Where to stay in Dubai: my selection of the best hotels

You’re looking for the best place to stay in Dubai during your visit?

As you know, it’s not always easy to find the perfect accommodation, especially when you don’t know the city very well.

The perfect hotel for your stay needs to be located in a convenient district, close to public transport and tourist attractions.

And of course, it also needs to fit in your budget!

In this guide, in order to help you out, I will give you my selection of the best hotels in Dubai, sorted by district. Whether you’re looking for a hotel in the city centre, in the Old Dubai or by the sea, you will for sure find the perfect hotel for you.

You will see, with my tips, booking your dream hotel in Dubai will be super easy and you will enjoy an exceptional stay!

My favorite hotels in Dubai

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels to stay in Dubai, if you don’t really have time to read my detailed article.

You just have to click on the hotel name to access the details and prices:

• Where to stay in Dubai for shopping: Rove Downton – Walking distance from the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
• Where to stay in Dubai by the sea: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach – Walking distance from the beach
• The best hotel with swimming-pool in Dubai: Address Beach Resort and its splendid infinity pool located 294 metres high!
• The best 5* hotel in Dubai: Address Downtown – Direct access to the Dubai Mall.
• The best cheap hotel in Dubai: TRYP by Windham Dubai
• Where to stay in Dubai with family: Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair – Best value for money! / Fairmont the Palm for the luxury version of family holidays.
• Iconic hotels in Dubai: Atlantis The Palm or the Burj Al Arab.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is the perfect place if you want to stay in the center of Dubai.

This part of the city is one of the most lively and touristic, with top attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.

Skyscrapers as far as the eye can see, numerous hotels, restaurants and shops… No doubt, you’re really in the heart of the city of luxury and excess.

For me, it’s the best place to stay in Dubai!

I recommend this area to stay in Dubai:

• To be close to the metro and get around quickly
• To sleep close to and perhaps enjoy a superb view over the city’s symbol: the Burj Khalifa
• If you go to Dubai to shop.

Downtown Dubai is the ideal place to discover:

• The Burj Khalifa: the tallest building in the world is 828 meters high and has 3 observation decks to gaze at the city
• The Dubai Mall: a huge shopping center, the most famous in the city, with 1,200 shops and numerous restaurants
• Dubai Aquarium, a must-visit with your kids
• The fountain show that takes place every evening between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Downtown Dubai

• DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: located at 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well-decorated and equipped starting at €110 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to Dubai Mall, breakfast with lots of choice, comfort, quiet. This is my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Downtown Dubai.
• Rove Downtown: just 600 metres from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with views of the Burj Khalifa from 150€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: walking distance to the Dubai Mall, helpful staff, free shuttles to the beach, the Dubai Museum or Souk Madinat.
• Taj Dubai: located 800 metres from the Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with large windows overlooking the city and marble bathroom. Starting at €220, breakfast at €32. Strong points: the splendid view from the rooftop, the Indian-themed decor, the large swimming-pool. An excellent choice to stay close to Downtown Dubai!
• Palace Downtown: on the shores of the Burj Khalifa lake, this 5* hotel offers splendid rooms with balconies and exceptional views of the Burj Khalifa. Starting at €380, breakfast at €39. Strong points: the location is exceptional, the setting is magnificent and the staff is attentive. Certainly one of the most prestigious hotels in Dubai!
  
• Address Downtown: located just next to the Dubai Mall and right in front of the Burj Khalifa, the hotel is located in a 300 metres high tower and offers splendid and luxurious rooms. Starting at €620, breakfast at €40. Strong points: direct access to the Dubai Mall, the rooftop and its view over the fountains and the Burj Khalifa, the Spa, the 9 restaurants, the superb swimming-pool. One of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai!

Deira district

You prefer to stay in the historical district of Dubai?

Then, you should stay in Deira, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. There are no skyscrapers here, so you’ll find yourself immersed in the authentic and traditional atmosphere of a Middle Eastern city.

The Old Dubai area is very lively and more authentic, less ‘corporate’ than Downtown Dubai. There are small shops, souks and many restaurants frequented by locals where you can eat and shop for a very reasonable price.

This area is ideal to stay in Dubai:

• If you are looking for authenticity
  
• If you want a hotel with more affordable prices
• To try the typical cuisine

Deira district is perfect to discover:

• The gold souk and its many shops offering impressive jewels
• The spice souk to bring back saffron, curry, cinnamon and more from your stay in Dubai
• The perfume souk and its heady smells
• The fish market.

Where to stay in Deira district (Dubai)?

