Dubai Hotels

Best places to stay in Dubai

Dubai sprawls along the coastline for over 70 kilometres, so there’s an enormous amount of choice when it comes to where to stay. In the north, Deira and Al Fahidi are older and more historic and provide easy access to the airport as well as Dubai Creek. The Downtown area is centred around the unmissable Burj Khalifa, while further south lie the glitzy Dubai Marina, JBR Beach and Palm Jumeirah, home to many of the emirate’s big-name luxury hotels. Just off the coast, The World Islands are a series of artificial islets in the shape of a world map where you can stay for the last word in privacy.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Downtown Dubai is the place to go if you’re all about the big-name attractions. First and foremost, of course, is the towering landmark of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. In front of the skyscraper is the equally impressive Dubai Fountain, whose synchronised displays are a true spectacle to behold, while just next door you can find the cavernous Dubai Mall, which boasts over 1,200 retail outlets as well as an ice rink, aquarium, cinema and so much more. When it’s time for a change of scenery and some sun-worshipping, you can hop on public transport and reach the beach in around half an hour.

Where to stay with your family in Dubai

Families in search of a Dubai hotel should make a beeline for the area around JBR Beach and Dubai Marina. It has everything you need, starting with the beach itself, a mile-long stretch of white sand lapped by warm, shallow water. Running the length of the beach is The Walk, a wide promenade lined with countless options for dining, shopping and entertainment. A short stroll leads to the sleek Dubai Marina, where the whole family can admire the luxurious yachts and get involved in some watersports, chartering a boat for the day or trying out jet-skiing and parasailing for a real thrill.

Where to find cheap hotels in Dubai

Although hotels in Dubai can be almost unimaginably luxurious, there are budget options out there. If you want to stay in Downtown Dubai, it’s worth checking out Business Bay, which tends to be much cheaper but is only about a 20-minute walk away. Park Regis Business Bay Hotel has rooms available for as little as £60 a night and offers a restaurant and cafe as well as a pool and fitness centre. Another great area for bargain-hunters is the charming district of Deira. Wyndham Dubai Deira is a 4-star hotel with rooms from just £35/night and lies a short stroll from the souks of this historic area.

The 10 must-sees of Dubai

• Burj Khalifa: Photograph from below or check out the view from this iconic 828-metre skyscraper. The Burj Al Arab is also a staple of the Dubai skyline to snap a pic of.

• Dubai Fountain: At two football pitches long and shooting water over 100 metres into the air during light shows, the Dubai Fountain is an impressive sight.

• Dubai Marina: This beautiful area of the city has a sandy beach, a top-rated mall and an amazing skyline view.

• Miracle Garden: This beautifully sculpted floral spectacle is one of the most photogenic spots in Dubai – like a gardener’s Disneyland.

• Dubai Creek: A boat tour along Dubai Creek is a truly magical experience. The creek was the site of the original civilisation here and is also home to a wildlife sanctuary.

• Atlantis Aquaventure & Lost Chambers Aquarium: A huge waterpark with exhilarating rides and a dedicated family zone sits alongside a large aquarium with dozens of exhibits and experiences like diving and “underwater” yoga.

• **IMG Worlds of Adventure: **This theme park is a must-see for fans of Marvel and Cartoon Network.

• Global Village: Global Village is a huge dining, shopping and entertainment complex with shows and events, a miniature world and themed areas for many of the planet’s famous countries.

• Deep Dive Dubai: Scuba enthusiasts won’t want to miss this opportunity to head to new depths at the world’s deepest indoor dive centre.

• Dubai Garden Glow: Spectacular sculptures and whimsical displays crafted from colourful lanterns.

Party and nightlife in Dubai

If you’re looking to party the night away in Dubai, you may find the best nightlife is inside your hotel. Research hotels and resorts with famous clubs and bars inside, so you can book one that fits your vibe. Some of the best-known clubs to dance and party include the extravagant Billionaire Mansion, White, Cavalli, and the unique venue FLOAT, which is perched atop the QE2. Equally, there are many ways to enjoy the balmy late nights in Dubai without donning your dancing shoes and heading indoors. Many Dubai attractions are open late at night, including Dubai Garden Glow, the Global Village and the Dubai Fountain. Strolling the corniche or your local neighbourhood is a popular evening pastime for local families, and you’ll be in good company wandering the seafront or Dubai Marina, for example, once the sun sets.

Going shopping in Dubai

• Dubai Mall: Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, art museum, cinema, interactive play zone, observation deck, trampoline centre, VR experience and ice rink.

• Mall of the Emirates: Mall, indoor ski experience, theatre, Magic Planet, bowling and a cinema.

• Dubai Outlet Mall: Slightly out-of-town mall geared towards finding bargains.

• Nakheel Mall: Indoor mall on Palm Jumeirah.

• Dubai Outlet Village: Italian-inspired indoor mall.

• Dubai Marina Mall: Waterfront shopping and dining.

• Bur Dubai Souk Market: Waterfront outdoor market selling clothes, gifts, food and souvenirs.

• Dubai Spice Souk: Spice market

• Dubai Gold Souk: Jewellery bazaar.

• Waterfront Market: Fish and food market.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Dubai Creek, Cielo Sky Lounge at Park Hyatt Dubai offers innovative cocktails, stylish decor and live music from both local and international DJs. The hotel itself is a 5-star affair with award-winning restaurants, a serene spa, and its own golf course.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

If you’re into fine dining, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice at Four Seasons Dubai Jumeirah Beach, which has half a dozen restaurants specialising in everything from Peruvian to Italian and Japanese to Turkish cuisine. For a once-in-a-lifetime treat, order a romantic beach dining experience for two.

Spa hotels in Dubai

You might need to block out a full day to appreciate the palatial spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, which boasts an incredible 42 treatment rooms. The Ottoman-inspired decor is breathtaking, and there are novel experiences around every corner, including two thalassotherapy rooms and a snow room.

Luxury hotels

In a city packed with high-end accommodation, The Bulgari Resort Dubai still makes a name for itself. Situated on its own island, Jumeirah Bay, its amenities cater to the mega-rich, hence the private marina for superyachts. Take a dip in the gold-tiled pool or shop at the Bulgari jewellery boutique and feel like you’ve made it.