Dubai: Long-term parking at the Dubai Airport can be costly but cheaper options — unknown to many — are actually available.

Residents looking for cheaper parking rates on a long-term basis while they are away for their summer holiday need not look further. Two of the four hotels just across the Dubai International Airport offer parking fees at a fraction of the cost of parking at airport terminals.

The fee for long-term parking at Dubai International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2 is Dh100 per day and Dh240 per day at Terminal 3, according to the airport’s website.

“Many people during the summer holidays fly out of Dubai and look for long-term parking that they can afford while they’re away. We thought of offering this service where residents can leave their car in a secure VIP parking as they enjoy their holiday,” Deveekaa Nijhawan, Complex Public Relations and Communications Manager at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, told Gulf News.

The VIP parking service at Le Meridien features an underground parking for 500 cars. Non-hotel guests who wish to leave their cars at the hotel may do so and pay Dh250 for two weeks, Dh350 for three weeks, and Dh450 for four weeks. Transportation to and from the airport terminals are available at the hotel for the customers’ convenience.

The VIP parking service is available for the summer holidays until September 30.

Nijhawan said residents who will avail of the offer will get dining or spa credit at the hotel equivalent to the amount they pay for parking upon their return.

Another option for long-term parking is Premier Inn Hotel, which is just 3km from the airport. A hotel concierge said long-term parking is available all-year-round for non-hotel guests at Dh50 per day. The hotel has 72 parking spaces.

Shuttle bus service to and from the airport is also available for those availing of this service at the hotel. The hotels may require a copy of the driver’s ID and to leave the car keys with the hotel. Pre-booking is also required.