• Rove City Centre: just 200 metres from the metro. The hotel offers modern, spacious and very clean rooms starting at €90, breakfast at €15. Strong points: next to the metro and a shopping centre, free shuttle to tourist attractions, great staff. A very good place to stay in Dubai.
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: located in Deira district. Come and discover its warm and spacious rooms starting at €115, breakfast at €27. Strong points: friendly staff, the view, a great break-fast. This is my favorite hotel to stay in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
  
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek: 5* hotel located on the shores of Deira Creek. Double room with balcony and view over Dubai Creek starting at €150, breakfast at €29. Strong points: close to the metro and shops, the beautiful swimming-pool, the good bedding and the view. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Old Dubai.
• Al Bandar Rotana – Dubai Creek: luxurious 5* hotel located on the waterfront. Very elegant room starting at €180, breakfast at €33. Strong points: the swimming-pool with its incredible view over the Dubai skyline, the ultra-comfortable bedding, the sumptuous breakfast. This is the best hotel for a luxury stay in Deira!

Bur Dubai district

Bur Dubai is the other historical district of Dubai.

Located on the western side of Dubai Creek, opposite Deira district. It’s also very authentic and quite similar to Deira: you will find traditional shops, small alleys with local restaurants and a popular souk.

You will love this area:

• If you are looking to stay in the traditional side of Dubai, without the glitter!
• If you want a lively area
• If you don’t want to be too far from Downtown Dubai.

In Bur Dubai district, you shouldn’t miss:

• The Old Souk, one of the oldest in Dubai. There, you will find a lot of stuff: shoes, souvenirs, fabrics, spices… Be ready to bargain!
• Meena Bazaar, a small market with fabrics, spices and jewellery from India
• The Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center, to enjoy a lunch with an locals in a traditional house. The centre was created by Sheikh Mohammed to introduce tourists to the traditions of the United Arab Emirates. Booking is required, click here to book.
• Al Seef Market houses several replicas of traditional houses with restaurants and shops.
• The Dubai Museum, to discover the history of the city, from its beginnings to its future projects
• Going on a romantic boat ride on Dubai Creek.

Where to stay in Bur Dubai?

• Golden Sands Hotel Apartments: located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. You prefer to stay in an apartment rather than in a hotel in Dubai? This accommodation is ideal! You will stay in a studio equipped with a kitchenette and washing machine starting at €80 per night, breakfast at €11. Strong points: cleanliness, heated swimming-pool, comfort. This is the perfect place to stay in Old Dubai if you’re on a budget!
• Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef: the hotel is located on the seafront of Khor Dubai. The rooms decor is quite original: very playful and colorful! Starting at €105, including breakfast. Strong points: the stylish design, the calm, the excellent location, close to the metro and the restaurants.
• Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: located next to the Creekside park. Very spacious room, super comfortable and very well equipped starting at €130 per night, breakfast at €33. Strong points: 5-minutes walk from the metro, the reception, the tranquillity of the place, the spa. One of my favorite hotels to stay in Dubai!
• Raffles Dubai: this 5-star hotel architecture is directly inspired by the Egyptian pyramids. All rooms have a large balcony with views over the skyscrapers and the Burj Khalifa. Starting at €230, breakfast at €30. Strong points: the spa, the beautiful outdoor swimming-pool, the quality of the service. The perfect hotel for a romantic stay in Bur Dubai!

Jumeirah and JBR, by the sea

Jumeirah is the perfect place if you’re planning to stay on the seaside.

This part of town is bordered by long sandy beaches. You can go to the free public beach or to one of he upscale beach clubs where you can rent deckchairs and parasols.

Most of the hotels in Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) also have a private beach, so it’s very convenient if you planned to relax in addition to visit!

There, you can also enjoy water activities such as jet skiing or Stand Up Paddle.

On the waterfront, you will find very nice restaurants where you can have a drink or a romantic dinner by the sea.

The Jumeirah / JBR area is the perfect place to stay in Dubai:

• To enjoy the beaches
• For a relaxing stay.

Things to do in Jumeirah:

• Lay on the sand of one of the beaches: Kite Beach, The Beach, Sunset Beach
• Admire the Burj Al-Arab, one of the only 7* hotels in the world
• Discover Madinat Jumeirah souk: its shops, restaurants and exceptional view over the Burj Al-Arab
• Visit Jumeirah mosque, the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslims
• Take a stroll along The Walk, the waterfront promenade.

The best hotels to stay in Jumeirah Beach/JBR

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: if you choose this accommodation you will be just 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view starting at €125, breakfast at €27. Strong points: the view, comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the marina. The hotel offering the best value for money if you want to stay near the beach in Dubai!
• Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: located along The Walk. Room with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah starting at €175, breakfast at €24. Strong points: the exceptional view, close to the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: located 150 meters from the beach. This luxury hotel offers contemporary rooms with balconies and a sea view starting at €230, breakfast at €22. Strong points: the infinity pool, the sumptuous breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: located directly on JBR beach. Room with elegant decoration and balcony with a sea view starting at €500, breakfast at €39. Strong points: the 6 swimming pools, the private beach, the spa, the quality of the service. The perfect luxury hotel to stay on the seafront in Dubai!

