Accommodation
Dubai has a vast range of accommodation, much of it aimed squarely at big spenders. At the top end of the market, the city has some of the most stunning hotels on the planet, from the futuristic Burj al Arab – the world’s first “seven-star” hotel – to traditional Arabian-themed palaces such as Al Qasr and the One&Only Royal Mirage, and suave modern city hotels like Raffles and Grosvenor House – as well as the vast Atlantis mega-resort. There are plenty of mid-range options scattered across the city, too, although virtually all establishments in this price range tend towards the functional and characterless, providing comfortable lodgings but not much else. There’s no real budget accommodation in Dubai, and you won’t find a double room anywhere in the city for much less than about 250dh (US$70), or a single for much under 200dh (US$55). The good news is that stringent government regulations and inspections mean standards are reliable even at the cheapest hotels – all are scrupulously clean and fairly well maintained, and come with en-suite bathroom, plenty of hot water, satellite TV and fridge.
Room rates
Hotels in all price ranges chop and change their room rates constantly according to the time of year and demand, so a hotel may be brilliant value one week, and a rip-off the next. The rates given in our reviews are only a very rough guide to average prices; actual costs may sometimes be significantly lower or higher, with price fluctuations of up to 100 percent at the same property quite common. Prices usually (but not always) depend on the season. In general, they’re highest during the cool winter months from November to February (especially during the Dubai Shopping Festival), and cheapest in high summer (June to August), when rates at some places can tumble by thirty percent or more. Taxes (a ten percent service charge and a ten percent municipality tax) are sometimes included in the quoted rate, but not always, so check when booking or you might find yourself suddenly having to cough up an extra twenty percent. All the prices given in the reviews below are for the cheapest double room in high season (excluding Christmas and New Year), inclusive of all taxes.
Bur Dubai
Arabian Courtyard
In a brilliantly central location opposite the Dubai Museum, this attractive four-star is a distinct cut above the other mid-range places in Bur Dubai – and usually excellent value too. Decor features a nice mix of modern and Arabian styles, while facilities include a small gym and spa – though the pool is tiny. 650dh
Four Points Sheraton
Understated but very comfortable four-star with nicely furnished rooms in simple international style and good facilities including a gym, (smallish) swimming pool, the excellent Antique Bazaar restaurant and the cosy Viceroy Bar. 600dh
Orient Guest House
Cosy heritage hotel (albeit not quite as atmospheric as the nearby XVA), occupying an old Bastakiya house. There are eleven rooms attractively decorated with old wooden furniture and four-poster beds. B&B 700dh
Time Palace Hotel
The most consistently reliable budget hotel in Bur Dubai, with spacious and very well-maintained rooms in an unbeatable location just up from the main entrance to the Textile Souk. Tends to get booked up well in advance, so reserve early. 250dh
XVA
Atmospheric hotel-cum-café with nine rooms tucked away around the back of a fine old Bastakiya house. Rooms are on the small side but brimming with character, featuring Arabian furnishings, slatted windows and four-poster beds, plus captivating views over the surrounding wind towers. B&B 650dh
Deira
Ahmedia Heritage Guest House
Attractive heritage hotel in a very central but peaceful location right next to Al Ahmadiya School, with fifteen rooms attractively done up with traditional wooden furniture and four-poster beds. Free wi-fi. B&B 600dh
Florida International
04 224 7777,
florahospitality.com.MAPOne of Deira’s better budget hotels, right in the heart of the downtown action. Rooms (all with wi-fi; 30dh/day) are nicely furnished for the price, and decent soundproofing means they’re reasonably quiet despite the location on a busy main road. 450dh
Hilton Dubai Creek
Deira’s smartest hotel, with chrome-clad public areas and stylish, well-equipped rooms decorated in minimalist whites and creams; most also have grand Creek views. There’s also a health club, a small rooftop pool and the excellent Table 9 restaurant. 1100dh
La Paz
This “family hotel” is perhaps the quietest of the guesthouses clustered around the entrance to the Gold Souk. Rooms are a bit old-fashioned, but perfectly clean and comfortable, and rates are often among the cheapest in the city (including bargain singles at 180dh). 280dh
Landmark Grand
