17 Best Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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.

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.

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.