I will end  this selection of the most beautiful seaside hotels in Dubai with the most iconic hotel of the city.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is the ultimate luxury hotel, one of the few 7* hotels in the world! The smallest suite is 170m² and prices start at €1290 with breakfast at €74.

At this price, I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be exceptional!

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina district is about a 10-minute walk away from JBR.

It’s the place where luxury yachts and other splendid luxury boats are moored.

This neighbourhood is rather residential and favoured by many expats. It features many apartment buildings and a few hotels overlooking the marina.

If you’re looking to stay in the modern part of Dubai, the Marina can be a good alternative to Downtown Dubai!

You should stay in Dubai Marina:

• If you enjoy walking along the waterfront
• If you like the modern and spectacular side of Dubai, with its huge skyscrapers
• To be close to the beaches

Here are the best places to visit and things to do in the Marina district:

• Shopping at the Dubai Marina Mall
• A cruise on a luxury yacht
• A walk along the 10 km long promenade
• A ride on the longest urban zipline in the world. You will start this unique experience from the top of a building! I loved it!

What are the best hotels in Dubai Marina?

• Rove Dubai Marina: located at the end of the marina, near the sea and not far from Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Spacious room with a magnificent view of the city starting at €115, breakfast at €15. Strong points: free shuttle to the beach, shopping centre and metro, very nice staff, the view. This Dubai hotel offers great value for money!
• Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel: located a 5-minute walk from the metro. The hotel offers warm and elegant rooms starting at €190, breakfast at €30. Strong points: sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, swimming-pool, very good location, excellent breakfast.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: located on the promenade, the 5* hotel offers a panoramic view over the harbor and yachts. The rooms are really spacious and some have a balcony. Starting at €310, breakfast at €43. Strong points: private beach, butler service, spa, valet parking. My favorite hotel in Dubai Marina for an upscale stay!
• The Address Dubai Marina: located just above Dubai Marina Mall, the hotel offers splendid and tastefully decorated rooms starting at €400, breakfast at €36. Strong points: the prestige of the hotel, the extraordinary staff, the sumptuous swimming-pool with a view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Dubai Marina!

Palm Jumeirah island

Welcome to the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah: 100% man made, this palm tree shaped island quickly became a symbol of Dubai.

Considered as one of the most beautiful places to stay in Dubai, this island is home to several palaces including the iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel.

On Palm Jumeirah, you will also find the world famous Aquaventure WaterPark.

Apart from that, Palm Jumeirah is above all a residential area with many luxury villas.

You should stay in Palm Jumeirah, if:

• You have a high budget
• You want peace and quiet
• You don’t mind being a little away from the city center
• You have a car or you are traveling by taxi

Best attractions of Palm Jumeirah:

• The Aquaventure Park: a giant water park, one of the best in the world
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium and its thousands of animals: sharks, rays, piranhas…
• Dolphin Bay, a lagoon where you can swim with dolphins!
• The Pointe: a large outdoor shopping center, with shops and restaurants offering a splendid view of the Atlantis + The biggest dancing fountain show in the world!

Best accommodations in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

• Aloft Palm Jumeirah: located on the eastern part of the island, this 4* hotel is one of the cheapest in this part of the city and offers excellent services: swimming-pool, private beach, trendy bar, rooftop restaurant with stunning views. Starting at €170 per night + breakfast at €23.
• Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai: as I mentioned above, the Atlantis, one of the iconic hotels of the city is located on Palm Jumeirah. Rooms starting at €300, breakfast at €42. Strong points: access to Aquaventure waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium included in the price, the private beach, the swimming-pools. One of the most famous hotel in Dubai!
• Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: this luxury hotel offers all-inclusive rooms (all meals included) starting at €452. Strong points: the quality of food, the setting, the comfort of the rooms.
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxurious suite with dining area and living room starting at €750, breakfast included. Strong points: the private beach, the huge swimming-pool and the beautiful outdoors. This is the best luxury hotel in Palm Jumeirah!

The 4 Best places to stay in Dubai on a budget

If you are on a smaller budget, here is my selection of  affordable options to stay in Dubai (less than €90 per night):

• Bombay Backpackers DXB: youth hostel located in JBR, 100 meters from the beach. Dormitory bed starting at €35. A very good option to stay in Dubai if you’re on a budget!
• OYO 101 Click Hotel: located in Deira district, just next to the metro. Double room, a bit old-fashioned, but spacious and starting at only €50, breakfast included.
• Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf: located in Bur Dubai, close to the metro. 3* hotel with a beautiful swimming-pool and modern and immaculate rooms starting at €65, breakfast at €10. Worth noting: the free airport shuttle and the excellent breakfast with fresh orange juice! An excellent inexpensive solution to stay not far from the center of Dubai.
• TRYP by Wyndham Dubai: located less than 600 meters away from the metro. Modern and colorful double room with large windows, starting at €80 per night, breakfast at €28.

