Dubai is synonymous with skyscrapers, shopping malls, luxurious hotels, desert and beautiful white beaches. Dubai is a mixture of ancient customs and cosmopolitan modernity: a city to discover calmly and in a relaxed way.
I love Dubai and every occasion that presents itself makes me want to book a flight and go back. I have been there 6 times now and each time I find something that I didn’t see the previous time.
Expo 2020 is a great reason to go back, both for those who have been there before and those who are going for the first time.
To help you choose the best accommodation for your needs, I prepared a list of the best places to stay. I’ll help you navigate your way through the different neighbourhoods, whether in the city centre, on a beach, in a historic district, in a neighbourhood where you can meet lots of expats or on The Palm!!!! You will be spoilt for choice and will surely find the solution that best suits your needs.
Jumeirah is the ideal district if you want to stay on the beach
Personally, this is my favorite district, here you will find elegant and luxurious hotels, lively beach clubs, shopping and restaurants to suit al budgets!! You’ll be spoilt for choice and you’r sure to find one that suits you.
The jewel in the crown of the Jumeirah district is without any doubt the famous and one of the only 7* hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab. Built on an island, it towers over Jumeirah beach: I’ll let you imagine the level of luxury you can find there!!!!
Jumeirah is known for its long sandy beaches where there are free public areas and areas where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
Most of the hotels and resorts in Jumeirah and JBR also have a private beach, which is perfect, as in my case, if you like to enjoy the beach and do water sports during your stay.
There are also very nice restaurants where you can have a drink while watching the sunset or enjoy a romantic dinner by the sea.
Do you love luxury, lazing on the beach, enjoying the sea and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre?? Then this is the ideal area for you!!!
In this district you can visit the only mosque in Jumeirah that is accessible to non-Muslims.
Its white sandy beach stretches from the north (Deira) to the south (Dubai Marina). If you like strolling around, well the famous walkway called “The Walk” is the right place for you, here you will find shops, restaurants and bars along the entire promenade. This area is suitable for both couples and families with children, who can give vent to all their energy on the beach. I recommend a visit to the famous Madinat Jumeirah Souk, where you can buy traditional products to bring back as souvenirs for you or your friends. Kids will love going to the Al Wadi Wadi, a huge water park that is also perfect for adults.
The best hotels to say at in Jumeirah Beach/JBR in Dubai:
- Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: This 5* hotel with private beach and swimming pools for adults and children is set in lush, extensive gardens criss-crossed by canals. The spacious rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and offer balconies overlooking the Persian Gulf or gardens. The Talise SPA boasts treatment rooms suspended over water. A complimentary shuttle service is available for guests to reach the Wild Wadi Waterpark, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Mall of the Emirates.
- Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai : Luxury 5* resort located on Jumeirah Beach. Here you will find kindness, helpfulness, cleanliness, fantastic location, modern furnished rooms with a touch of Arabian elegance, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a luxurious state-of-the-art spa with indoor pool, restaurants and bars that can make your holiday unforgettable.
- Jumeirah Al Naseem : A fantastic contemporary 5* retreat on Jumeirah beach. Exceptional comfort reigns here in a spectacular setting. Large, cosy rooms with every comfort. Some of them have a lounge area while others overlook the sea or the manicured garden.
- Bulgari Resort, Jumeirah, Dubai: incredible 5* hotel located on the artificial bay of Jumeirah. This is a seahorse-shaped island with a 300-mt bridge on Dubai’s central coast. Here you will find a private marina with 50 berths as well as the world’s first Bulgari Yacht Club with breathtaking sea views.
If you want something really special for an unforgettable occasion, then I suggest the following:
The Burj Al Arab, the luxury hotel par excellence and one of the few 7* hotels in the world!!! The smallest suite is 170 square mt.
Downtown Dubai
If you like the city centre then Downtown Dubai is the best choice for you.
Downtown Dubai is definitely one of the liveliest and most touristic parts of Dubai, with three icons worth visiting: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and, of course, the famous Dubai Dancing Fountains.
If you love shopping, this is the place to be: boutiques and luxury galore. You are magically catapulted into the heart of modern and glittering Dubai.
Definitely one of the best places to sleep while in Dubai!!!
Sleeping in the city centre gives you the opportunity to be close to the metro, which allows you to move everywhere quickly. So if you have chosen Dubai as your shopping destination, you will have everything at your fingertips!
