Staying at a hotel is easily the most popular option for visiting the United Arab Emirates, but which of thousands Dubai hotels to choose? Today, we’ll share some of the best places to stay during a vacation to the country.
How to choose the best hotels in Dubai?
But before we start discussing the best Dubai hotels, it is important to discuss the approach to choosing one. Of course, different establishments are aimed at different target audiences, and it is vital to find a matching place before booking.
The two main parameters to consider are the hotel itself and its location. If you’re traveling with children, you will obviously need a family-friendly place, and some of the fashionable resorts with night-long parties won’t be a favorable option.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, be sure to check out our blog for the best places to visit. We’ve rounded up all the must-see spots, from the towering Burj Khalifa to the lively Dubai Marina. Whether you’re into adventure or relaxation, our guide has something for everyone. Check it out here: Best Places to Visit in Dubai.
As for the location, the principle is the same. Essentially, it should be comfortable for you to reach all the destinations you have planned for your visit to the UAE.
With these parameters in mind, let us start.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai At Jumeirah Beach
First on the list we have Four Seasons Resort, and even though it might not be the most famous of Dubai hotels, it is definitely a great representation of the levels of luxury and quality you can expect here.
Located on one of the best beaches in the entire city, the place offers great views of the gulf and the glittering Dubai skyline, while the service will surely surpass your expectations.
On its territory, you will find three pools, lush gardens, and multiple top-level restaurants. Of course, there is also a spa-center, where you can enjoy a variety of healing and rejuvenating treatments.
We have mentioned the importance of the location, and in these terms, Four Seasons Resort is very appealing for exploring the city. You can easily reach all of its main attractions starting with downtown Dubai and ending with Dubai Mall or the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Atlantis the Royal
If you’re looking for a slightly different experience, you could consider staying on the famous Palm Island. Atlantis the Royal is located on the crescent of the palm, although it should not be confused with Atlantis the Palm, another top-class hotel that we’ll discuss further on.
Its location immediately gives away what you can expect from staying at Atlantis the Royal. It is a perfect option for a more beach-focused vacation, as it is situated at a distance from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Here, you can enjoy pools, water sports, spa procedures, and other recreational activities. Of course, you can still travel to other attractions. For example, right next to Palm Jumeirah, you will find the famous Dubai Marina neighborhood.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
You cannot make a list of the best Dubai hotels without mentioning Burj Al Arab. And while other establishments we’re going to cover today are just places to stay, Burj Al Arab is a tourist attraction of its own.
It is often referred to as the most luxurious hotel in the world or even the first hotel with seven stars to have ever been opened. Even though these descriptions are arbitrary, the service here is definitely outstanding.
The building itself is located on its own man-made island, and you can easily spend the entire vacation without ever having to leave it. But in case you do, traveling to the city center won’t be an issue.
Burj Al Arab deserves an article of its own, so we’ll keep it short here. Here’s a list of its standout features:
- top-quality service;
- huge luxurious suites;
- the famous Al Mahara restaurant;
- a private beach;
- stunning views of the city with floor to ceiling windows;
- a terrace with pools and other relaxing activities.
Needless to say, all these amazing features come with a hefty price tag. We will have much more affordable options further on the list, but if you’re looking for the top level of luxury, Burj Al Arab is the place to go.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection
In contrast to the previous destination, The Lana is based in the Business Bay. It has all the qualities of a top-level resort, and even offers a rooftop pool, while simultaneously being located right in the heart of Dubai.
If you’re familiar with the famous Dorchester Collection, you already know the level of quality you should expect. The suites are furnished luxuriously by some of the best interior designers in the world, and the service is flawless.
From the windows of your room, you will be able to enjoy views of the Dubai Water Canal, the Dubai Mall, and, of course, the iconic Burj Khalifa.
The location makes The Lana perfect for those who come to Dubai to experience its city life. You can easily reach any of the main neighborhoods and all the popular destinations from here, and the reception staff will be glad to assist you with ordering transport.
Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort
Moving on, we have Bab Al Shams – a place that offers a very unique and unusual experience. This resort is surrounded by the desert, which comes with its own advantages.
Even despite its lifeless surroundings, Bab Al Shams is well equipped to provide you with the same levels of comfort as all the beach resorts on our list.
The hotel hosts various parties and concerts all the time, while its territory features a huge infinity pool and a great spa center.
Arguably the main standout feature of this resort is the option to explore the sand dunes. There are several safari variants, where the most popular one is camel riding.
If you decide to stay here, you should keep in mind the remote location of the resort. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the center of Dubai from Bab Al Shams, so it might not be the best option for regular trips to the city’s attractions.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Center
The Ritz-Carlton in the Dubai International Financial Center is easily one of the most popular Dubai hotels for business trips.
Its main advantage is its location, as it is simultaneously situated in the very middle of the city, while also being at a slight distance from its busiest parts. This allows you to both quickly reach any destination and at least partially avoid the hustle and bustle.
