17 Best Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Like the summer houses preferred by the Arabian sheikhs, Dar Al Masyaf offers an intimate hideaway for those who want seclusion. Each two-story courtyard house, complete with barjeel (traditional wind tower), comprises a number of spacious rooms and suites that surround a private pool. Although the attractions of Madinat Jumeirah are nearby, Dar Al Masyaf can only be reached by taking a hotel abra (wooden boat) across the waterway that links the hotels with the surrounding properties. Guests can luxuriate at leisure, tucked away from the hustle and bustle while their private butlers serve cooling drinks. Some villas have direct beach access, others are in verdant gardens or surrounding inner courtyards with trickling water features. This hotel really is something out of Arabian Nights.

A truly bijou property that combines country-house chic with a high level of service, this property sits on 200 acres, which also house the renowned Montgomerie golf course. The sleek decor is complemented by modern geometric art and cool neutral backgrounds. Each of the 21 rooms has a private balcony and butler service, and there is a good range of facilities considering the modest size of the resort, including a day spa, pool, and house restaurant (Nineteen). When it comes down to it, this resort is aimed mainly at golfers, so if you're not up for a round (or 10) the price may seem a little extreme.

The style icon that put Dubai on the tourist map, the Burj Al-Arab has to be one of the most famous hotels in the world, and its graceful lines have been featured in numerous design magazines. The press christened it the world's first seven-star property, though that accolade is played down by its owners, Jumeirah Hotels. The decor throughout is sumptuous Arabian with deep pile carpets and acres of gold plate. The suites-only property has set new standards of service in the region. There's a check-in desk on each floor and every suite has a butler for personal service. You can also book helicopter transfer or arrange a Rolls-Royce to pick you up from the airport. 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. The public can't gain access to the hotel (except with a restaurant or bar reservation) because it sits on a man-made islet just offshore, so you'll have a ton of privacy, but you'll be paying for the privilege.

The crowning glory of Wafi City (an ancient Egyptian-inspired mall), this majestic glass pyramid houses a classy five-star hotel. It's a beautiful property—albeit extravagantly opulent. The theme goes overboard only in the huge lobby where Egyptian columns overwhelm the space. The rest of the hotel is more subtle, with contemporary Arabic and Asian design themes that increase in grandeur with the price of the room. Suites are very generously sized, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows leading to wide terraces, many with views of Dubai Creek and the downtown skyline. There's a lovely pool, complete with gold mosaics, and a luxurious spa. The hotel may be older than some of Dubai's five-star properties, but remains incredibly plush, and is frequented by high-profile visitors.