Best hotels in Dubai

Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai

The Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai feels like your very own tranquil coastal sanctuary. Lush gardens, sparkling waterways, and breezy Arabesque design give it a super relaxed but still totally high-end vibe. The rooms are filled with natural light, many with views over the Gulf or the resort’s green landscaped grounds. And the cherry on top? Some rooms even offer jaw-dropping views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

“Jumeirah Al Naseem is a luxury beachfront resort that is part of a chain of interconnected hotels with sand-colored villas and suites, a water park, lush gardens, traditional wind towers (which catch cool air to ventilate buildings), a souk and a palm-fringed canal dotted with abras, or wooden boats, serving as water taxis. The rooms have panoramic ocean views, and the villas have direct access to the private beach.”

One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel, Dubai

The One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai is an expansive, regal sanctuary that feels less like a hotel and more like a collection of traditional Arabian palaces. Opened in 1999, the resort is split into three distinct environments—The Palace, Arabian Court, and the Residence & Spa—all set within 65 acres of lush, manicured gardens along a kilometer of private coastline.

“Guests at The Royal Mirage have included Michael Jackson and David Beckham, who’ve slept within the Arabian architecture, immaculately cultivated palm tree gardens and probably lounged on the crisp white beachside cabanas.”

Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai

Jumeirah Al Qasr, meaning "The Palace," is a stunning centerpiece of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Designed to replicate a Sheikh’s opulent summer residence, the hotel is famous for its grand, traditional Arabian architecture. A highlight for guests is the dramatic, tree-lined driveway guarded by magnificent, life-sized golden horse statues, which celebrate the region's rich equestrian heritage.

“Al Qasr offers a distinctive Arabic flavor. Step inside the lobby and the scent of freshly cut rose petals — which are scattered into a center pool — hits you square on, while rooms look out onto Arabesque waterways and the Persian Gulf.”

The Lana, Dubai

The Lana in Dubai is one seriously chic new spot. Part of the Dorchester Collection, it sits elegantly above Marasi Bay Marina with stunning views stretching all the way to the Burj Khalifa. The architecture, dreamed up by Foster + Partners, feels at once modern and graceful, while the interiors by Gilles & Boissier bring in warm, sophisticated touches that make everything feel calm yet grand.

“The Lana represents the much-anticipated debut of the Dorchester Collection in the Middle East. It’s a mark of Dubai’s evolution as a travel destination that the hotel group has decided to bring its distinct brand of quiet, understated luxury here.”

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, is a stunning beachfront urban resort that feels like a quiet sanctuary amidst the city's high-octane energy. Designed by Jeffrey A. Wilkes, the architecture focuses on "sophisticated minimalism," using clean lines, travertine stone, and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure the shimmering Arabian Gulf is always the star of the show.

“Mandarin Oriental did their homework when launching in the Middle East. The Asian heavyweight’s ornate urban low rise is spread across a prime patch of affluent Jumeirah. A Prada-draped mix of locals and expats are already elbowing for tables at the sunlight Noor lounge.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a truly surreal spot where desert heat meets alpine chill. Opened in 2006, this luxury property is famous for its direct integration with the Mall of the Emirates, giving guests immediate access to over 600 shops and the world-renowned Ski Dubai, an indoor snow park complete with real snow and active slopes.

“Not only is the five-star Kempinski hotel a shopper’s dream (it’s attached to Mall of the Emirates), it looks out onto the most bizarre scene in the desert — Ski Dubai, one of the largest manmade ski slopes on the planet.”

Waldorf-Astoria Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai

The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a stunning retreat situated on the East Crescent of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah. Opened in 2014 as the brand’s first island property in the Middle East, it offers a blend of classic European elegance and traditional Arabian hospitality. The architecture, led by Khatib & Alami, focuses on maximizing space and light to highlight the breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Gulf and the glittering Dubai skyline.

“Opened in 2014 on Palm Jumeirah island, the 319-room Waldorf-Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a palatial spread.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Dubai.

Rove Downtown Hotel, Dubai

Rove Downtown Dubai is a fantastic spot if you want to be right in the middle of the city’s energy without the stuffiness of a traditional luxury hotel. Since opening in 2016 as the flagship property for the Rove brand, it has carved out a niche for travelers who value smart, modern, and fuss-free stays.

“Tailor-made for wallet-watching globetrotters, Rove is a hip launch pad with sassy, contemporary decor and such millennial must-haves as a an outdoor pool for chilling, a 24-hour gym, a industrial-styled cafe plus a hangover-friendly 2pm checkout.”

SIRO One Za’abeel, Dubai

Staying at SIRO One Za’abeel feels like stepping into a seriously well-designed playground for wellness junkies. The hotel is deeply rooted in a “living better” philosophy. Think a giant, super-modern gym (they call it the Fitness Lab), recovery zones full of things like foam rollers, yoga mats, and meditation gear, and even rooms with recovery closets stocked with resistance bands.

“Young, fresh and modern. The lobby feels more like a luxury gym reception than a hotel check-in, with athleisure a running theme among both staff and guests. Aimed at business travelers, the interiors are calming, muted and designed to ease jet-lag and help keep you in your regular routine.”

Delano, Dubai

If you’re looking to escape into something chic yet relaxed, Delano Dubai is a pretty sweet spot. It’s on Bluewaters Island, with about 250 meters of private beachfront and views of the Arabian Gulf, so you get the luxury and sun-soaked vibes without feeling totally removed from the city buzz.

