Dubai does hotels on a scale few cities can match, and choosing between them is half the fun of planning a trip. Below are 16 special and recommended hotels in Dubai, arranged by area so you can see which part of the city suits your holiday before you compare rooms.
The icons
Burj Al Arab
A symbol of luxury and one of the most opulent hotels in the world. Shaped like a sail and standing on its own artificial island, it is instantly recognisable. Inside are lavish suites with remarkable sea views, round-the-clock personal service and a long list of high-end restaurants.
Armani Hotel Dubai
Set inside the Burj Khalifa and designed by Giorgio Armani. Rooms are meticulously styled and look out over the city and the sea, and the restaurants, spa and service match the address. For more options in the same neighbourhood, see our guide to hotels near Burj Khalifa.
Recommended hotels in Dubai on Palm Jumeirah
Atlantis The Palm
A resort experience like no other on the man-made Palm island: an enormous water park, a spectacular aquarium, plenty of restaurants and attractions for the whole family. Rooms are modern and luxurious, with breathtaking views of the Gulf.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Also on the Palm, and a calmer, more classic take on the beach resort. Spacious rooms face the sea or the gardens, and there are fine restaurants, a grand spa and beautiful pools.
Madinat Jumeirah: Arabian-style resorts
Three of the hotels on this list belong to the same Madinat Jumeirah complex.
Jumeirah Al Naseem
The contemporary one of the three. Rooms are large, with private balconies overlooking the sea or the gardens, and guests have gourmet restaurants, pools and a spa to choose from.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
Pampering hospitality in a traditional Arabian style, again with private balconies, gourmet dining, pools and a lavish spa.
Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
On Jumeirah beach and in the same traditional style as Al Qasr, with sea- or garden-facing balconies and the full run of the complex’s restaurants and pools.
Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
A relaxed, elegant beach resort. Tasteful rooms look onto the sea or the gardens, and the personal service is a big part of the appeal.
Rixos Premium Dubai
Beachfront, with sea or city views and a livelier feel. Alongside the restaurants, pools and spa it offers a range of sports activities and attractions for families.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Another polished beach option, with well-designed rooms facing the sea or the gardens, upscale restaurants and a spa.
Address Dubai Marina
A modern luxury hotel in the Marina, with views of the yachts or the skyline. Chabad of Dubai operated from this hotel for a long time; check where it currently runs its services before you travel. Our page on the Chabad House in Dubai has more on kosher food and prayers.
In the city
The Oberoi, Dubai
Modern luxury in the heart of the city, with tastefully designed rooms, city views and excellent personal service.
Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai
A central base with roomy accommodation, views of the city or the water, good restaurants, a spa and pools.
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
In one of the city’s newer districts, with spacious rooms, a spa, pools and a high standard of facilities throughout.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Right next to the Mall of the Emirates, which makes it the obvious pick for shoppers. Expect elegant rooms, upscale dining and a spa.
Which area of Dubai should you stay in?
- Downtown: best for first-time visitors who want to be near the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains.
- Palm Jumeirah: ideal for resort holidays and families, with beach clubs and water parks.
- Jumeirah Beach and Madinat Jumeirah: beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere, close to the Burj Al Arab.
- Dubai Marina and JBR: lively, with a waterfront promenade, restaurants and the beach on your doorstep.
- Deira and Bur Dubai: the old city, cheaper hotels and easy access to the traditional souks.
When to book? Prices peak in the cooler winter months – see our guide to the weather in Dubai month by month.
One more, down the road: Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace often appears on lists like this one, but note that it is in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. It is an architectural showpiece with large, tasteful rooms, impressive pools, a private beach, gourmet restaurants and a lavish spa. If you are combining the two cities, see where to stay in Abu Dhabi.
