On The Road
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday April 8, 2006
Annette Harrisson stayed in a Dubai hotel with a surprising touch. of class.
I was on my way to England, stopping overnight at the airline's designated hotel in Dubai, when I thought I would inspect the hotel I had booked for a three-night stay on my return journey. It's not that I'm fussy, but I realised it was not for me: it was a long way from the centre of Dubai and dirty.The manager was a charming man and said that he could see exactly what I meant, especially for a lady of my age - I was in my seventies at that time. "I have another hotel right in the centre that might suit you," he said. "I will also meet you off the plane."Although I didn't have time to inspect this new hotel it seemed too good an offer to knock back. And as I was definitely too old for the white slave trade, I decided to trust him.My visit to England over, I returned to Dubai and was dutifully met by the said gentleman, who took me to this magnificent hotel. It was no modern Hilton but a palatial Arabic building with a beautiful lobby. I was surprised there didn't seem to be a reception desk and there was no one around, but perhaps that was usual for Dubai hotels. My room was huge, with fretwork panels, beautiful divans, wall hangings and a modern bathroom. The manager then left, saying he would pick me up to take me to the airport when I was due to leave.I went downstairs and looked for someone to ask about the best areas for me to visit. It was 11am and there was no sign of anyone. However, I enjoyed my explorations, meeting many expats in the cafes, who all said how they loved living there. I ate out and returned early. Again there was no one to be seen anywhere. I had a bath using the many bath salts and lotions provided and then retired with a good whodunit.I was suddenly awakened about 11pm by knocking. Was it at my door? I put on my gown and peered round the door. A man in a white burnous (cloak) was knocking on the adjacent door and quickly disappeared inside the room. Throughout the night I was disturbed by the sounds of quiet knocking on doors all around, bar mine. And the sounds of laughter and other noises.At last it dawned on me. I was in a very high-class brothel. At my age, though, I felt that I would not be of any interest to anyone and as it was so comfortable and luxurious I decided to stay out my intended three days.I left Dubai vowing to return again. Next time, though, I will look for more orthodox hotels, but my brothel was certainly the best accommodation I have ever stayed in.Each week onthero@d will feature a reader's email from their travels. Submissions should include the sender's permanent address and phone number. Email to travel@smh.com.au. The email judged the best each month will win a Six Million Dollar Home Camera bag valued at $150 from Crumpler Design in Paddington, Newtown and Bondi (www.crumpler.com.au).
© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald