Born out of the vast desert, constantly turning the impossible into possible and where happiness trumps all else, Dubai beckons and entices like few other places on Earth. The ever buzzing city takes its hotels very seriously so expect the best and finest here. Every big hotel chain has an outpost in Dubai and then there are homegrown hotels that will literally blow your mind.
From bedding down to glittering views of the city’s ever-changing skyline, waking up to birdsong to claiming your own piece of paradise on an island floating on the Arabian Sea, the choices are endless and truly mind-boggling. Here’s an overview of the best out there to help you make an informed choice.
A holiday destination that draws visitors all year round, the best period to visit is from November to April when daytime temperatures are moderate and nights cool. The winter months of December to February are a delight with sublimely beautiful nights.
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Designed to impress, the Bvlgari Resort located on a seahorse-shaped island in the Jumeira Bay is a notable addition to the bevy of stylish hotels in Dubai. Bvlgari’s signature design ethos and elegance are seen throughout the 101 rooms and suites, and 20 pool villas – from the furniture, and colour palette to the design of the outdoor spaces. With seven in-house restaurants, there’s really no reason to leave the resort.
A definite highlight is Chef Niko Romito’s two Michelin star IL Ristorante, which brings to the table classic Italian flavours served with modern simplicity. The nine-seat Hōseki offers a unique omakase experience with a menu that changes every day. Don’t miss the Bvlgari Spa which features a hammam and a vitality pool inspired by ancient Caracalla Roman baths, a nod to the resort’s Italian heritage.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: bulgarihotels.com)
- Address Jumeirah Bay Island, Jumeira 2, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 72223
Looking out over the edge of the infinity pool right outside your luxury tent, the vast open desert seems endless – it’s hard to imagine that you are a mere 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. If quietude is what you are after, Al Maha delivers. The only intruders you can expect are nimble-footed gazelles or a regal oryx besides a number of chirpy birds. Set in the heart of the sprawling Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, an area that has been carefully rewilded over 23 years, nature puts her best foot forward here.
With ample traditional bedouin touches, the resort is opulent and luxurious in an understated way. Set off on a walking safari to explore a 100-year-old ghaff forest or learn more about falcons, an inextricable part of Emirati heritage.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.3/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: marriott.com)
- Address Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai - Al Ain Road, Murquab, Murquab, United Arab Emirates, 118887
Perched at the crown of the Palm Islands, the 1500-room Atlantis Dubai with its iconic Moorish arch is one of Dubai’s most well-known buildings. Given its sprawling size, it’s a city unto itself, one that’s magnificent, extravagant and so much fun! The main lobby is dominated by a 10-metre-high sculpture made up of more than 3,000 pieces of brilliantly coloured blown glass.
Surrounded by eight fish columns and a reflective pool, the effect is dazzling. But the pièce de résistance is the Ambassador Lagoon with over 65,000 sea creatures drawing all attention when it comes into view. Two underwater suites with their ceiling-to-floor windows offer ringside views of the lagoon creating an illusion of living beneath the sea. As hard as it may be to leave the main building, venture forth to the massive Aquaventure Waterpark, the largest in the world, with 105 record-breaking slides, attractions and experiences.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: www.atlantis.com)
- Address Crescent Road, The Palm Island, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 211222
Bang in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence, Rixos is where all the action is day or night. Its 414 spacious rooms and suites are a cocoon of calm that will leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated for ready for another day of revelry. During the day pump up your adrenalin with a mind-boggling array of sports and adventure activities – from scuba diving, snorkelling and windsurfing, to high-intensity cardio sessions, pilates, guided yoga lessons to football, volleyball and golf.
After all that activity the hotel’s four restaurants ensure you are well-fed with options ranging from Turkish, Moroccan, Lebanese, and Greek to American cuisine. There’s even a Godiva Cafe to indulge your sweet tooth. With nightfall, the party moves indoors at the multi-level industrial casual party bar Lock Stock & Barrel, which hosts regular live gigs.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
- Address The Walk - Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai, UAE, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 643660
Wedged between the sea and Dubai’s loved Jumeriah neighbourhood, with the city’s iconic jagged skyline providing a dramatic backdrop, Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach Resort boasts an enviable location. Built like an Arabian palace the hotel facade features wind towers, arched balconies and latticework.