Well-run four-star – nothing terribly exciting, but offering comfortable, modern rooms close to the city centre and metro at a reasonable price, plus a health club and rooftop pool. 550dh
Radisson Blu Dubai Deira
The oldest five-star in the city, this grande dame of a hotel still has plenty going for it: an extremely central location, a good spread of restaurants and a scenic position right on the Creek, of which all rooms have a view. Generally excellent value. 850dh
Sheraton Dubai Creek
This old-fashioned five-star enjoys a scenic creekside setting and opulent public areas with lots of shiny white marble. Roughly half the rooms have Creek views (the higher the better), though the decor is rather dated and dull, and bathrooms are small. Facilities include a small pool plus good in-house restaurants, including the excellent Ashiana, while rates are very competitive. 850dh
The inner suburbs
Grand Hyatt
This colossus of a hotel is grand in every sense – the vast atrium alone could easily swallow two or three smaller establishments, while facilities include four pools, spa, kids’ club, gym and fourteen restaurants and bars. The only real drawback is its middle-of-nowhere location, although it is conveniently close to the metro and major roads. 1200dh
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Sleek new five-star – although it’s not actually by the side of the Creek. Rooms are nicely done up in funky reds and whites (with fine views from higher floors), and there are a pair of pools and spa. Rates include free access to Wild Wadi water park and the private Madinat Jumeirah beach, with free shuttle bus provided. 1000dh
Park Hyatt
04 602 1234,dubai.park.hyatt.com.MAPAlluring five-star set in a beautiful complex of quasi-Moroccan-style buildings surrounded by extensive grounds with plenty of palm trees. Rooms (some with fine Creek views) are unusually large, while facilities include a big pool and the superb Amara spa, plus the Thai Kitchen restaurant and attractive The Terrace marina-side bar. 1700dh
Raffles
Vying with the Park Hyatt for the title of Dubai’s finest city-centre hotel, the spectacular Raffles is designed in the form of an enormous postmodern pyramid, with a beautifully executed blend of Egyptian and Asian styling. Rooms feature silky-smooth contemporary decor and fine city views, while facilities include a good selection of eating and drinking establishments, a big pool and extensive grounds. 1700dh
Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai
The Address Downtown Dubai
04 436 8888,theaddress.com.MAPOTT five-star occupying a huge high-rise directly opposite the Burj Khalifa. The interior is one of Dubai’s most extravagant pieces of interior design, while facilities include a big range of in-house eating and drinking options, including the spectacular Neos bar on the 63rd floor. There’s also a lavish spa, kids’ club and a lovely infinity pool. 1800dh
Armani Hotel
Located in the iconic Burj Khalifa, this was the world’s first Armani hotel when it opened in 2010. The whole place is kitted out in furnishings from Giorgio’s Casa Armani homeware range – all muted whites, greys, browns and blacks. Facilities include a string of fine eating and drinking venues, a cool spa and pool. 2650dh
Thai-owned and styled five-star combining serene interior design and ultra-attentive service. Rooms are stylishly decorated in soothing creams and browns, while facilities include the excellent Benjarong restaurant. 1000dh
Fairmont
One of the most stylish hotels hereabouts, huddled around a soaring glass-and-steel atrium illuminated with multicoloured splashes of changing light. Rooms are beautifully furnished with soothing cream decor, while the whole of the ninth floor is given over to leisure facilities, including a sumptuous spa and sunset and sunrise pools on opposite corners of the building. 1500dh
H Hotel
Stylish, modern five-star with suave contemporary design spiced up with discreet Arabian styling. Rooms are well equipped, and there are some good places to eat and drink, including the super-cool Okku. Competitively priced, and sometimes a real bargain. 1250dh
Ibis World Trade Centre
One of the city’s best bargains during quiet periods; rates can fall dramatically at weekends. Rooms are small but comfortable (with nice views from higher ones), and guests can use the fitness centre and pools at the adjacent Novotel for a small fee. 500dh
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Occupying the smaller of the two iconic Emirates Towers, this exclusive establishment is generally rated the top business hotel in the city, catering mainly to senior execs on expense accounts. Rooms appear designed to calm the nerves of stressed-out CEOs, with muted colours and soothingly understated furnishings, and there’s also a dedicated ladies’ floor, plus a good-sized pool and health club. 1500dh
