If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Dubai, you’re in the right place! This guide includes all the best hotels in Dubai organized by neighborhood and price.
This list of hotels in Dubai includes everything from five star hotels in Dubai to budget-friendly hostels. We only include accommodations that are top-rated by guests. We’ve done all the hard work when it comes to selecting these hotels, so you can proceed confidently with your Dubai hotel booking.
If you’re also wondering where to stay in Dubai, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. These great hotels in Dubai are sorted by neighborhood —the top places to stay in Dubai.
We’ll tell you what there is to see and do in each neighborhood, so you can be sure that you’ve found the best location to stay in Dubai. Click here to see a map of Dubai attractions & learn about Dubai’s dress code.
Best Places to Stay in Dubai
Table of Contents
Dubai is a desert metropolis bordering beautiful coastline. The best place to stay in Dubai for tourists is either on the beach, surrounded by skyscrapers, or immersed in the desert.
Downtown Dubai offers a pure urban cityscape, and it’s walking distance to some of Dubai’s most popular attractions. Although, if you’re looking for relaxation, you might be better off on the beach.
Those who can’t decide between high-rises and high tides are best suited for the Dubai Marina. All will be discussed in greater detail below.
General Price Brackets: NOTE: Prices are based on peak season accommodations and may be much cheaper during offseason
Budget < $100 per night
Mid-Range $100 – 200 per night
Affordable Luxury $200 – 300 per night
Ultimate Luxury > $300 per night
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is glamorous and exciting. The top tourist attractions in downtown include the Burj Kalifa (the tallest building in the world), the Dubai Fountains, the Dubai Mall & Burj Park.
Some of the top hotels in Dubai are located in downtown. It’s arguably the best place to stay in Dubai. You’ll find no shortage of five star and four star hotels, but the price of a room at these hotels can vary greatly.
| Hotel | Price | Stars | Distance from Dubai Fountains | Rooftop Lounge | Family Friendly | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roda Al Murooj | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 15 minute walk | No | Yes | |
| Millennium Central Downtown | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 20 minute walk | Yes | Live music and belly dancing on weekneds | |
| Emirates Grand Hotel | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 30 minute walk 10 minute drive | Yes | Yes | Rooftop Shisha Lounge |
| Sofitel Downtown Dubai | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 20 minute walk | Yes | free shuttle to nearby beaches | |
| Taj Dubai | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 24 minute walk | Yes | Arabian architecture | |
| Address Hotel Downtown | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1 minute walk | Yes | Yes | complimentary Kids Club |
| Armani Hotel | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 6 minute walk | Yes | Privé nightclub | |
| Palace Hotel | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 minute walk | No | luxury Souk (traditional market) inside |
So, don’t be surprised if you find a “five star hotel” in our mid-range price bracket. In downtown, the mid-range options will still steer you towards a cheap hotel booking in Dubai.
All of these hotels in downtown Dubai include complimentary WiFi, spa services and dining.
Mid-Range
Our top picks for the Mid-Range price bracket in downtown Dubai include the Roda Al Murooj, Millennium Central and the Emirates Grand Hotel.
Photo Credit: Roda Al Murooj
The Roda Al Murooj is one of the economic 5 star hotels in Dubai. It’s located within walking distance to all of downtown’s best attractions (15-minute walk to the Dubai fountains). Check the latest prices for the Roda Al Murooj.
Photo Credit: Roda Al Murooj
The place is also great for families. They offer apartment-style rooms with a full kitchen as well as a huge outdoor pool.
Photo Credit: Roda Al Murooj
Millennium Central is another affordable accommodation in downtown Dubai. This place is a little further out, but it’s still only a 20 minute walk from the Dubai Fountain. Although, they also offer a free shuttle service.
We love the Millenium Central because of their swanky rooftop terrace— the Lighthouse Terrace & Lounge. Lighthouse Terrace offers weekday specials, as well as live music and belly dancing performances on the weekends.
Check the latest prices for the Millenium Central Hotel.
We also love the Emirates Grand Hotel. It’s another 4 star hotel with an outdoor pool, free airport shuttle, and family friendly deluxe rooms.
The Emirates Grand Hotel is a 10 minute drive or 30 minute walk from the Dubai Fountains.
See more details about the Emirates Grand Hotel.
Affordable Luxury
This is my favorite category of hotels in downtown Dubai. It’s an affordable luxury, and it includes 5 star hotels in Dubai that are all close to downtown but won’t break the bank.
Our top picks for affordable luxury hotels in Dubai include Sofitel Downtown Dubai and Taj Dubai.
Sofitel’s downtown location offers all the best elegant touches. They’ve got a gorgeous rooftop pool deck complete with rooftop bar and inflatable pool toys (Seriously!). Sofitel is one of the hotels near the Dubai Mall. It’s 10 minute walk to the mall and a 20 minute walk to the Dubai Fountains. Sofitel also offers free shuttles to nearby beaches.
I’ve stayed at this hotel personally, many times. At the Dubai location, they frequently have a live harpist in the lobby! Check prices for Sofitel in Downtown Dubai.
Taj Dubai is another great affordable luxury hotel in downtown Dubai. We absolutely love the Arabian decor in this one! Dubai vibes are on point.
Upgrade to a room with a view of the Burj Khalifa or enjoy it from the impressive rooftop pool deck. Taj also offers a special afternoon tea experience in their Byzantium Lounge.
Taj is slightly further than Sofitel in downtown. Although, you can still get to the Dubai Mall in 20 minutes walking.
See all the amenities at Taj Dubai.
Ultimate Luxury
Finally, the fun part! Let’s discuss the very best hotels in downtown Dubai. The ultimate Luxury picks. We recommend the Palace Hotel, the Armani Hotel & the Address Downtown.
Photo Credit: The Palace Hotel
Of all the hotels in Dubai city centre, the Palace Hotel has the best location, without a doubt! The Palace Hotel is located directly across from the Dubai fountains and Burj Khalifa.
If you aren’t staying here, you must certainly visit. We strolled through the upscale Souk, or bazaar for traditional goods. NOTE: You’ll get a much more refined Souk experience here than the Dubai Creek!
Photo Credit: The Palace Hotel
Besides the great location, the Palace Hotel also offers advanced in-room automation and luxurious outdoor swimming oasis with views of the tallest building in the world.
The ambiance of the hotel can best be described as “1001 Arabian Nights,” inside and out. It’s Middle Eastern flare starkly contrasts the surrounding glass sky-scrapers. See up to date pricing for the Palace Hotel.
Photo Credit: The Palace Hotel
You won’t be disappointed with your hotel stay in Dubai, if you choose Armani. The Armani Hotel in Downtown Dubai is located inside the Burj Khalifa! How cool is that?
Click here to see pricing for the Armani Hotel (inside the Burj Kahlifa).
This may be the best hotel in Dubai for singles because it’s home to one of the best nightlife spots— Privé nightclub. Extremely elegant and modern decor, incredible house music and $30 drinks. That’s Privé.
Besides Privé, the Armani Hotel also offers some excellent dining options that join world-class chefs with panoramic skyline views. Armani’s rooftop pool deck and open-air rooftop bar are to die for!
Finally, I’ll mention one more ultimate Luxury hotel in Dubai —the Address Hotel in downtown. It’s in the most perfect location, right between the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.
Highlights of the Address downtown include the NEOS nightclub, the elegant Cigar Lounge and STK Steakhouse.
Guests at the Address Downtown also receive complimentary meals at the Club Lounge, an open-air rooftop terrace with unparalleled views of Dubai. Also, each stay comes with a complimentary 2 hour admission to the Qix Kids Club.
View amenities at the Address downtown.
Address downtown is absolutely perfect for your family’s luxury experience. Besides the Kids Club, they also have a children’s pool and bubble pool. There’s even a dedicated children’s area in the Club Lounge.
Dubai Marina
The Marina is another one of the excellent places to stay in Dubai. There are fabulous accommodations ranging from budget friendly hostels to ultimate luxury resorts.
The Dubai Marina’s signature attraction is the pointedly named the Dubai Marina Walk. It’s a modern, manicured, Riverwalk surrounded by luxury condos, waterfront restaurants, and docked yachts.
| Hotel | Price | Stars | Distance from Dubai Marina Mall | Distance from Marina Beach | Rooftop Lounge | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At the Top Hostel | $ | N/A | 22 minute walk | 45 minute walk | No | 66th floor views |
| Millennium Place Marina | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 12 minute walk | 17 minute walk | No | MasterChef dining experience |
| Grosvenor House | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 20 minute walk | 35 minute walk | Yes | Budda Bar, East Asian style lounge |
| InterContinental | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 13 minute walk | 21 minute walk | Yes | reat nightlight and dining -Social Room & Urban Lounge |
The Dubai Marina is also home to the Dubai Marina Mall. One of Dubai’s best malls. It’s also a conveniently located right next to Jumeirah Beach —one of Dubai’s hottest beaches.