Here you are within walking distance from:
- The Burj Khalifa: 828 mt high, it is the tallest skyscraper in the world and has three observation platforms from where you can admire the city.
- The Dubai Mall: the largest shopping centre in the world with 1200 boutiques and countless restaurants and bars.
- The Dancing Fountains: going to Dubai and not seeing this incredible spectacle is just not possible!!!
- The Dubai Aquarium: a wonder for young and old alike!!!
The best hotels to stay at in Downtown Dubai:
- Palace Downtown : This beautiful 5* hotel is located right in front of the Dancing Fountains and the Burj Khalifa lake. Some of its beautiful rooms have a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa. Definitely one of the best hotels in Dubai to stay at for a special occasion!!!
- Address Downtown : Not far from the Dubai Mall and directly opposite the Burj Khalifa, this sumptuous 5* hotel is a landmark of luxury in the city centre. The rooms and suites are elegantly furnished. Here you can choose from 9 restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines, from Asian to South American, as well as Middle Eastern specialities. The Neos Bar on the 6l3rd floor offers a fantastic skyline and overlooks the Dancing Fountains. Definitely one of the best luxury hotels in Dubai.
- Sofitel Dubai Downtown : Located in the heart of Dubai and connected to the Dubai Mall, Sofitel is an idyllic oasis that combines elegance and refined luxury. The swimming pool overlooking the Burj Khalifa will take your breath away; the Les Cuisines Restaurant will take you on a culinary journey to the four corners of the globe while the Patisserie offers traditional French baked goods.
If you’re not on a budget and want something really special like sleeping in the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa is ideal!!!! The Armani Hotel Dubai, designed by fashion king Giorgio Armani, occupies 11 floors of the iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The rooms boast curved lines of understated elegance and are decorated with Japanese tatami mats and exclusive fabrics. Fine dining can be found in each of its 7 restaurants.
Other hotels in Downtown Dubai
The Palm Jumeirah
This spectacular island, whose shape represents a palm tree, was built completely on the water. It is an incredible engineering masterpiece which, in time, has become one of the symbols of Dubai.
The best way to enjoy such beauty is to stay directly on the Palm!!!
However there are a few considerations to be made if you want to stay on The Palm: the prices of hotels are quite high and this may make most travelers with medium budgets to give up this accomodation.
The Palm is quite far from the airport and most of the attractions.
To get on and off there is only one road, so you have to budget for the cost of taxis/transfers and travel time to get to the place of your interest. However staying at the Atlantis gives you the option to use the monorail for any transfers.
What to see and do during your stay on The Palm :
The Adventure Park: a giant water park where you can spend a day with your family.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium: an incredible aquarium with thousands of fish including rays, sharks, manta rays, etc…
Dolphin Bay : a lagoon where you can swim with dolphins
The Pointe: a shopping center not yet completed but where you can find many stores, boutiques and restaurants overlooking the Atlantis.
The best hotels and resorts to stay at on The Palm:
My favorite is the Zabeel Saray, located on a beautiful stretch of beach on the West Crescent of Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The hotel, an elegant and at the same time extravagant 5*, is definitely of a high standard. Inspired by the palaces of the Ottoman Empire, its hand-decorated interiors are a testament to the magnificence of the Tulip era. This hotel is part of the Jumeirah group like the Al Qsar and the Burj Khalifa. As you will enter, with its rich colors, delicate patterns and luxurious interiors, you will be transported on an imaginary journey to Turkey. Ideal for both families and couples.
- Atlantis the Palm is one of the most emblematic 5* hotels in Dubai: this magnificent hotel is a mix between a large amusement park like Disneyland and a huge water park. It has an amazing sandy private beach and a beautiful view of the Persian Gulf. The gastronomic proposals are varied and all excellent such as, for example, the Hakkasan where you will find authentic Cantonese cuisine or the award-winning restaurant Nobu with contemporary Japanese cuisine with Arabian influences. Bread Street Kitchen & Bar features signature British menus from Chef Gordon Ramsay. Ideal for a family vacation as well as couples.
- Raffles The Palm : This 5* hotel offers first-class service. Raffles The Palm has a private white sandy beach and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the city. Raffles’ dining options include a Japanese restaurant, a Mediterranean restaurant and an international buffet. Breakfast is served at Le Jardin restaurant. The rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and equipped with all amenities. The 3,000-square-metre Cinq Mondes spa with 23 treatment rooms is a haven for relaxation and unwinding. Ideal for couples.
- Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive : All-inclusive hotels are also beginning to appear in Dubai. This luxury hotel with pool and beach, located on one of the crescents of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, boasts incredible views of the azure waters of the Persian Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline. Rooms are decorated in a modern Turkish design and suites have balconies with sea views. Dining options include the all-day A La Turca restaurant and 2 other restaurants, one serving seafood, Acqua & More and the Mediterranean-inspired Olivo. Ideal for a family holiday.
Other hotels on The Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Marina
This is a relatively new neighborhood for nightlife, shopping and strolling by the sea where you can admire luxury yachts anchored in the harbour. It is an incredible mix of luxury hotels overlooking the Dubai Marina, residences, cafés and restaurants where you can dine on the beach or overlooking the sea. Community events and markets are regularly hosted here. I think it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
There is plenty to do in the areas surrounding the Dubai Marina, such as walking along the famous Marina Walk, a 8 km promenade, where you will find many restaurants, cafes and shops that will certainly occupy part of your day.
Dubai Marina is the departure point for many cruises and where you can take the Dubai Water Taxi and the Dubai Water Bus to Downtown Dubai.
Here you can stroll along the waterfront and admire the spectacular illuminated skyscrapers and, not to be underestimated, you are also close to the beaches.
If you’re feeling particularly brave then you can try the world’s longest urban Dubai Zipline that starts from the top of a skyscraper!!!! A truly unique experience!!!
Best Hotels to stay at in Dubai Marina:
- Address Dubai Marina : This prestigious hotel is directly connected to the Dubai Marina Mall, close to the beach. The Address Dubai Marina boasts an enchanting view of the Dubai Marina. The rooms are beautifully furnished. There is an infinity pool with a bar, an outdoor dining area and a elevated infinity pool on level 4.
- InterContinental Dubai Marina : This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Dubai Marina, just a 10-minute walk from JBR Beach. The InterContinental Dubai Marina offers large, stylishly furnished rooms, 9 dining options, an outdoor pool and picturesque views of the marina. The location is perfect and well served by public transportation.
- Millennium Place Dubai Marina: This 4* hotel is located less than 1 km from Marina Beach. The Millennium Place Dubai Marina offers a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
Deira
Deira is located on the north side of the Dubai Creek, and is Dubai’s historic district and one of the cheapest areas in the city. It is one of the oldest districts where there are no skyscrapers everywhere, but a traditional and authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere.
Unlike Downtown Dubai, Deira is less antiseptic and certainly friendly. It is here that the city’s working class lives, mostly Indians, Bengalis, Chinese and Filipinos. Deira is a mixture of cultures and traditions where everyone lives together peacefully, respecting each other and observing the written and unwritten laws that govern the Arab culture.
Here you will find small shops, souks and many not too expensive restaurants, frequented mostly by locals. You can visit The Heritage House Museum and stroll along the waterfront to the Maktoum Bridge and the Dubai Creek Golf Course.
You can go to the Gold Souk where you can admire or buy incredible jewelry. Another must-see is the Spice Souk where you will be inebriated by the intense scent of all the spices.
Deira is the ideal neighborhood if you are looking for:
- the characteristic and authentic side of Dubai
- the true typical cuisine
- hotels with more reasonable costs
The best hotels in Deira:
- Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers : This 5* hotel has a prime location on the banks of Dubai’s Creek. Recently renovated, it offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Creek and the city. The Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers is just 3 km from the famous Gold and Spice Souks and less than 15 minutes from BurJuman and Deira City Centre Malls.
- Golden Sands Hotel Creek : this 5* hotel located at Dubai Creek has a strategic location as it is within walking distance of everything. Recently renovated it has elegantly and functionally furnished rooms. The rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of the Dubai Creek and the Arabian Sea.
- Al Bandar Rotana – Dubai Creek : this elegant and splendid 5* hotel is located by the sea, although in the heart of the city and on the edge of the Creek, therefore in an absolutely privileged position. The elegantly furnished rooms offer a splendid view of the city or the bay. For the more discerning there are Club Rotana rooms that offer additional benefits such as lounge access and personalized services.
Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is a traditional neighborhood located on the southern side of the Dubai Creek and is a strong contrast to Deira. Bur Dubai is home to traditional sand colored architecture and wind towers.
If you are looking for a more authentic lifestyle, restaurants that offer local food in the tradition and perhaps handmade crafts then this is the ideal neighborhood for you. The cost of the accommodations are a little higher than in Deira but still acceptable.