Al Manzil
04 428 5888,almanzilhotel.ae.MAPStylish little hotel with an engaging mix of traditional Arabian styling and quirky contemporary touches. Rooms are on the small side, although there’s a decent spread of amenities including a reasonable-sized pool and the pleasant Nezesaussi sports-themed pub-restaurant. The nearby Qamardeen hotel (04 428 6888, qamardeenhotel.ae), run by the same company, is very similar. 1250dh
Al Murooj Rotana
In a handy location between Sheikh Zayed Rd and the Dubai Mall, this sprawling five-star feels more like a traditional resort than a business hotel. Outside, the extensive, attractively landscaped gardens are dotted with lively restaurants and bars, including the ever-popular Double Decker pub. Inside there’s plenty of contemporary style, with spacious and attractively furnished rooms, some with excellent Burj Khalifa views. 1250dh
The Palace
04 428 7888,theaddress.com/en/hotel/the-palace-downtown-dubai.MAPOpulent, Arabian-themed “city-resort” with lavish, quasi-Moroccan styling and a perfect lakeside view of the Dubai Fountain and Burj, best enjoyed from the fine in-house Thiptara restaurant. Facilities include a superb spa and large lakeside pool. 1750dh
Ritz-Carlton
Swanky new five-star aimed at visitors to the adjacent DIFC – good for business, and not bad for pleasure either, if you don’t mind the hefty price tag. The whole place is constructed on a palatial scale, with unusually spacious rooms – beautifully kitted out with gorgeous pale yellow furnishings and all mod cons – and extensive facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, spa, gym and a good spread of restaurants. 1800dh
Shangri-La
The most stylish hotel on Sheikh Zayed Rd, the Shangri-La is pure contemporary class – a beguiling mix of Zen-chic and Scandinavian-cool. Rooms come with smooth pine finishes, beautiful artworks and mirrors everywhere, while leisure facilities include one of the biggest pools in this part of town plus several excellent restaurants. 1500dh
Towers Rotana
This shiny four-star is usually one of the cheaper Shekih Zayed Rd options – a bit run-of-the-mill compared to other nearby places but with comfortable rooms and amenities including a couple of decent in-house restaurants and the ever-popular Long’s Bar. 900dh
Jumeirah
Dubai Marine Beach Resort
This pocket-sized resort is the only five-star in Dubai where you can be on the beach but also within easy striking distance of the old city. The central location means that facilities don’t compare with places further south, although the resort scores highly for its lively collection of bars and restaurants, including Sho Cho and Boudoir. 1300dh
The Burj al Arab and around
Burj al Arab
A stay in this staggering hotel is the ultimate Dubaian luxury. The “seven-star” facilities include fabulous split-level deluxe suites (the lowest category of accommodation – there are no ordinary rooms here), arrival in a chauffeur-driven Rolls and your own butler, access to the superlative Assawan Spa, a handful of spectacular restaurants and bars (see Al Mahara & Skyview Bar) and a fabulous stretch of beach. 9700dh
Dar al Masyaf
A more intimate and upmarket alternative to the Madinat Jumeirah’s big two hotels, Dar al Masyaf consists of a chain of modest, low-rise private villas scattered around the edges of the Madinat complex within extensive, palm-studded gardens. Each villa contains a small number of rooms, sharing an exclusive pool and decorated in the deluxe Arabian manner of Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam, whose myriad facilities they share. 2800dh
Ibis
This cheery little no-frills hotel is usually the best bargain in southern Dubai, with superb-value rooms and a decent location on the south side of the Mall of the Emirates. There’s another Ibis nearby, Al Barsha (04 399 6699), about 1.5km further south next to Sheikh Zayed Rd, which is often even cheaper, though the location is unappealing. 400dh
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Famous old Dubai landmark, and still an excellent place to stay, with a vast range of facilities including over twenty restaurants, seven pools, diving centre – plus jaw-dropping views of the adjacent Burj al Arab. It’s particularly good for families, with the Sinbad kids’ club, spacious grounds and a fine stretch of beach with plenty of watersports available; guests also get unlimited access to Wild Wadi next door. 2800dh
Mina A’salam
