Discover the 12 Finest Hotels in Dubai

With over 800 hotels and 150,000 rooms available, choosing the right place to stay in Dubai can be quite challenging. Moreover, new developments like Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, a second Mandarin Oriental, and a Delano are on the way. While many hotels in the city feature glass and steel designs that could exist anywhere, there are also stunning beach resorts and retreats that truly embody the emirate's culture. Here are some exceptional hotels we currently adore in Dubai.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Experiencing Dubai’s desert in the most opulent way might consume your entire holiday budget, yet a stay in the Bedouin-inspired tented suites at Al Maha could be truly worthwhile. It stands as a premier location to witness desert conservation: nestled in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha is home to the UAE’s largest free-roaming herd of Arabian oryx, a species successfully rehabilitated from extinction in the wild. Guests should be on the lookout for gazelles as well—300 Arabian and 100 sand gazelles roam the dunes, with the more curious often approaching the 42 tented accommodations. With water recycling, biodiesel, and solar panels, Al Maha makes significant efforts to protect the delicate desert ecosystem.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Situated alongside Dubai Creek in the historic neighborhood of Al Seef, this hotel exudes a traditional vibe with its wind towers and wooden beams, despite being constructed only a few years ago. The 190 spacious guest rooms, some featuring private balconies, are distributed across several small buildings known as bait, which means house in Arabic, and are adorned with vintage treasures like rotary phones, brass rosewater containers, and old photographs of Dubai. Carpets and cushions are invitingly placed around the common area rooftops for relaxation. The waterfront locale is easy to navigate on foot, with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops all nearby.

Arabian Boutique Hotel

Recently opened in the creek-side Al Shindagha area of Dubai, the Arabian Boutique Hotel takes a unique approach compared to its more ostentatious neighbors. Set in a beautifully restored coral-stone heritage building crowned with a traditional wind tower—ingenious structures designed to capture breezes and cool the interior—the hotel offers 10 bedrooms that celebrate the rich heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Rooms are arranged around a courtyard filled with bougainvillea, featuring decor that combines retro charm with modern touches. While it may not compete with the city’s ultra-luxurious hotels, it provides a comfortable, cozy atmosphere brimming with character. Vintage Japanese bicycles are available for exploring the charming neighborhood, which boasts museums, cafés, and souks. The on-site restaurant, Arabian Fish House, is located right by the water and specializes in Emirati seafood—many dishes are based on recipes from owner Ali M Al Rais’s mother—alongside flatbreads, mezze, and desserts. To start your day here, rise early and head to the terrace to witness the vibrancy of Dubai Creek as wooden abras and trading dhows glide through waters glistening in the morning sun.

Atlantis the Royal

When the 795-room Atlantis the Royal welcomed its first guests at the tip of Palm Jumeirah in February 2023, it quickly became the talk of the town (Beyoncé even made her first performance in five years at the opening celebration). While the initial excitement has mellowed, the resort has evolved into a surprisingly sophisticated and relaxed destination, featuring excellent dining options like Gastón Acurio’s La Mar, Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner, the world’s first beach club by Nobu Matsuhisa, and an elegant afternoon tea in the Royal Tearoom that offers prime people-watching opportunities.

Yes, it’s grand and extravagant, but it’s also incredibly enjoyable, with plenty of quiet nooks for relaxation. Visit the sky-high Cloud 22 swimming pool for some of the most breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah in the city, or take a nap under a shady palm tree at ground level. Just be aware that you’ll get a wake-up call every hour when the hotel’s dancing fountains come alive with music and lights, shooting water and flames high into the air for added spectacle. As kitschy as it might be, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.

Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort

A beloved destination for Dubai locals, Bab Al Shams has been welcoming visitors at the Dubai desert's edge for 20 years. While its location feels less isolated than before, the resort shines brighter than ever after recent renovations that introduced new dining options, a spa, and a hammam, alongside the upcoming launch of eight one- and two-bedroom Desert Pool Villas on October 1, 2024.

Located less than an hour's drive from Downtown Dubai, this is the closest—and most budget-friendly—desert resort within easy reach of the city. Its architecture evokes an Arabian dream, featuring crenellated walls, intricately carved wooden doors, and serene water features. Three infinity pools overlook the desert sands, where camels gather at sunset for memorable photos and brief rides, while desert sMytouris offer excursions to view Arabian oryxes and sand gazelles in the nearby Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. The real highlight is the nightly spectacle at Al Hadheerah, boasting an astonishing array of live cooking stations. Imagine mezze, grilled meats, seafood, stews simmering in caldrons over white-hot coals, lavish dessert displays, and a dinner show that includes everything from belly dancers to live Arabic music, tanoura and dabke performances, plus a caravan of camels to enhance the experience.

Bulgari Resort Dubai

Nestled on Jumeira Bay Island, slightly away from the city's bustling beach resorts, the Bulgari Resort Dubai presents itself as a hidden, exclusive oasis. At its heart lies Bulgari’s inaugural marina and yacht club, showcasing a stunning collection of sleek yachts and a dedicated berth for the larger superyachts that arrive here in the winter months when the Mediterranean is too chilly.

The ambiance is serene and sophisticated: The pool at the yacht club, framed by palm trees, offers a tranquil escape, while the soft, sandy beach invites relaxation. Enjoy exquisite Italian cocktails at the bar, dine on Italian dishes at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef Niko Romito, or savor delicate sushi at the one-Michelin-starred Hōseki. While the hotel could easily be ostentatious, it maintains a graceful sense of elegance throughout.