Inside, expect the trademark Four Seasons brand of world-class luxury and opulence. While the sliver of the soft powdery beach is the main draw, the two pools set amidst landscaped palm-filled gardens are equally enticing, especially the adults-only one. Be spoilt for choice as far as dining is concerned with 11 restaurants to choose from. The award-winning Coya serving Peruvian dishes is a favourite as is Nusr-et, an acclaimed steakhouse from Turkey.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: fourseasons.com/dubaijb)
- Address Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Everything about the 25Hours Hotel in downtown Dubai screams fun and this is totally intentional. Its location is just off Sheikh Zayed Road, overlooking the edgy Museum of the Future and close to DIFC – the city’s ever-evolving dining hotspot is unbeatable. The thing is, with quirky decor – think over 10,000 books, thousands of antiques and art – rooms themes ranging from bedouin to artists village; the city’s first mixed-gender sauna, a salon run by celebrity stylist Wassim Steve, a rooftop pool with gorgeous views of the Museum of the Future, and snazzy dining and drinking options, there’s no reason to leave.
The Hakawati suite features a triple king bed, a double bathtub, two bars, a photo booth and a dance floor. But if you absolutely must get out there are complimentary MINIs and Schindelhauer bikes on hand.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.4/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
- Address Trade Centre Street off Sheikh Zayed Road, World Trade Centre DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9914
Built like a 16th-century Neoclassical Italian palace, Palazzo Versace serves up some serious luxury with Versace’s signature over-the-top style. The hotel’s spacious 215 rooms and suites feature gleaming parquet floors, silk furnishings with classic Versace motifs in shades of salmon, gold and turquoise. Even the bathrooms feel royal done up with luxe Carrera marble and Versace toiletries.
Three outdoor swimming pools ensure you get enough time in the sun, and if the beach beckons make use of the complimentary transfers to the trendy Nikki Beach. The hotel’s in-house Q’s Bar – record producer Quincy Jones’ first lounge, is the perfect place to sit back with a drink in hand and listen to live music by fabulous international bands from around the world.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.7/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: palazzoversace.ae)
- Address Jaddaf Waterfront, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 128431
A stone’s throw away from downtown Dubai, a short distance from DIFC and just off Sheikh Zayed Road, JW Marriott Marquis is positioned to ensure you get the most from your stay in the city. Split between two soaring towers designed like palm tree trunks, the 1,608 rooms and suites offer spectacular views across Dubai. The sea view rooms are a splurge and worth every bit of it.
The Saray Spa inspired by caravanserais of yore provides much-needed rest and relaxation with 17 treatment rooms and two hammams. Lookout for the jet lag Reviver treatment specially designed for business travellers. With 12 restaurants and bars, ranging from modern Indian to Thai, the hotel caters to all palettes. If you still don’t find what you are looking for DIFC’s bustling restaurants are a short drive away.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: marriott.com)
- Address Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay , Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 121000
Hidden within the tangle of alleyways that make up the Al Fahidi Historical District, is one of Dubai’s most charming hotels – the XVA Art Hotel. Each of its 15 individually designed rooms is inspired by the history of the neighbourhood that was once home to pearl traders. Take in the sights and sounds of the area as you relax on daybeds on the rooftop with their fabulous mint lemonade in hand. Centred around a ficus tree the cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Don’t miss their in-house gallery which hosts both established and upcoming Middle Eastern artists, and their artisanal boutique committed to supporting local designers and small-scale suppliers. During the day, set out on exploring the many interesting museums in the area, but closer to evening make your way to the creek for a magical sunset.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: xvahotel.com)
- Address Al Fahidi Neighborhood, Bastakiya Quarter, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 37304
Overlooking the yacht-studded man-made marina, right in the centre of all the action, the 200-room Address Dubai Marina hotel offers unmatched comfort and elegance in a hard-to-beat location. A definite highlight is the sweeping marina views at any time of day. The neutral colour palette is in harmony with the tones of beige and blue that dominate outside the windows. Attached to Dubai Marina Mall retail luxury is a few steps away.
The mid-size mall offers plenty of entertainment and dining options. Get a bird’s eye view on the XLine Dubai, the longest urban zipline in the world. If that’s not appealing head to the 45-metre infinity pool that offers stunning views of the glitzy waterfront and its soaring skyline.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.5/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: addresshotels.com)
- Address Al Marsa Street, 66, Dubai Marina, PO Box 32923, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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(Hero and feature image credit: fourseasons.com/dubaijb)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What are the best stay options to explore in Dubai?
Answer: JW Marriott Marquis and Marina Dubai
Answer: Indulge in retail therapy, head out into the desert, go up the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building
Answer: Taj Dubai, Four Points by Sheraton
Answer: Palazzo Versace, Bvlgari Resort, Atlantis The Palm
Answer: Yes there are: Al Maha Desert Resort & Sp
Answer: There are villas and apartments available for hire
Answer: Middle Eastern, Indian, Japanese and Italian
Answer: A4 Space, The Bureau
Answer: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel
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