17 Best Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Dubai was built on oil and gold, and it shows. In the last decade or so, luxury and glamour have become synonymous with Dubai; it contains one of the highest ratios of five-star hotels in the world.
Although few would say that Dubai is an inexpensive place to stay, there are more budget-friendly options than ever before. Also, due to the glut of five-star hotels, it's also easier to find a great deal if you search carefully and have flexible travel dates. The deals are not always cash-based, so look for value-added packages; incentives might include complimentary meals in signature restaurants, spa treatments, and access to water parks or companion hotel beaches. Most four- and five-star hotels in Dubai have an executive floor or club. If you book a "club room," access to the club area, breakfast, evening cocktails, and canapés are often included in the rate. Considering the sky-high price of alcohol, those benefits may make it worthwhile to pay a higher rate. Note that Internet prices and rack rates might not include a 10% municipality tax and 10% service charge, so read your booking details carefully.
Peak tourist season is from November to April when the weather is mild. Prices drop as temperatures soar and also during Ramadan, but services are curtailed at this time.
Location is the prime consideration after checking your budget—what's the main reason for your visit to Dubai? If sunning and water sports are your prime objective, you'll probably want to stay in a beach resort around Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. For shopping and dining, stick to Downtown, and if you want culture and history then older areas around Bur Dubai and Deira are best. If it's just a quick overnight, there are plenty of options around the airport.
Bab al Shams
Burj Al-Arab
The style icon that put Dubai on the tourist map, the Burj Al-Arab has to be one of the most famous hotels in the world, and its graceful lines have been featured in numerous design magazines. The press christened it the world's first seven-star property, though that accolade is played down by its owners, Jumeirah Hotels. The decor throughout is sumptuous Arabian with deep pile carpets and acres of gold plate. The suites-only property has set new standards of service in the region. There's a check-in desk on each floor and every suite has a butler for personal service. You can also book helicopter transfer or arrange a Rolls-Royce to pick you up from the airport. The hotel prides itself on its ability to satisfy even the pickiest guest, and so has many services in addition to its standard leisure programs. The public can't gain access to the hotel (except with a restaurant or bar reservation) because it sits on a man-made islet just offshore, so you'll have a ton of privacy, but you'll be paying for the privilege.
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Dar Al Masyaf
Like the summer houses preferred by the Arabian sheikhs, Dar Al Masyaf offers an intimate hideaway for those who want seclusion. Each two-story courtyard house, complete with barjeel (traditional wind tower), comprises a number of spacious rooms and suites that surround a private pool. Although the attractions of Madinat Jumeirah are nearby, Dar Al Masyaf can only be reached by taking a hotel abra (wooden boat) across the waterway that links the hotels with the surrounding properties. Guests can luxuriate at leisure, tucked away from the hustle and bustle while their private butlers serve cooling drinks. Some villas have direct beach access, others are in verdant gardens or surrounding inner courtyards with trickling water features. This hotel really is something out of Arabian Nights.
Doubletree by Hilton, Jumeirah Beach
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach
Grand Hyatt Dubai
As Bur Dubai's largest hotel, with a colossal 600 rooms and almost 200 serviced apartments, this property makes a real statement. The building is designed in two sweeping sensuous curves and is surrounded by 37 acres of beautifully manicured grounds on Dubai Creek. On-site amenities are extensive, including an ample choice of eateries, a nightclub, kids club, cinema, and a large sports club. Big free-form pools sit among tropical gardens. Public areas are on a grand scale, decorated with flourishes and flounces popular in the 1980s. Rooms are spacious with a classic international design, including pale stone, and tan and brown hues. The Grand Hyatt has excellent conference facilities and often holds large conventions.