Where to stay in Dubai with family

• Savoy Central Hotel Apartments: located in Bur Dubai district, the hotel offers modern apartments with a living room and a well-equipped kitchen, starting at €85 per night for 4 persons (2 adults + 2 children). Baby cots also available. I highly recommend this hotel for an inexpensive family stay in Dubai.
• Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair: located in Deira district, you will stay in spacious apartments of at least 110 m² for 4 persons. They are super well equipped (living room, kitchen, office, dining room) and the decoration is really nice. Starting at €150, breakfast included. This hotels offers a great value for money for your family stay in Dubai!
• Wyndham Dubai Marina: located in Dubai Marina. Suite for 4 persons starting at €180, breakfast included. Another great choice to stay in Dubai with your family!
• Fairmont The Palm: located in Palm Jumeirah, this 5* hotel is perfect if you’re traveling with kids. There is a kids swimming-pool, a water park and a kids club offering lots of activities. Starting at €315 for a family suite (2 adults + 2 children).
• Roda Amwaj Suites Jumeirah Beach Residence: located in JBR, a 5-minute walk from the beach and restaurants, the residence offers modern, air-conditioned 2-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, starting at €370.

What’s the best hotel in Dubai?

It’s quite difficult to choose the best hotel in Dubai as there are numerous magnificent luxury hotels all over the city.

If you’re looking to stay in the best hotel in Downtown Dubai, I would definitely recommend The Address Downtown,which is truly one of the most beautiful 5* hotels in Dubai. And for something a bit more affordable, the Palace Downtown is also an excellent choice.

And if you’re looking for the best beachfront hotel in Dubai, you can’t go wrong by option for The Ritz-Carlton in JBR!

Where to stay in Dubai: the summary of the best hotels

Here is the recap of the best place to stay in Dubai, in each area. You can sort them by price or by district!

Hôtel	District	Price
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubaï	Downtown Dubai	110$
Rove Downtown	Downtown Dubai	150$
Taj Dubaï	Downtown Dubai	220$
Palace Downtown	Downtown Dubai	380$
Address Downtown	Downtown Dubai	620$
Armani Hotel Dubaï	Downtown Dubai	550$
Rove City Centre	Deira	90$
Swissotel Al Ghurair	Deira	115$
Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek	Deira	105$
Al Bandar Rotana Dubaï Creek	Deira	180$
Golden Sands Hotel Apartments	Bur Dubai	80$
Hampton by Hilton Dubaï Al Seef	Bur Dubai	105$
Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences	Bur Dubai	130$
Raffles Dubaï	Bur Dubai	230$
Queen Elizabeth II	Bur Dubai	160$
Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach	Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach Residence	125$
Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach	Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach Residence	175$
Sofitel Dubaï	Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach Residence	230$
The Ritz-Carlton	Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach Residence	500$
Burj Al Arab	Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach Residence	1290$
Rove Dubaï Marina	Dubai Marina	115$
Stella di Mare Dubaï Marina Hotel	Dubai Marina	190$
Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments	Dubai Marina	310$
Address Dubaï Marina	Dubai Marina	400$
Aloft Palm Jumeirah	The Palm Jumeirah	170$
Atlantis The Palm	The Palm Jumeirah	300$
Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites	The Palm Jumeirah	452$
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah	The Palm Jumeirah	750$
Dream Inn Getaway Villa	The Palm Jumeirah	Luxury villa - Variable rate
Dream Inn Signature Villa	The Palm Jumeirah	Luxury villa - Variable rate
Dream Inn Palm Island Retreat Villa	The Palm Jumeirah	Luxury villa - Variable rate
Bombay Backpackers DXB	Cheap hotel	25$
OYO 101 Click Hotel	Cheap hotel	50$
Premier Inn Dubaï Al Jaddaf	Cheap hotel	65$
TRYP by Windham Dubaï	Cheap hotel	80$
Savoy Central Hotel Apartments	Family hotel	85$
Swissotel Living Al Ghurair	Family hotel	150$
Wyndham Dubaï Marina	Family hotel	180$
Fairmont The Palm	Family hotel	315$
Roda Amjaw Suites JBR	Family hotel	470$

You’re traveling to Dubai? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Dubai: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

• Dubai: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!

• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!

• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction

• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!

• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)

• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets

• Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

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