We've arranged a stopover in Dubai but don't want to stay in a big, gold-plated hotel. Can you suggest any small boutique properties that might suit? Glyn Chambers, London

Sunday Times travel expert, Susan D’Arcy, responds: Dubai hasn’t quite got to grips with the concept of small and boutique, so it’s difficult to find anything under 100 rooms, or that isn't dripping in enough gold to make P Diddy feel like a wallflower.

One notable, though expensive, option is the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa (00 971 4 303 4222, www.al-maha.com), tucked into a pristine nature reserve a 40-minute drive away from the main strip. It has 42 rooms built in the style of Bedouin tents. Decor a lot less Lawrence of Arabia than you might think, in fact reasonably subdued, and the guided walks are fascinating. There’s a great spa and the food is decent too. The bad news is it costs £800 a night but that does include full board and all activities. If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed.

If that’s beyond your budget, it might be wiser to think B&B rather than boutique. There’s the charming nine-room XVA gallery cum hotel (00 971 4353 5383, www.xvagallery.com), which has doubles that verge on minimalist from £90. It’s in Bastakiya too, which is one of the most authentic quarters of old Dubai.

Or try the La Maison Dubai (00 971 4289 6227), its seven rooms are spacious, the building is wi-fi’d and guests have use of a kitchen. Rooms are from £55, although that doesn’t include breakfast.

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