great driver who took us on an adventure ride over the dunes - after is a meal at a bedouin camp where you can dress as an arab, hold a falcon, have a 5 min camel ride (as many times as you like), get a henna tattoo - ALL FREE. You may even get an opportunity to get up and belly dance....the dancer was lovely and it is fine for non-dancers to join in- if you're shy she won't press! There were also dune buggies - like quad bikes available at the camp - I don't know if there was a charge or not. We walked to the old Dubai area by the creek from the apartment - about 45 mins. Really nice and near the old souk. Be aware that Golden Sands is spread out over a large area - so check which one you are going to for the taxi and print off the map. Golden Sands does have a shuttle bus back to terminal 1 but not 3. We caught it at 12 noon. I think it runs every two hours. We would definitely recommend the Golden Sands if you want to self-cater at your own pace. It also has great staff and you will find tours/swimming pool and shops. It runs a shuttle to Jumeirah beach. For anything else - you can ring for a taxi.

the hotel was very clean and tidy. the staff where helpful and polite. my only issue was i had a hire car from the airport and the direction given where misleading and not very clear. I had taken a short break from work and it was comfordable and relaxing hotel.

I work in Oman and take a frequent break in Dubai. We have been staying in hotels in Dubai for about 12 years and have tried all the five star hotels when tourism was not so prevalent. This hotel was rather clostrophobic but the waiter service in the mediteranien resturant was superb.