6 Best Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Name: Rove Downtown
Address: 312 Al Sa'ada St., Zabeel 2, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: 4-561--9000
Price range: $
Location: World Trade Centre

Dubai was built on oil and gold, and it shows. In the last decade or so, luxury and glamour have become synonymous with Dubai; it contains one of the highest ratios of five-star hotels in the world.

Although few would say that Dubai is an inexpensive place to stay, there are more budget-friendly options than ever before. Also, due to the glut of five-star hotels, it's also easier to find a great deal if you search carefully and have flexible travel dates. The deals are not always cash-based, so look for value-added packages; incentives might include complimentary meals in signature restaurants, spa treatments, and access to water parks or companion hotel beaches. Most four- and five-star hotels in Dubai have an executive floor or club. If you book a "club room," access to the club area, breakfast, evening cocktails, and canapés are often included in the rate. Considering the sky-high price of alcohol, those benefits may make it worthwhile to pay a higher rate. Note that Internet prices and rack rates might not include a 10% municipality tax and 10% service charge, so read your booking details carefully.

Peak tourist season is from November to April when the weather is mild. Prices drop as temperatures soar and also during Ramadan, but services are curtailed at this time.

Location is the prime consideration after checking your budget—what's the main reason for your visit to Dubai? If sunning and water sports are your prime objective, you'll probably want to stay in a beach resort around Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. For shopping and dining, stick to Downtown, and if you want culture and history then older areas around Bur Dubai and Deira are best. If it's just a quick overnight, there are plenty of options around the airport.

Rove Downtown

$ | 312 Al Sa'ada St., Zabeel 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Fodor's Choice

This funky budget accommodation by the Emaar group (The Address hotels) puts you close to the action; it's right across the street from the Dubai Mall and behind the DIFC, meaning plenty of shopping and dining is within walking distance. Rooms are stripped bare and fairly small, but modern and comfortable, with unexpected luxuries for a three-star hotel, including rainwater showers and designer beds. The public areas are quirky and contemporary, with an open, art-gallery feel, and there are unexpected services, such as public Playstations, locker rooms, and a laundry. There's also a reasonably priced attached restaurant, as well as a convenience store.

Ahmedia Heritage Guesthouse

$ | Al Ras Rd., Al Ras, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ahmedia is a boutique and budget-friendly option in the heart of old Dubai. The bustling commercial area brims with tradition, with some of Dubai's oldest buildings, the spice souq, gold souq, and Deira fish market a short walk away. Three heritage Emirati houses surround an interior courtyard; the rooms have solid furnishings, wooden ceilings, and Persian carpets on cool stone floors. What the hotel lacks in modern glitz, it makes up for with friendly service and a surprising number of amenities given the price including butler service, Turkish bath, and a tour desk.

City Seasons Towers

$ | Khalifa Bin Zayed Rd., Mankhool, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A welcome addition to the budget end of Dubai hotels, City Seasons is contemporary and architecturally quite interesting considering the price. Rooms are not huge at 236-square-feet or particularly luxurious, but they are new, light-filled, and clean; junior suites can also be an affordable option if you need the extra leg room. There is a small pool, spa, and basic gym with a spectacular view. The biggest plus to City Seasons is its location; perfect for bargain shoppers, business and consular visits, attached to a decent mall, and right next to the metro station. Note: this is a dry hotel, so there is no alcohol in the minibar or at hotel restaurants.

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Hilton Garden Inn, Mall Of The Emirates

$ | 6A St., Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This is just one of many very reasonably priced hotels to open recently in Dubai, making a shopping stopover accessible to all budgets. The Hilton Garden Inn is very comfortable, with spacious rooms, sheets with a high thread count, and light neutral furnishings. Public areas are minimalist, as is the connecting restaurant. The family packages, queen rooms with fold-out sofa bed, and on-site pool make this a good choice for families. Ski Dubai is also close by.

Hotel Riviera

$ | Baniyas Rd., Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Riviera might be a little bit old fashioned, but some would argue that's part of its charm. For those who want to escape all the glitz of shiny new Dubai, and instead meander the souks and the colorful creekside area, this is perfect. Rooms are large and furnished solidly, and many have balconies overlooking the bustling mouth of Dubai Creek. There are two basic on-site restaurants, but it's easy to explore the surrounding area's cheap ethnic food, or take a water taxi, abra, bus, or metro---all within walking distance---to explore other parts of Dubai.

Pearl Marina Hotel Apartments

$ | Al Seba St., Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

It's unassuming, pretty old-school, and not much to look at, but this is one of the cheapest places to stay in the glittering Dubai Marina area. Families and groups tend to stay here for the price, which starts at just AED300 per night in the off-season. All apartments have kitchen and laundry, with reduced facilities in the studios. There is a small pool and a gym, a supermarket nearby, and a basic restaurant. The building is marina-side, but at the older end, meaning that although there are facilities close, the swimming beach, glitzy shopping, and restaurants are a 10-minute walk or a 15 dirham taxi ride.

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