Staying at a Dubai Marina hotel will give you the best of both worlds. Not only will you be fully surrounded by skyscrapers, but you’ll also be right by the beach.
So, if you’re wondering which area to stay in Dubai… look no further than the Dubai Marina.
Budget
Some of the best cheap hotels in Dubai are located at the Dubai Marina. The Rove Dubai Marina is at the top of our list. It’s one of the best 3 star hotels in Dubai.
The Rove has modern, sleek and functional rooms. Also, an outdoor rooftop pool deck. They’ve got luggage storage lockers and a great late checkout policy.
Although, there are even more economic options. Some of the best budget hotels in Dubai are actually hostels. We recommend At the Top Hostel. At the Top Hostel offers rooms on the 66th floor of an elite residence tower. You’ll get panoramic views of the beach, the Dubai Marina and the Palm Jumeirah. Balconies, included!
At the Top Hostel also provides a daily free breakfast, communal kitchen facilities and plenty of opportunities to connect with others. This is one of the best cheap places to stay in Dubai!
Mid-Range
If you’re looking for great 4 star hotels in Dubai, you’ll love the Millennium Place at the Marina. It’s one of the best hotels in the Dubai Marina for Mid-Range travelers.
The Millennium Place is one of our favorite four star hotels in Dubai because they offer an exceptionally unique dining experience. It’s based on the TV series MasterChef. Guests will enjoy recipes from past champions of MasterChef. They’ll also get to learn about the contestant’s culinary philosophies and personal experiences on the show.
This interactive dinner includes a “Mystery Box Challenge,” where diners choose from select ingredients, and Chefs cook new creations on-the-spot.
We also love the Millennium Place’s speakeasy style lounge called ‘The Luggage Room‘ where you can enjoy old school jazz, play board games and sip classic cocktails. Check prices for the Millenium Place Hotel.
Affordable Luxury
The Dubai Marina is also a fun place to splurge on your hotel stay! It includes some of the best luxury hotels in Dubai such as The Address Dubai Marina, the Grosvenor House & the InterContinental Dubai Marina. These are all 5 star hotels!
See prices for the Address Dubai Marina.
We love the Address Dubai Marina because it’s a bargain. It still provides all the incredible features of an Address Hotel, but it’s a lot cheaper to stay at the Address Dubai Marina than the Address in downtown Dubai.
Photo Credit: Grosvenor House
We also love the Grosvenor House, a top tier Marriott brand. Premier Suites at the Grosvenor House include mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea, Palm Jumeirah or the Dubai Marina.
Photo Credit: Grosvenor House
They’re also home to the elegant East Asian inspired Buddha Bar. This lounge is ultra romantic. It’s got vaulted ceiling, rich drapes, rooftop views and nightly live DJ tunes. Find more details about the Grosvenor House.
Buddah Bar makes the Grosvenor House one of the best hotels in Dubai for couples!
Find more exciting things to do in Dubai for couples.
We also love the InterContinental Dubai Marina, another excellent 5 star hotel. The InterContinental also offers aerial views of the Dubai Marina — which is the world’s largest man-made waterfront.
The InterContinental has a premier lounge on the 39th floor as well as top-tier nightlife and dining. Offering a nightclub hot-spot The Social Room and rooftop terrace Urban Lounge. Urban Lounge offers hookah, shared plates and private poolside cabanas. Check out these awesome restaurants at the InterContinental.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is one of the premier Dubai destinations. This is where you’ll find some of the most popular hotels in Dubai. The hotels in Jumeirah Beach tend to be less economic than those in downtown or the Dubai Marina.
This iconic white-sand beach stretches across the Persian Gulf along Dubai’s historic district. It’s close to the Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and the iconic Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk, or “the Walk.”
| Hotels | Price | Stars | Direct Beach Access | Family Friendly | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Beach Hostel | $ | N/A | No | walking distance to the beach | |
| Park Regis Boutique | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐ | No | walking distance to the beach | |
| Hilton The Walk | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | Yes | Pure Sky Lounge |
| Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | 19 acres of landscaped gardens | |
| Burj Al Arab | $$$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | world's only 7 star hotel |
Other exciting attractions in this neighborhood include the Wild Wadi Waterpark, Souk at Madinat Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab 7-star hotel.
It’s a bustling commercial district with endless sand and sun, shopping and restaurants, nightlife and entertainment… basically, everything you’re looking for!
Budget
Luckily, it’s possible to find some of the best cheap hotels in Dubai on Jumeirah Beach. We recommend the Dubai Beach Hostel.