Part of the stunning Madinat Jumeirah complex, Mina A’Salam (“Harbour of Peace”) shares the Madinat’s Orientalist styling, with beautifully furnished rooms featuring traditional Arabian wooden furniture and fabrics. Facilities include a nice-looking stretch of private beach, three pools plus the forty-odd restaurants and bars (and myriad shops) of the Madinat complex outside. 3000dh
Al Qasr
This extravagant Arabian-themed hotel looks like something out of a film set, from the opulent public areas to the swanky rooms with show-stopping views, sumptuous Oriental decor and pretty much every luxury and mod con you can imagine. There’s also a huge pool and all the facilities of the Madinat complex on your doorstep. 3200dh
The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina
Atlantis
This vast mega-resort is the exact opposite of tasteful, but can’t be beaten when it comes to in-house attractions, including a water park, dolphinarium, celebrity-chef restaurants, kicking bars and clubs, luxurious spa and vast swathes of sand. There are also excellent kids’ facilities, making it a good place for a (pricey) family holiday, with everything you need under one very large roof, while staying here also gets you free or discounted admission to the otherwise expensive on-site activities. It’s not the most peaceful place in town, however, more suited to an up-tempo family holiday than a romantic break. 2000dh
Grosvenor House
One of Dubai’s smoothest hotels, set slightly away from the seafront in a pair of elegantly tapering skyscrapers. The entire hotel is a model of contemporary cool, from the suave public areas right through to the elegantly furnished rooms. Facilities include a pool, two excellent spas, and one of the city’s best selections of restaurants and bars, while guests also have free use of the beach and facilities at the nearby Le Royal Méridien. 1440dh
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort
This glitzy Hilton boasts lots of shiny metal and carries an air of cosmopolitan chic – more of a city-slicker’s beach bolt-hole than family seaside resort. Rooms are bright and cheerfully decorated, although facilities are relatively limited compared to nearby places. Outside there’s a medium-sized pool and lovely (though rather small) terraced gardens running down to the sea. 1240dh
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Easily the most extravagant of the many hotels to have opened in Dubai in recent years: relatively understated from outside, but a riot of quirky opulence within. Public areas and rooms are designed in lavish quasi-Ottoman style, while the hotel’s spectacular array of bars and restaurants ranges through a whole encyclopedia of styles – fake Rajasthani palace (see Amala), faux French chateau, burlesque music hall and sci-fi spaceship – all beautifully done, and good fun besides. Facilities include the vast Talisse Ottoman Spa and in-house cinema, while outside there are beautiful grounds, a gorgeous infinity pool and extensive beach (with kids’ club). Rates vary wildly, but are often good value, and can sometimes fall to as little as 1200dh – an absolute snip. 2000dh
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi
This venerable old five-star has just emerged from lengthy and long-overdue renovations, and is now looking better than it probably ever did, with nicely updated rooms and public areas – although the main draw remains the hotel’s superb grounds and big swathe of beach, where you’ll also find the kicking Barasti beachside bar. 1800dh
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa
This large and slightly overblown five-star lacks the style of some other places along the beach although it compensates with its extensive grounds and beach, complete with three larger-than-average pools – excellent for families. Facilities include the ostentatious, Roman-themed Caracalla Spa, a smart gym, tennis and squash courts, a kids’ club and a good number of restaurants, including the excellent Rhodes Twenty10. 1800dh
One&Only The Palm
A haven of intimate, understated luxury amid the burgeoning mega-resorts sprouting up around the Palm in an ever-increasing string of bling, One&Only The Palm is small, peaceful and very civilized (apart from the fearsome price tag, although special online offers can sometimes cut rates). The style is quasi-Moorish, with hints of the Alhambra in Granada, and neat gardens lining a gorgeous pool, and there’s also a fine spa and almost 500m of private beach. A boat shuttle runs guests over to the mainland from the hotel’s own marina, where you’ll also find the attractive waterside 101 bar-restaurant. 4200dh
One&Only Royal Mirage