“Delano’s Middle Eastern debut on Bluewaters Dubai, a man-made island also home to the world’s largest observation wheel, has the potential to be as disruptive as the original Delano in Miami. An antidote to the city’s marble and chandelier-laden five-star hotels, the interiors here are pared back, the scale reassuring.”

Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Even within Dubai's standards, the structure that houses Atlantis The Royal is truly impressive and it boasts one of the most extravagant and opulent hotels in the entire world. In addition to the expected luxurious accommodations, guests can indulge in a wide array of dining options, including several restaurants helmed by renowned celebrities like Heston Blumenthal and Nobu Matsuhisa.

“Any retreat that bills itself as “the most ultra-­luxury experiential resort in the world” is not going for subtlety – but here, that’s very much the point. Sitting alongside its famous sister, Atlantis the Palm, on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis the Royal’s eye-catching curves contain 795 rooms, suites, and penthouses, 17 restaurants and bars, a 1.2-mile beach, and more than 90 pools.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s Hotlist 2023.

25Hours Hotel One Central, Dubai

Book 25hours Hotel One Central to experience the elegance, luxury, and picturesque décor in its true meaning. This lavish 5-star hotel is breaking boundaries by partnering with Dubai's coolest establishment, Euro cool. Aiming to let the guests explore the most intriguing version of the city, 25hours Hotel One Central is coming up with interactive ideas, like the concept of slogans such as “come to bed with me” and the first mixed-gender sauna in the Middle East.

“Why book? To experience the most un-Dubai hotel of Dubai hotels: edgy (not glossy), design-forward (not traditionally Arabesque), and breaking boundaries through partnerships with the city’s coolest establishments and a playful dose of Euro cool.”

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Resort, Dubai

Rising from a man-made island in the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Dubai’s modern ambition. Completed in 1999, the hotel was designed by architect Tom Wright, who sketched the iconic sail-shaped silhouette on a napkin to mirror a traditional Arabian dhow. It stands 321 meters tall, serving as a gleaming tribute to the city’s maritime heritage.

“Since rising off Jumeirah Beach in 1999, the Burj has been the symbol for Dubai as much as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. And despite fierce competition, this homegrown star is still regarded with a mixture of affection and awe.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.

Hotel Palace Downtown, Dubai

Palace Downtown stands as a striking landmark in the heart of Dubai, masterfully blending traditional Middle Eastern architecture with modern luxury. Designed to reflect the grandeur of an ancient Arabian residence, the hotel is famous for its intricate design elements, including majestic archways, traditional wind towers, and exquisite mosaic patterns that create an immersive, fairy-tale atmosphere.

“City explorers with a romantic streak will be utterly enchanted by this low-lying, luxe lakefront contender with its winning alchemy of old-world class and Arabic aesthetics. Rooms are chic and understated.”

XVA Art Hotel, Dubai

In the heart of Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the XVA Art Hotel is a hidden gem that feels like a portal to the past. Occupying what was once the home of the Seddiqi family—famed Rolex dealers—this boutique property was transformed in 2003 by owner Mona Hauser and her creative circle into an intimate sanctuary for art lovers.

“This charmer occupies a century-old wind-tower house smack dab in the Al Fahidi Historic District, off Al Fahidi St. Its 13 compact rooms sport whitewashed walls decorated with art that picks up on local themes.”

Anantara World Islands Resort, Dubai

It is the first resort on Dubai’s famous World Islands. The entire world awaits to witness these historic Islands' brilliance. A stunning view of Dubai’s skyline and an ideal location in the heart of the Middle East makes it a unique spot for your next vacation. Equipped with modern architecture and stunning rooms, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort brings you an experience unlike any other!

“This is the first resort in the World Islands—but what does that mean, exactly? The development has been starting and stopping for years and is more of a curiosity than a destination…so far. With the hotel’s easy accessibility to Dubai and its sweeping view over the skyline, there’s nothing else like it: It feels like a tropical escape, but the skyline is close enough to touch. It’s the ultimate staycation.”

Featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Hotlist.

Hotel Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach, Dubai

The Amwaj Rotana, a prominent 25-storey hotel in Jumeirah Beach Residence, stands as a testament to modern hospitality. Officially completed in March 2016, the building was developed by Dubai Properties Group and TECOM Group. Its architectural vision was brought to life by the consultancy firms Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo and Holfords Associates, resulting in a sleek structure designed to maximize sea views.

“Though in the moderate range, you still get five-star accommodation at the Amwaj Rotana. For half the price of the luxury resorts you get a room on JBR Walk, the area where locals show off their souped-up Jeeps and million-dollar Ferraris.”

Adagio Premium Al Barsha, Dubai

Aparthotel Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha, which opened its doors in 2013, offers a seamless blend of home-like comfort and hotel luxury. Located in the heart of Dubai’s bustling business and leisure district, the property features 199 contemporary, fully equipped apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms, many of which provide breathtaking, panoramic views of the city skyline and the iconic Burj Al Arab.

“The Dubai Al Barsha is Accor Adagio’s largest and arguably most luxurious property, with 199 Champagne-hued apartments featuring state-of-the-art kitchens, private laundry facilities and sweeping views of the Dubai skyline and the Burj Al Arab.”

One&Only The Palm, Dubai

One&Only The Palm is an incredibly serene hideaway perched on the west crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. Unlike the towering skyscrapers elsewhere in the city, this resort offers an intimate, low-rise escape that feels worlds apart from the urban rush.

“Exuding the feel of an exclusive private estate, it has rambling gardens, several pools and Moorish-influenced suites daubed with teal and purple colour accents and outfitted with all requisite 21st-century tech touches.”