The Dubai Beach Hostel is just a few minutes walk from the beach. They have a huge rooftop terrace that overlooks the Jumeirah Beach, and even offers glimpses of the Dubai Marina skyscrapers. Great communal spaces are available!
Mid-Range
If you’re looking for a bit more privacy, we’ve selected some excellent picks for the Mid-Range price bracket. These include the Park Regis Boutique Hotel and Hilton Dubai at The Walk.
The Park Regis is a boutique hotel in Dubai with 3 stars but an economic price tag. It’s a small hotel with just over 20 guest rooms, and it’s within walking distance to the beach. Check the prices for the Park Regis Boutique.
Check prices for the Park Regis Boutique.
The Park Regis Boutique Hotel offers airport transfers, free parking, and dining at their Urban Balkan Bistro —21 Grams. This is a quaint hotel that aims to simplify your travel.
If you are looking for more amenities at this price range, consider the Hilton Dubai Walk instead. If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai with family? It’s perfect!
The Hilton Dubai at the Walk is located right on the beach. It’s one of the more affordable hotels in Dubai with beach access.
Find more details about the Hilton at the Walk.
I’m obsessed with the vibes at their Pure Sky Lounge at sunset. Grab a bite to eat at the Bice Sky Bar.
Affordable Luxury
If you’re willing to spend a bit more on your Jumeirah Beach experience, some good hotels in Dubai include Sofitel Jumeirah Beach and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort.
Sofitel Jumeirah Beach is one of the top luxury hotels in Dubai that doesn’t cost a fortune. Suites overlook the Arabian Gulf. A massive infinity pool on the 3d floor is the perfect place to sunbathe!
Find more details about Sofitel at the Palm.
Sofitel is also one of the best business hotels in Dubai offering sophisticated and modern meeting & event spaces adorned in marble and dark wood with high ceilings and elegant touches.
The luxurious Le Royal Meridien is also right on Jumeirah Beach. It’s something special! Offering 19 acres of landscaped gardens to explore. Find more details about the Le Royal Meridien.
Find more details about the Le Le Royal Meridien here.
The Le Royal Meridien also offers a trendy, upscale beach-side brunch at Brasserie 2.0. Also, a swanky sports-rooftop bar called Shades. This is only a sampling of the phenomenal dining options at Le Royal Meridien. They’ve also got restaurants that serve Middle Eastern, British and Asian fare.
Ultimate Luxury
Finally…my mouth is watering for these ultimate luxury picks on Jumeirah Beach! Including the seven star hotel in Dubai —the legendary Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Some of the most sought after hotel rooms in Dubai can be found at the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach and the One&Only Royal Mirage.
The Burj Al Arab… what can I say? It’s incredible. It’s definitely the most luxurious hotel in Dubai. It was built by cutting-edge engineering on a unique and completely private man-made beach.
It’s truly a landmark in Dubai’s skyline! Also, the most expensive hotel in Dubai.
The Burj Al Arab also boasts the world’s tallest atrium, an iconic infinity pool, and exquisite dining opportunities. The Burj Al Arab boasts Michelin-starred chefs from across the globe.
Find out more about the Burj Al Arab.
Slightly more affordable than the Burj Al Arab (but not by much), the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach is also spectacular. At the Four Seasons, you’ll choose from seaside views of sprawling skyline views.
They have 11 restaurants, lounges and nightclubs! They also offer the unique opportunity to discover Dubai by private jet.
Finally, I’ll touch on the One&Only Royal Mirage. A spectacular hotel on its own front. It’s the perfect epicenter for your Arabian adventure!
The One&Only offers over 60 acres of gardens, fountains, and walkways all adorned with incredible Arabic details like arches, domes, and mosaic patterns. Including celebrated golf courses, water sports, and personalized excursions.
Choose from rooms in their Arabian court, spa residences or beach-side villas.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is home to some of the best beaches in Dubai (as well as some of the best luxury hotels in Dubai). 😉
What is it exactly? The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago, a group of man-made islands off the Persian Gulf. Together, these engineered islands add over 300 miles of coastline to Dubai! The Palm Jumeirah is essentially brand new. Hotels didn’t exist here 20 years ago!
| Hotel | Price | Stars | Family Friendly | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retreat Hotel | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | specializing in wellness, holistic retreats, health juices | |
| W Dubai | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | great for younger crowd - hip, fun - great nightlife | |
| Waldorf Astoria the Palm | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | |
| Atlantis | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | Underwater suites available - on site water park and aquarium |
Attractions at the Palm Jumeirah include the Palm Jumeriah Boardwalk, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm & plenty of water sports. It’s the best area to stay in Dubai for families.
