Dubai isn’t only about credit-card-bending shopping sprees, dreamy beach days, and lazy champagne brunches, despite the glitz and glamour. Try camel racing, dune-bashing through the Arabian desert, or learning falconry like a Sheikh. And everything doesn’t have to cost a king’s ransom. A traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek to the onion-domed mosques and busy souks of Old Dubai costs just a dirham. Check out the best hotels in Dubai to book right now, whether it’s a sleek beach pad or an Arabian grandeur.
1. Palazzo Versace Dubai
Many of Dubai’s greatest hotels are well-known on Instagram. But if you truly want to gloat about something, look no further than the opulently colourful Palazzo Versace Dubai. A luxurious palace that welcomes skateboarders as well as sultans. An opulent Neoclassical palazzo reminiscent of those seen in 16th-century Tuscany houses the premium hotel. Isn’t it intriguing?
The Versace Home Collection is included in the rooms and suites. Think cream carved wood and subtle turquoise, gold, and salmon silk decor. There are balconies or terraces on every floor. Many of the rooms have views of the Creek. Versace’s unique aesthetics are reflected in the nine bars and restaurants. Afternoon tea in Mosaico in the lobby, Dubai’s catwalk and the place to see and be seen is our favourite.
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2. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
The art scene of Western Europe meets the civilization of ancient Egypt in this monster of luxury. The Sofitel Dubai was inspired by the Luxor Obelisk in Paris. The Obelisk is a massive palace complex. In honour of its French counterpart, a gold pyramidion is affixed to the top. The hotel boasts a swanky L’Occitane spa and a slew of gastronomic emporiums in addition to approximately 600 finely furnished rooms, suites, and villas. In addition, Brasserie Boulud, the first restaurant in the UAE by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.
3. Al Seef Heritage Hotel
This exquisite hotel in the Al Seef Heritage Quarter, located on the banks of Dubai Creek, conjures the dusty grandeur of Old Arabia. Al Seef Heritage Hotels’ 200 rooms are scattered over 22 traditional-style residences, in contrast to Downtown’s cloud-piercing towers. Wind towers and sumptuous Persian interiors are included.
The rooms are decorated in a typical Arabic style. Palm-weaved ceilings, polished wood furnishings, soft linens, and sepia-toned photographs are all on the menu. The souks or the Creek may be seen from every room. Bakelite-style phones and radios are among the old oddities. Saba’a restaurant serves a traditional Arabian meze breakfast in the morning.
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4. Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel
The world’s most iconic ocean liner lowered anchor for the last time in Port Rashid, fifty years after she originally set sail over the Atlantic. To be the first floating five-star hotel in Dubai. Across her 13 decks, there are more than 200 rooms and suites. There are also a number of porthole bars, fine dining establishments, and cocktail terraces where guests may relive the QE2’s dazzling years on the high seas.
View the Boat Deck, Captain’s Bridge, and some of the original cabins on a Heritage tour of Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. Alternatively, relax on the QE2’s leisure deck. It boasts a nine-meter pool, a gym, and a spa that has been restored to its former glory.
5. One&Only Royal Mirage
The One & Only Royal Mirage, set in 65 acres of gorgeous palm-lined grounds, is the perfect Arabian beach getaway. The resort consists of three distinct hotels. The Residence & Spa, Arabian Court, and The Palace Each have its own distinct vibe, giving the resort a more boutique feel. Enjoy a sunset concert in the outdoor amphitheatre while relaxing on the secluded white-sand beach. Alternatively, wander through the resort’s enchanted maze of Arabesque marble domes, beautiful walkways, and grand stone arches.
Of course, there are bars and restaurants for all tastes and ages, as well as swimming pools and children’s groups. Then there’s the One&Only spa, which never disappoints with its classic Arabian hammams. When a week at a super-luxury beach resort is all you need, the One&Only is perfect.
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6. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
One advantage of staying in Dubai’s downtown area is that it’s easy to forget you’re in the desert. Head to the undulating crimson dunes of the desert and stay at the super-swanky Al Maha Desert Resort to go full Lawrence of Arabia. This exquisite boutique resort is surrounded by huge desert plains, a protected wildlife reserve, and the Hajar Mountains, and is 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
The hotel has 42 suites, each of which is tastefully adorned with antiques and handcrafted Arabian rugs. There are also private pools where you may chill down. Take nature treks, desert safaris, or falconry lessons during the day. Then, as the sun sets, dine in a typical Bedouin tent with an Arabic souk and a fire pit in the sand.
7. XVA Art Hotel
Naturally, a hotel in Dubai does not have to have a thousand rooms. The XVA Art Hotel was formerly a century-old landmark building tucked away in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai’s oldest neighbourhood. The decor is reminiscent of Old Dubai. There are three wind turbines on the property, as well as verdant courtyards. Hanging rattan chairs, vintage furniture, and an intricate cornice are all examples of the Persian style.
It offers only 15 rooms, all of which are light and spacious and include polished wood, lush fabrics, and creative artwork. The hotel started off as an artist’s salon. It also has a contemporary art gallery that is open to the public 24 hours a day. In the lush internal courtyard, there’s also a vegetarian XVA Cafe.
