Visa for UAE Dubai
 

as a follow up to my recent thread,
there are 3 ways to obtain a visa for UAE: through the embassy in Canada; through Emirates airlines; or through a hotel, or travel agent in UAE.
A flight through Emirates is $6000!
The hotel says I have to stay at the hotel the entire time I'm in UAE!
Does anyone have a preferred way that will guarantee my entry? I really want to see Dubai!

If I do have to stay at one place for the duration, does anyone have a recommendation on somewhere inexpensive to stay (with a kitchenette)?

The Visa Application form asks for "Particulars of Sponsor / Host". Is that required? Because I don't have one. I just want to go there and stay in a hotel and sight see. That's normally how people travel, right?