Travelling someplace new and looking for a comfortable stay that doesn’t cost your entire travel budget? Or perhaps you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway within the UAE itself?

Take the hassle out of bookings (and the travel agent’s commissions!) by downloading the OYO app. Available both on the Apple and Android Play Store, the OYO (or On Your Own) app is the world’s third largest hospitality chain, and has already been in the UAE for a year now.

Originally from India, OYO covers over 800+ cities in India, China, Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia and recently the UAE.

In the UAE, look out for great hotel stays as well as picturesque home stays in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

A few weeks back, my family and I spent a leisurely weekend at The Grandeur Residences at The Palm Jumeirah. It was a fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment complete with pool and private beach facilities.

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OYO Rooms (abbreviated for 'On Your Own Rooms') is India's largest network for hotels on a budget, and they've finally launched in the UAE! Download the @oyouae app & unlock great staycation deals across the UAE🌴 We booked an apartment at Grandeur Residences, The Palm Jumeirah last weekend. Watch my mini human @thefarashafiles give a virtual tour 😎🌴 . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ad #oyo #oyouae #oyorooms #thegrandeurresidences #palmjumeirah #thepalmdubai #mydubai #dubaistaycation #visitdubai #travelblog #travelgram #uaetravelblog #uaetravelblogger #dubaitravelblogger #visituae #uaetourism #weekendaway #mummyblogger #dubaimummyblogger #thefarashafiles #thetezzyfiles #staycation

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We got a fantastic deal at AED 500 per night. The apartment is large enough to accommodate a big crowd of friends and can therefore be a more affordable option for group travelers.

One thing to note is that the apartment doesn’t come with the regular hotel facilities we Dubai dwellers are so accustomed to. We had a host on behalf of OYO who left the keys to the apartment for us at the reception. There are no operator calls or in-room dining services at an apartment like this, and the mini mart downstairs turned out to be quite over-priced and mainly stocks Russian brands we have never heard of. I had a splitting headache on one of the afternoons and we had to drive off to the Life Pharmacy at The Pointe for Panadol.

Also, the kitchen has utensils but no tea, coffee, sugar, salt or oil. Take note to carry all your essentials if you plan to cook up a storm here! Lazy old me turned to Zomato for all our meals and midday cravings.

OYO also has great deals for rooms in established hotels that have hotel facilities, and I am currently scanning for deals in picturesque Fujairah. Watch this space for more!

Till then, download the OYO app and save your travel money for all the eating and shopping you deserve to be doing. Thank me later.