The most romantic hotel in town, this dreamy resort is the perfect One Thousand and One Nights fantasy made flesh, with a superb sequence of quasi-Moroccan-style buildings scattered amid extensive, palm-filled grounds. The whole complex is actually three hotels in one: The Palace, the Arabian Court and the Residence & Spa, each a little bit more sumptuous (and expensive) than the last. Rooms feature Arabian decor, reproduction antique wooden furniture and colourful rugs, while facilities include a 1km stretch of private beach, four pools, the delectable Oriental hammam-style spa and some of the best restaurants and bars in town (see Eauzone & Rooftop Bar) – all at sometimes surprisingly affordable rates. 2200dh
Ritz-Carlton
Set in a low-rise, Tuscan-style ochre building, this very stylish establishment is one of the classiest and most eye-wateringly expensive in the city. Rooms are spacious, with slightly chintzy decor, while public areas boast all the charm of a luxurious old country house, especially in the sumptuous lobby lounge. There’s also a big and very quiet stretch of private beach and gardens, an attractive spa and good kids’ facilities. 3000dh
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach
04 399 5533,sheraton.com/jumeirahbeach.MAPThe area’s most low-key five-star, particularly good for families, with extensive palm-studded gardens and beach and a watersports centre, while kids get their own pool area, playground and day-care club. Usually a bit cheaper than the nearby competition, but still no bargain. 1440dh
Out of the city
Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Hidden out in the desert a 45min drive from the airport, this gorgeous resort occupies a wonderfully atmospheric replica Arabian fort, with desert camel- and horseriding or falconry displays the order of the day, rather than lounging on the beach. Rooms are decorated in traditional Gulf style, with rustic ochre walls and Bedouin-style fabrics, while facilities include a magnificent infinity pool and a good selection of restaurants. 1300dh
Desert Palm
On the edge of Dubai, around a 20min drive from the city centre, the Desert Palm is a pleasantly laidback suburban bolt-hole, surrounded by polo fields, with distant views of the skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Rd. Rooms are beautifully designed and equipped with fancy mod cons while facilities include the superb in-house Lime Spa. 1050dh
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Some 60km from Dubai, this very exclusive, very expensive resort occupies a picture-perfect setting amid the pristine Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – gazelles and rare Arabian oryx can often been seen wandering through the grounds. The resort is styled like a Bedouin encampment, with accommodation in tented suites featuring handcrafted furnishings and artefacts plus small private pools, and stunning views of the surrounding dunes. Activities include falconry, camel treks, horseriding, archery, 4WD desert drives and guided nature walks; or you can just relax in the resort’s serene spa. Full board (including two desert activities per day) around 6500dh
Abu Dhabi
Beach Rotana
Smart modern resort-style hotel in the so-called Tourist Club Area, one of Abu Dhabi downtown’s liveliest areas. Rooms are spacious and attractively styled, and there’s a nice stretch of waterfront beach and gardens, plus an excellent spread of places to eat and drink. 1000dh
Emirates Palace
Abu Dhabi’s landmark hotel is the favoured residence of visiting heads of state and assorted celebrities, with every luxury you could think of, including lots of swanky restaurants and a vast swathe of beach. Rates aren’t always as crushingly expensive as you might expect – check the website for offers. 1500dh
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Swanky new hotel occupying one of the five futuristic skyscrapers of the landmark Etihad Towers development – a cutting-edge alternative to the staid Emirates Palace opposite. Rooms are large, luxurious and full of state-of-the-art mod cons, while facilities include three pools, private beach and a serene spa. 1200dh
Le Méridien
Pleasantly old-fashioned hotel with a vaguely old-world European air and attractive rooms decorated in warm reds and oranges. Plus points include a central location, attractive oceanfront gardens with a smallish bit of beach and a decent collection of restaurants, all at very competitive rates. 550dh
Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel
This no-frills business hotel bang in the city centre is nothing to get excited about, but the rooms are well equipped and comfortable, and rates are often as cheap as anywhere in town. 400dh
Shangri-La
One of the city’s most alluring hotels, with gorgeous Arabian Nights decor, huge gardens, four pools, the lovely Chi spa, a gorgeous infinity pool which appears to flow straight into the sea, and wonderful views of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. 1200dh