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Where To Stay In Dubai – 10 Best Hotels In Dubai, UAE

By 25 February 2019 December 25th, 2025 28 Comments

Travelling to Dubai or planning a trip to Dubai soon?

Dubai is one of the most lavish and fashionable city to the man. People go to Dubai to embark on shopping sprees and party throughout the night.

If you have witnessed the Dubai snaps of the last couple of years, then you might have seen the landscape photo of the tallest freestanding structure Burj Khalifa and its surrounding area.

Downtown Dubai is the new heart of this city and is the most luxurious and sought-after residences in this area. This city offers plenty of places to enjoy with your loved ones.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Dubai, you might delight in knowing that the hotels in downtown Dubai are superb and never fail to awe travellers on their visits.

If you intend to find luxurious hotels in Dubai or even aim to stay in the most expensive hotel in Dubai, then read on as this article will answer some of your commonly asked questions about Dubai, along with some of the best hotels in Dubai that you can’t help but want to stay in!

Before we go on, let’s first familiarise ourselves with some facts about Dubai and what Dubai is known for.

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Do they speak English in Dubai, UAE?

Arabic is the official language of the UAE, and can be commonly heard by the natives of the UAE, also known as Emiratis.

Since around 75% of Dubai’s population are expatriates, English is still the most spoken language in Dubai.

Being such a cosmopolitan country, you can sometimes hear other languages being spoken such as Hindi, Urdu and Filipino.

Is it expensive to vacation in Dubai, UAE?

The average price of a one-night hotel stay in Dubai  is around USD300.

Main dishes USD11 to USD28. Even then, it’s even possible to get meals for under USD5 in Dubai if you’re not fussy.

Beer cost anywhere between USD9 & USD14 a pint, while normal milkshakes cost around USD7.

Service charge is included in most things like meals, though tipping of up to 10% is not uncommon.

Dubai’s public transportation can be rather affordable, with tickets ranging from the USD1 for standard pre-paid tickets to USD4 “gold class” tickets

If you’re coming as a tourist, Dubai is tax-free for you. Now you see why it’s such a popular shopping destination?

Is Dubai a city?

Dubai is a city belonging to the country United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE is made up of 7 city/states, Dubai being one of them. In some ways, they are almost like separate countries. These 7 emirates are:

  1. Abu Dhabi
  2. Ajman
  3. Dubai
  4. Fujairah
  5. Ras al-Khaimah
  6. Sharjah
  7. Umm al-Quwain

The capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi.

Best time to travel to Dubai, UAE

Being in the middle of the desert, Dubai only really has one season. It is either hot or really, really hot. One thing’s for sure, the heat never dissipates. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an eternal summertime or tanning and soaking in vitamin D. That said, the summer season of Dubai can be rather unbearable, making the winter season of Dubai more popular for tourists.

November to April: This is Dubai’s equivalent of winter, which is the best time to visit Dubai. The weather is almost pleasant for both indoor and outdoor activities, making it a popular choice for those looking to bask on the beach in the sunshine.

Dubai Shopping Festival also occurs during the early months of the year in January and February, making Dubai jam-packed with people. It is also a popular season for flower-lovers, with the Miracle Garden at its peak flourishing period

As Dubai’s peak season, this naturally means higher hotel rates and airfares

April to October: Dubai’s summer temperatures can hit over 40ºC. Summer months in Dubai can be unbearably hot and humid, making it almost impossible to explore the outdoors.Still, all malls, stores and indoor places are air-conditioned, so enjoying the Dubai’s indoor attractions is never a problem.

This is the period to visit Dubai for the budget conscious, as hotels and tour prices will be slashed.

10 Best Hotels in Dubai, UAE

If you’re looking for where to stay in Dubai, you’ll want to read on.

We feature some of the most beautiful city escapes, fantastic hotels and luxury homes that are located at just a few minutes’ drive away from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and the Dubai Mall.

1. Palace Downtown Dubai

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This romantic city destination located in Souk Al Bahar is a gem in the heart of Downtown and has set its niche with its superior location and unique design.

Palace Downtown Hotel offers aromatic retreats with a room featuring the stunning views of Dubai Fountain and the marvellous Burj Khalifa. This hotel allows you to select from various fully equipped, tastefully decorated, modern conference halls and meeting venues in Downtown Dubai.

Arabian tradition and classic themes meet at the Palace Hotel, and its luxurious suites and rooms feature captivating ideas with an array of beverage and food options from all over the world. The hotel offers the highest service standard and is famous for its individualistic architecture.

2. Manzil Downtown

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Manzil Downtown located in the Manzil Residential District will put you right in the middle of everything by allowing you to see how locals live. The relaxed atmosphere, buzzing nightlife, scenic views of the area and the morning songs sessions will provide you with a fantastic view and you will imagine yourself as the part of the city.

3. Armani Hotel Dubai

Armani-Hotel-Burj-Khalifa, Hotels in Downtown Dubai

The Armani Hotel is housed in one of the tallest building of the world in Burj Khalifa, unsurprisingly also the most expensive hotel in Dubai.

This is an ideal location as it overlooks the Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai and is only at a few minutes’ walk to Dubai Opera and Dubai Mall. This luxury hotel offers its guest some of the most impressive views of the world and has a home-away-from-home experience.

Armani hotel boasts a stunning view of the city along with easy access to the best restaurants, shops and stunning attractions of the town. The warm, Italian style service lounges, Armani good and deluxe spa delight the guests.

4. Vida Downtown

Vida Downton situated in the Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is an excellent business and luxury hotel of the city which offers some of the fantastic dining options and the best view in the area.

This boutique lifestyle hotel in downtown Dubai is a hub for modern mindset guests and travellers to connect and enjoy a wonderful time under the Vida brand. It offers a retreat-like ambiance which is ideal for sophisticated simplicity seekers.

This hotel is where majestic style meets the interactivity and it creates a stimulating environment for people who desire the frills of modern luxury travels.

5. Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road

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This 5-star hotel 2.2 km away from the Dubai Zoo offers 302 luxurious rooms with WiFi, satellite TV channel, personal safe and excellent facilities.

Travellers can witness the beautiful view of the sea from the rooms that have stylish furniture and parquet floor. A wide variety of coffee, cocktail, contemporary dishes and refreshment is offered to guests.

There is a pool for children and on-site fitness facilities which include a fitness center, a gym, and weight training.

6. DAMAC Maison Royale The Distinction

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DAMAC Maison is the most exclusive and appealing hotel in downtown Dubai and radiates an enticing mix of luxury and elegance offering a comfortable area in the city’s centre. Stellar services, luxurious furnishing, and world-class amenities invite tourists from all over the world to this amazing place.

The hotel apartment stands at 195m in height and offers top-end luxury sector of the city.

The luxurious suites offer deluxe rooms with one- to four-bedroom arrangements and penthouses.

DAMAC hotel provides excellent guest services delivered by professionals within one of the most industrious neighbourhoods in the world.

The tower is lavished with high-quality amenities and includes a spa which has a jacuzzi, a sauna, a lush swimming pool and a high-tech gymnasium.

The Maison lounge provides a wide range of international cuisines which is cooked by world-class chefs and features a dining experience to be savoured.

7. Address Dubai Mall166821 15092818440036459000 Bel Around The World

Address Dubai Mall offer sophisticated luxury across the impressive strip from one to three-bedroom residences and penthouses.

They provide convenient access to exceptional dining experiences, a modern fitness centre, and an award-winning spa.

Guests of this Dubai luxurious hotel can enjoy a dedicated entrance to the largest entertainment and retail destination of the world – the Dubai Mall.

8. Grosvenor House a Luxury Collection Hotel Dubai

Grosvenor-House-Dubai, Hotels in Downtown Dubai

Grosvenor Hotel offers a spa and resort which include two outdoor pools and a private beach.

The hotel has a dozen restaurants, bars, and award-winning chefs that operate within it.

There are trading Middle Eastern treatments, hot tub, sauna, a fitness centre, outdoor, and spa. You can also use their free Wi-Fi access in each of the 749 spacious guest rooms of the hotel, and every bedroom has a balcony that faces the marina.

9. Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

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Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is located at an arm’s distance from the Dubai International Airport and overlooks the Dubai Creek and stunning skyline of the city. If you’re looking for a hotel near the airport, this is for you.

This hotel offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of Dubai and allows you to experience the vibrant and warm colours of the city.

Here you will get a chance to enjoy a unique blend of beauty and nature, warm hospitality, exotic cuisines and state-of-the-art amenities.

You can relax in the outdoor pools or have fun with the complimentary unlimited access to Wild Wadi Park. There are even tennis courts, squash courts, an aviation club and a gym.

10. Raffles Dubai

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This pyramid-shaped hotel surrounded by private gardens is a destination in itself and offers the best bars and restaurants in town.

Raffles Dubai is an exceptional hotel which has a friendly staff team that will make you fall in love with its spacious feeling of the place, and public areas. This perfect place has the most modern amenities with gracious services and allows you to have a beautiful and peaceful time in comfortable lounges and rooms.

Flights to Dubai, UAE

Depending on where you fly from, there are many flights that go to Dubai:

  • Emirates
  • Fly Dubai
  • Royal Brunei
  • Qantas
  • British Airways
  • Gulf Air
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Air India

The guests of luxury hotels have a right to expect a high standard of impressive dining options, as well as exciting services. Dubai features some of the most stunning works of modern architecture.

Whether you are here for 2 days or a week, there are many luxury 5-star hotels in Downtown Dubai that allow you to enjoy your Dubai trip easily and make your journey an unforgettable one.

This is making me want to book my tickets to Dubai now and have a mesmerising vacation in these luxury hotels in this city of gold!

Isabel Leong

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

28 Comments

  • Avatar of Ryan Ryan says:

    I enjoy reading your blog. Your post is interesting and enjoyable.

  • Impressive article, enjoyed reading it.
    Thanks for shedding light on this topic.

  • Avatar of Aria Lynn Aria Lynn says:

    This is a fantastic list and it brought back some vivid memories of a stay at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel a while back. It’s an excellent hotel, just as you described.

    My stay was for a very different reason than a holiday, though. It was during an intense, week-long client workshop. The dramatic irony wasn’t lost on me: every morning, I’d be greeted by the incredibly professional and hard-working hotel staff, and then I’d spend 10 hours in a conference room building a new website for a client—a gratuity calculator UAE. It was a tool specifically designed to help employees in the country understand their end-of-service benefits.

    It gave me such a profound appreciation for the people who make these luxurious experiences possible. You see the seamless service as a guest, but my work gave me a glimpse into the complex legal and financial frameworks that govern their employment. It’s a side of Dubai that most tourists never see. Thanks for the great article that brought back such a unique and powerful memory!

  • Avatar of Shjee_d Shjee_d says:

    This is a fantastic guide — it really captures the variety of places to stay in Dubai, from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious hotels. For anyone planning a longer stay, especially if you’re moving here for work, there’s more to consider than just accommodation. Understanding things like UAE labor laws and end-of-service benefits (gratuity) can make a big difference in your planning. For example, employees who complete at least one year of service in Dubai are entitled to gratuity payments when leaving a job, and the calculation depends on your salary and length of service. I recently came across this UAE Gratuity Calculator
    which makes it really easy to estimate what you might receive — it’s a useful tool for anyone relocating for work or planning a long-term stay in the city.

  • Avatar of Biston Biston says:

    This is a fantastic guide — it really captures the variety of places to stay in Dubai, from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious hotels. For anyone planning a longer stay, especially if you’re moving here for work, there’s more to consider than just accommodation. Understanding things like UAE labor laws and end-of-service benefits (gratuity) can make a big difference in your planning. For example, employees who complete at least one year of service in Dubai are entitled to gratuity payments when leaving a job, and the calculation depends on your salary and length of service. I recently came across this UAE Gratuity Calculator
    which makes it really easy to estimate what you might receive — it’s a useful tool for anyone relocating for work or planning a long-term stay in the city.

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  • Avatar of Eline Gergess Eline Gergess says:

    Fantastic post! Dubai’s hotel scene is unmatched every property seems to blend luxury with innovation. For travelers and business visitors, it’s worth noting that hotel bills include VAT, so keeping an eye on accurate VAT calculation really helps with budgeting. I personally use EVAT Calculator to quickly estimate VAT on accommodation and dining expenses it’s super handy when planning a Dubai trip.

  • Great list of hotels! Dubai has so many options that it can get confusing for first-time visitors. Many people who come here for work also look up practical things while planning their stay, and one resource I found helpful was the Gratuity Calculator UAE for understanding how gratuity is calculated in the UAE. Thought it might help anyone who’s relocating and checking out hotel options at the same time.

  • Avatar of William William says:

    This Coast FIRE calculator fits perfectly with real life in both the UAE and the USA. For someone working in UAE hotels with a tax-free salary, it helps show how strong early savings and investments can grow over time even if you later move to a lower-stress role or return home. In the USA, where living costs and taxes are higher, the calculator is useful for planning when hotel professionals can slow down, switch to part-time work, or move into a more flexible lifestyle while their investments continue to compound.

  • Avatar of Robo Robo says:

    Great breakdown of Dubai’s best areas! Choosing between Downtown, Marina, and JBR really depends on whether someone prefers luxury vibes or a more relaxed beach stay. For people planning a longer work stay or moving for a job, understanding living costs and end‑of‑service rules also becomes important. I often recommend using a gratuity calculator UAE to estimate work‑related benefits while planning relocation

  • Avatar of Robbie Robbie says:

    Great breakdown of Dubai’s best areas! Choosing between Downtown, Marina, and JBR really depends on whether someone prefers luxury vibes or a more relaxed beach stay. For people planning a longer work stay or moving for a job, understanding living costs and end‑of‑service rules also becomes important. I often recommend using a gratuity calculator UAE to estimate work‑related benefits while planning relocation

  • Avatar of Mr Evans Mr Evans says:

    This is a really helpful breakdown for anyone planning a stay in Dubai. Each area you mentioned — especially Downtown, JBR and Dubai Marina — really does give a different experience depending on whether someone prefers luxury, beach access or nightlife. One thing many travellers forget is that a lot of people actually come to Dubai not just for holidays but for long‑term work opportunities too, and choosing the right area becomes even more important in that case.

    For those planning to relocate or stay for work, it also helps to understand basic living costs and employment rules. Tools like a UAE gratuity calculator make it easier to estimate end‑of‑service benefits while settling in and planning long‑term finances. Your guide covers the accommodation side perfectly — pairing it with these practical checks gives newcomers a much clearer picture of life in Dubai.

  • Avatar of Rebeca Rebeca says:

    This is such a well-put-together guide — I really enjoyed reading your breakdown of where to stay in Dubai. The way you’ve categorized the hotels by area and travel style makes it much easier to decide where to base yourself, especially for first-time visitors. Dubai can feel overwhelming in terms of accommodation choices, so posts like this are incredibly helpful.

    Reading about luxury city stays actually reminded me of a very different, but equally memorable experience I had during my Tanzania safari. I stayed with Mawe Lodges, and it was one of those trips where the accommodation became a core part of the journey rather than just a place to sleep. Waking up to wildlife sounds, enjoying thoughtfully prepared meals after long game drives, and experiencing the warmth of the local staff added so much depth to the safari experience.

    I love how travel can take you from modern city hotels like the ones you’ve highlighted in Dubai to immersive nature-focused stays like safari lodges in Tanzania — both offer their own kind of magic. Thanks for sharing such a useful and inspiring accommodation guide.

  • Nice suggestions, but you should update the list to include Ciel Dubai Marina – Worlds tallest hotel

  • Avatar of Biston Biston says:

    A helpful guide covering the 10 best hotels in Dubai, perfect for luxury, comfort, and budget travelers.
    Great recommendations for anyone planning a stay in Dubai, UAE.

  • Avatar of ESS Utumishi ESS Utumishi says:

    This is such a helpful and well-structured guide to staying in Dubai, especially the way you’ve broken down areas based on travel style and budget. I really appreciate the insight on choosing locations near the Metro, which makes a huge difference for first-time visitors. When I was planning my own trips, I found that combining accommodation tips with local experience planning made the journey much smoother. Thanks for putting together such a practical and easy-to-follow guide!

  • Avatar of AmjadDubai AmjadDubai says:

    This is a great guide to Dubai’s accommodation options! For anyone planning a longer stay for work, remember that sorting out your living situation is just one part of the puzzle.

    Getting familiar with local employment terms, like your end-of-service gatuity payment, is crucial for your financial planning. If you complete at least one year of service, you’re entitled to it when you leave a job.

    To make it easy, I recently used this UAE Gratuity Calculator to estimate what I might receive—it’s a really helpful tool for anyone relocating.

  • Avatar of Lucracia Lucracia says:

    Wonderful article, Isabel!! However, there are many recommendations that can be added to it while staying at dubai and travelling. Dubai GOV allows their guests to use nol card to roam around the dubai. So adding it will be a plus point. However, for Abu Dhabi there is a card available called the Hafilat card. Any visitor can have it I’ve personally used it while staying in abu dhabi.

  • Avatar of Alan Alan says:

    Great breakdown of the different areas to stay in Dubai, especially the insights around Downtown and Marina. Location really makes a big difference depending on whether someone is visiting short-term or planning to stay longer.

    One thing I noticed while spending time in Dubai is that many people who relocate or stay for work often don’t realize how employment benefits like end-of-service gratuity work. It can actually impact financial planning when choosing where to stay long-term.

    I recently came across a UAE gratuity calculator that helped estimate this based on salary and years of service, which was useful for understanding the bigger picture beyond just accommodation.

  • $300 a night is a bit steep for an average. you can find way cheaper spots if you stay outside downtown.

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