Hi

Not stayed at The Ascot though i have stayed at the Arabian Courtyard Bur Dubai which is in the same district (Arabian Courtyard is right by Dubai Museum).

All the things you want are pretty spread out so there's no hotel close to all but i liked the Bur Dubai district. In walking distance you have the creek, Bur Dubai Souk, the Diving and Heritage Villages, Dubai Museum and Burjuman Mall. From the creek you can take an Abra over the water to the Gold and Spice souks.

For other shopping malls you will need taxis as they are pretty spread out (taxis in Dubai are plentiful and fairly cheap). Mall of The Emirates (the largest mall) and Ski Dubai you can do together as they are in the same building.

Wild Wadi is behind the Jumeirah Beach Hotel so again will be a taxi ride away if you stay in the centre of Dubai.

hi
i haven't been yet but am planning to and cranley.com have helped a lot with deciding which hotel to chose. gives good local info.
also i've been using tripadvisor.co.uk and some of the other review sites to make a choice based on location, price and quality of hotel.