Mid-Range
The best beach hotels in Dubai that don’t cost a fortune can be found on the Palm Jumeirah. These include the Retreat Palm and Dukes the Palm.
The Retreat Palm has an especially enticing spa and specializes in making Rayya Nutri Health juices that promote holistic well being. Their holistic wellness rooms are equipped with yoga mats, Bosu balls, bath rituals, salt lamp air purifiers and more!
They also offer a 24-hour all-inclusive retreat experience which includes meals, spa treatment as well as yoga and meditation sessions. It’s the best place to stay in Dubai for couples — relax, unwind, enjoy.
Find prices for the Retreat Palm here.
Dukes the Palm, the Royal Hideaway Hotel, is one of the best value hotels in Dubai. It’s got a private beach, many restaurants to choose from & an infinity pool. This is one of the best budget friendly family hotels in Dubai.
Affordable Luxury
If you’re looking for a little extra… consider some of these affordable luxury options. We love the Waldorf Astoria at the Palm, W Dubai at the Palm or Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.
Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria at the Palm
Waldorf Astoria at the Palm has 6 exceptional restaurants on site and a world-class spa.
Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria at the Palm
The W Dubai attracts a young and vibrant scene with its WET deck and SoBe rooftop. The decor of the W Hotel stands out among the rest. It’s nothing short of a modern sanctuary.
Finally, I’ll mention the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. It’s another one of the 5 star luxury hotels in Dubai. Private beach? Yes. Shopping opportunities? Yes. Even, personal training? Yes.
Ultimate Luxury
Now, we’ve got to mention some of these ultimate luxury resorts in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Including Atlantis the Palm and Emerald Palace by Kempinski.
You might have heard of a hotel in Dubai that has underwater rooms... that’s Atlantis at the Palm. So, yes, if anyone’s asking… underwater is actually the best hotel location in Dubai.
The Atlantis is one of the most unique luxury resorts in Dubai. It’s home to Dubai’s top rated Waterpark. The Aquaventure Waterpark has unbelievable waterslides, a lazy river, and animal exhibits. The Atlantis also offers tickets to their Lost Chambers Aquarium, shark feeding show, dolphin show & more!
Of all the luxury hotels in Dubai on the beach, none other can offer the Underwater Suite. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to a remote section of the Ambassador Lagoon.
You’ll get access to over 60,000 marine species including sharks, rays and fish. This suite also includes access to an intimate private lounge, 24h butler service and everything else you may need!
Check out the Underwater Suite at Atlantis the Palm.
The Emerald Palace Kempinski doesn’t have its own aquarium, but it does offer one of Dubai’s largest wellness centers. Their villas are absolutely divine! It’s one of the top beach hotels in Dubai.
Desert Retreats
Finally, we’ll discuss some of the top rated hotels in Dubai that are found in the desert. The desert has its own perks. It’s remote, relaxing and reminiscent of old-world Middle Eastern vibes.
| Resort | Price | Stars | Desert Excursions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bab Al Shams | $$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes |
| Al Maha | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes |
Affordable Luxury
The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort dominates the affordable luxury category. This is one of the most unique hotels near Dubai.
I love Bab Al Shams because of the diverse range of experiences they offer. Everything from the basic swimming pools to archery. You can also enjoy desert specific activities like nature walks, desert drives, and falconry. There’s even fat bike riding, horseback riding, and camel riding! How fun is that?
Find out what else you can do at Bab Al Shams.
Of course, you can expect insanely beautiful architecture at this Arabian hotel. Dubai is only a short drive away, and you can get to downtown in 45 minutes.
Ultimate Luxury
Another incredible Dubai resort hotel in the desert is the Al Maha. This is one expensive hotel in Dubai that’s worth every penny!
The Al Maha is one of the top resorts in Dubai. It’s a guest-only exclusive oasis nestled among the dunes of the Dubai Conservation Reserve. See more photos of the Al Maha Resort.
Here, you’ll get unique views of the Hajar Mountain massif. You’ll get to embark on camel treks and interactive nature walks. Also, desert safaris and much more!
Looking to up the romance? Schedule a private dune dining picnic at sunset. Book one of the Bedouin suites with a private plunge pool! Highly recommended.
1 comment
Thanks for the wonderful guide on dubai hotels. It was a great help. Thanks for sharing this information!!