Rooms are bathed in natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, with spacious, well-furnished terraces. This resort stands out as one of the few in the city that excels in offering villas. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, these villas boast expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, along with private pools and gardens, making them the preferred choice for those seeking privacy and attentive yet unobtrusive service.

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

A stay at the all-suite Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is extraordinary in every regard, from its iconic sail-shaped design to the jaw-dropping scale of its atrium and bold interior decor. Every one of the 202 accommodations consists of two-level suites with breathtaking views of the shimmering Arabian Gulf. As the hotel celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, no other venue in the city has matched its level of luxury. Visitors can take part in the Inside Burj Al Arab tour to see the opulent Royal Suite, adorned with gold, silk, and leopard-print decor, featuring rotating beds. Hotel guests can also enjoy access to the expansive 100,000-square-foot terrace, complete with freshwater and saltwater pools embellished with 10 million gold and blue mosaic tiles, perfect for sipping champagne while indulging in unparalleled luxury unique to Dubai.

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

As one of six opulent hotels by the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is a coastal haven featuring roaming peacocks, lush tropical gardens, and exquisite Arabian architecture. It resembles a sophisticated theme park in the most delightful way—guests can drift along serene canals on charming abra boats, visit the rehabilitation lagoon for turtles at the adjacent Jumeirah Al Naseem, or relax under the cool shade of palm trees by the numerous pools. The resort comprises 283 rooms and suites housed within recently updated intimate “Arabian houses,” each featuring nine to eleven rooms along with shared courtyards, soothing fountains, and complimentary cocktails served daily at 6 p.m. Additionally, guests enjoy free access to the thrilling Wild Wadi waterpark, just a quick buggy ride away.

The Lana

Demonstrating that Dubai can embody understated luxury, The Lana is the first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East, recently opening its doors next to Marasi Bay Marina. The views from the marina-facing rooms and rooftop pool, overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the dazzling skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai, are truly breathtaking, especially at sunset.

The interiors feature grand arches, gleaming marble, columns adorned with alabaster and mosaics, all brought together by a soothing color palette of grays, pinks, and sandy hues, creating a serene ambiance in the 225 guest rooms and suites. The hotel proudly hosts Dubai’s inaugural Dior Spa, and although it currently embodies an urban oasis, a boat transfer will soon link guests to the beach at the brand’s private residences on Palm Jumeirah.

Don’t miss Bitter Honey, the chic bar just off the lobby, where cocktails—such as the melapona margarita, a delightful mix of mezcal, hibiscus, cherry, and Mexican tajin spice—pay homage to bees and showcase locally sourced honey. The Lana’s Afternoon Tea is a highlight too, though on the pricier side, featuring exquisite savory bites and sweets crafted by Angelo Musa, a former winner of the World’s Best Pastry Chef award. Read Dinogo’s full review of The Lana.

One&Only One Za’abeel

Featuring striking towers, a 393-foot infinity pool perched atop the world’s longest cantilever, and a lineup of restaurants helmed by some of the globe’s finest chefs, the new One&Only One Za’abeel was destined to become a staple of Dubai’s luxury scene from its inception. The 229 spacious rooms and suites exude elegance, blending a tranquil atmosphere with the inviting touch of textured fabrics and carpets.

The Grand Za’abeel rooms come equipped with bathtubs by the windows, offering stunning views of nearby palaces, the iconic silhouettes of the Museum of the Future and Burj Khalifa, as well as the sun setting over the distant sea. After indulging in a soak, treat yourself to a culinary experience featuring exquisite French dishes at La Dame de Pic by renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic, innovative street food by Dabiz Muñoz at StreetXO, or communal Indonesian dining at Andaliman. Additionally, the hotel boasts the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, where groundbreaking health, wellness, and beauty technologies help guests combat aging and preserve a youthful essence—perfect for a city as vibrant as Dubai. Read Dinogo’s full review of One&Only One Za’abeel.

25hours Hotel One Central

Despite housing 434 rooms, the 25hours Hotel One Central exudes a unique sense of community. Since its debut in 2021, it has become a favored gathering place for creatives and digital nomads, drawing both locals and travelers into its art-filled, design-centric spaces. The Analog Circus mezzanine level brims with nostalgic items, including Sony Walkmen, typewriters, and a vinyl LP station available for guests to enjoy.

The hotel’s room themes—Bedouin, glamping, farm stay—reflect the rich heritage of the UAE, featuring tasseled textiles, leather accents, and hammocks in select suites. The vibrant Hakawati Suite, ideal for gatherings, even boasts a triple king-size bed. On the rooftop, Monkey Bar’s terrace offers stunning views of the extraordinary architecture of the nearby Museum of the Future. With pod chairs for swinging in the lobby, a remarkably authentic Bavarian beer hall, and the Extra Hour Spa complete with a hammam, it’s easy to see why 25hours has become a beloved part of the cityscape.

XVA Art Hotel

Nestled in a former family residence within the historic Al Fahidi heritage district by Dubai Creek, XVA offers one of the most enchanting stays in the city. The hotel comprises 15 cozy and intimate guest rooms, but it’s the communal spaces adorned with contemporary Middle Eastern art and the rooftop sun deck that draw visitors to linger. Enjoy a refreshing mint and lemon shake from the vegetarian café in one of the serene, birdsong-filled courtyards before exploring the boutique, which showcases caftans, cushions, and modern accessories.