As you would expect, the hotel is also equipped with pools, spa centers, fitness centers, restaurants, and other amenities.
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort
The World Islands might not be the most common place to stay, but if that’s your plan, you should definitely consider Antara World Islands Dubai Resort.
It’s built on one of the closest islands to the mainland, so the time to reach Dubai’s attractions will be more reasonable than with most other hotels here.
The hotel delivers a direct access to the beach as well as the following benefits:
- choice between villas and suites;
- multiple restaurants and cafes;
- a large spa center;
- a kid’s club;
- availability of water sports;
- a great view of Dubai.
Jumeirah Al Qasr Dubai
Jumeirah Al Qasr is another luxury establishment that offers its guests a top-level experience. It is located right next to Burj Al Arab, and even though it might not be as luxury, Jumeirah Al Qasr offers a much easier access to Dubai’s attractions.
The hotel’s territory gives the impression of a desert oasis. Its closed environment offers a decent level of privacy, and its location is a perfect combination of quietness and proximity to the city.
Jumeirah Al Qasr offers private pools, a private beach, a spa center, some impressive gardens with fresh flowers, and multiple dining options with exquisite meals.
Best Hotel For Families In Dubai
If you’re traveling with kids and want to ensure a maximum level of comfort for your entire family, there are several options we can suggest.
If you’re traveling to Dubai with your family, we’ve got you covered with some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Check out our recommendations for a stress-free family adventure in Dubai, including tips on transportation, dining, and attractions. Access the article here: Best Tips for a Family Trip to Dubai.
Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis is one of the most iconic hotels in the entire city. Located on the Palm Jumeirah, this massive building has become the symbol of the island and an attraction of its own.
It is situated on the northern crescent of the palm, giving its guests several unique benefits.
On the one hand, you can always visit its Eastern side and admire the view of the city skyline and the rest of the island. But on the other hand, you can walk to the private beach on the other part of the crescent and enjoy a peaceful and calm vacation there.
The complex itself is equipped with everything a family on a trip might need. It includes pools, water sports, a kids’ club, a spa center, and even an entire water park.
Considering it is located on the most remote part of the Palm Island, Atlantis might not be the best choice for regular trips to the city. But at the same time, if you’re only planning a couple of visits to the main attractions, it won’t become a massive issue to travel there.
Bulgari Resort Dubai
Bulgari Resort Dubai is another great option for visiting with your family. It is located on the Jumeirah Bay island, meaning it combines the proximity to the city with a relative degree of quietness.
Like all the hotels in this category, Bulgari Resort Dubai has several pools, a private beach, and a variety of dining options.
Adults will be pleased to discover its fitness club and spa center, while the younger family members will have a chance to spend quality time in the resort’s kids’ club.
Compared to hotels on Palm Jumeirah, this resort is a much more suitable option, if you’re planning to visit the main attractions of the city.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
The last hotel in this section is a great compromise if you’re looking to stay on Palm Island but still want to visit the city regularly. FIVE Palm Jumeirah is built on the trunk of the tree, meaning it is one of the closest hotels to the mainland.
At the same time, it offers all the amenities and services you would get from other resorts we’ve covered so far. FIVE Palm Jumeirah has a private beach, a rooftop lounge, five different swimming pools, a spa center, a kids’ club, and many other features.
The resort offers a decent variety of options, as you can choose between rooms or suites and residences and penthouses.
Best Luxury Glamping In Dubai
The trend for glamping has spread around the world like wildfire, and it has inevitably reached Dubai as well. Even though there are multiple establishments of this sort, the best option is Al Maha.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai
Located in the middle of the desert, Al Maha is a very unique place. Unlike the Bab Al Shams resort, it is located much further away from the city, and does not have the same vibrant nightlife, offering a more peaceful and calm experience instead.
Al Maha offers a private and closed environment, where each suite has its own private pool. Dubai is known for elevating concepts to an unseen before level of luxury, and Al Maha is what happens when you apply it to glamping.
Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Dubai
As you could have noticed, almost every single hotel on our list has a spa center. And even though the services in many of them are great, there can only be a single best resort in these terms.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
On the outside, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray might seem as a regular resort on the Palm Jumeirah island. Located on its west crescent, this establishment is indeed in many terms similar to other hotels found here. It has a private beach, an infinity pool, a kids’ club, and all the standard amenities.
As you could have guessed, its spa center is what makes Jumeirah Zabeel Saray so special. Its Talise Ottoman Spa center inspired by the Ottoman heritage brings relaxation to the next level. Its rejuvenating facilities with marble floors and pools cover more than eight thousand square meters, making it a haven for spa lovers.
Of course, its location might not be the most convenient for visiting the city itself, but with such a massive and comprehensive spa center, you can easily spend the entire vacation without ever leaving the resort.
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