You can visit many of Dubai’s cultural attractions such as the Museum, the Iranian Mosque and the Heritage Village.
One of the negative points of staying in Bur Dubai is that public transportation is not very good. In this case, your budget may have to be increased because of the use of taxis (even if not very expensive in Dubai).
Best hotels in Bur Dubai :
- Palazzo Versace Dubai : This 5* hotel is certainly one of the most luxurious in Dubai. Housed in a building inspired by 16th-century Italian palaces, Palazzo Versace has a high-ceilinged lobby, landscaped gardens and carefully crafted Italian furnishings. Located in the heart of the Cultural Village, it is less than 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 8 minutes from Burj Khalifa and Dubai city centre. All 215 rooms and suites as well as the 169 flats feature customized interiors with fabrics and furnishings designed by Versace exclusively for Palazzo Versace Dubai.
- Raffles Dubai : This 5* hotel, inspired by the majestic pyramids of Egypt, is a stunning landmark on the Dubai skyline. All rooms are furnished with care and elegance, large private balconies with views of the city skyline, butler service and an interactive digital system that allows you to access and manage all your devices through your TV or i-pad. Not far away is one of the most exclusive shopping malls, the Wafi. Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
- Grand Hyatt Dubai : This beautiful 5* hotel is located near the lively Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, 13 dining and entertainment options and an exclusive spa with spa treatments and hair salon. Its luxurious rooms and suites are traditionally furnished and have luxurious marble bathrooms with hot tubs. The hotel provides a shuttle service at no extra cost. It is less than 2 km from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are a 15-minute drive away. The WAFI shopping mall is a 15-minute walk away.
Where to stay in Dubai without spending an arm and leg
If you’re on a tight budget, here’s a selection of some budget accommodations:
- Bombay Backpackers DXB : A hostel located in JBR, 100 metres from Dubai Marina Beach. Bombay Backpackers DXB offers accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking and a garden. The property is about 200 metres from The Walk at JBR, 8 km from Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple and 12 km from Mall of the Emirates. It also provides a shared kitchen and free WiFi in all areas.
- Holiday Inn Express Dubai : This 2* hotel is located in one of Dubai’s most business-friendly districts and is 3 km from the World Trade Center. Guests are offered a free shuttle to the beach and shopping malls. Rooms at Holiday Inn Express Dubai are decorated in shades of sandy brown. The living area features a sofa with a backrest and upholstered pillows as well as a TV with access to multilingual channels. The reception desk is open all day and has an attentive staff ready to organise excursions.
- Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City: This 3* hotel is located in Dubai’s Knowledge Village. It offers a free shuttle to the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre and Jumeirah Beach. A buffet breakfast is served in The Great Room restaurant, which is also open for lunch.
Best hotels in Dubai for family vacations
Dubai is a family’s playground, and here you’ll find incredible hotels that seem tailor-made for them.
- Atlantis, The Palm: Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island, this 5* hotel has a private sandy beach and magnificent views of the Persian Gulf. It offers an underwater aquarium and free access to the Aquaventure Water Park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. As mentioned above, you can get free access to Aquaventure, the largest water park in the Middle East, which features attractions such as Neptune’s Tower and Poseidon’s Tower with their water slides. The little ones can have fun thanks to the water play area specially dedicated to them. The mini club offers, in a carefully supervised area, the best entertainment for children with daily programs specially prepared and designed for their needs. For teenagers there is the Zone which gives them the opportunity to socialize, dance and play the latest video games.
- Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts: This 5* resort, ideal for families, has a Polynesian theme – which is rather strange given that we are in the Emirates! It is not far from the set of theme parks such as Motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood Parks. The various buildings are surrounded by lagoon and lazy river style pools. There are two clubs for kids of different ages with climbing walls and activities like henna painting. Interconnecting rooms, with cribs and rollaway beds, make for a comfortable stay, especially for families with young children who need constant assistance. A family brunch is also provided on Fridays.
- JA Palm Tree Court Dubai : The incredibly relaxing resort consists of a series of low-rise buildings nestled among gardens, streams, waterfalls and a flock of peacocks. All suites can accommodate two adults and two children under 16. The offer includes a private beach of 800 mt, 2 shaded swimming pools for children, a children’s club (from 4 to 11 years) , a club for teenagers and dromedary rides. Guests can also opt for the Wibit water park, donut rides and water sports. Golf enthusiasts can try out the challenging nine-hole course that has hosted the likes of Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo. All-inclusive option.
