From humble beginnings as a Gulf trading center to one of the world’s most glamourous travel destinations, Dubai is home to some of the world’s tallest and headline-grabbing hotels. With over 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, each catering to a certain budget, taste, and travel preference, we round up the 5 best hotels in the city.
These hotels, as chosen by TripExpert, boast the city’s beautiful landscapes and showcase Dubai’s rich Arabic culture.
Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab is the world’s first seven-star hotel and the fifth tallest hotel in the world. This sail-shaped hotel has a collection of 202 duplex suites with 24-hour personal butler service, Hermès toiletries, and a fleet of Rolls Royce. “The hotel prides itself on its ability to satisfy even the pickiest guest, and so has many services in addition to its standard leisure programs” according to Fodor’s Travel.
XVA Art Hotel
Ideal for art and history lovers, the XVA Art Hotel is situated in Al Fahidi and features interiors by top Middle Eastern artists. Each room is individually themed, but their Gallery Deluxe features tall, wood-beamed ceilings, stone floors, and white walls decorated with art. Enjoy the restaurant’s vegetarian dishes in one of their shaded courtyards, or explore the hotel’s surrounding neighbourhood for more traditional Arabic delicacies.
Atlantis the Palm
Atlantis the Palm is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend with real ocean experience. Here, you can stay in an underwater aquarium suite and enjoy a mesmerizing view of sharks, stingrays, and other 65,000 sea creatures swimming right in front of your eyes. Don’t skip the massive waterpark or the Lost Chambers aquarium for a more interactive experience and a refreshing yoga session in the morning.
Bab Al Shams
Escape the big city with a stay at Bab Al Shams, a low-slung desert resort closely resembling an Arabian fort. The resort features tranquil gardens and multiple pools, and offers various activities like cycling, horseback riding, and archery. Rooms are specifically styled to showcase the Arabian culture, with draped tapestries, colourful rugs, ornate lanterns, and a comfortable majilis seating area. Bab Al Shams’ Hadeerah restaurant offers an extensive buffet, belly-dancing, and traditional Arabic show.
Palace Downtown
Situated on a lake opposite the Burj Khalifa, Palace Downtown features a view of the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. The hotel entrance is lined with towering palm trees, and its guests rooms are decorated in a contemporary Middle Eastern style. Honeymooners visiting the Palace Downtown are usually treated with rose petal-adorned beds and other surprise treats.