5 Best Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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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.

THE BEST HOTEL IN DUBAI

Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah

4
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Resembling a pastel-hued palace, this classic-style 244-key hotel on Palm Jumeirah charms with its peach façades, regal white domes, trickling fountains, and lush landscaped gardens leading to the pool and exclusive beach. Inside, accommodations begin at expansive two-bedroom suites, styled with classic European-style custom Italian furniture and furnishings by Francesco Molon and glittering crystal chandeliers. Each suite feels like a residence, complete with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, dining areas, and generous balconies overlooking the sea or gardens. With two on-site restaurants, a sports bar, a private beach, and a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere, it’s ideal for families or groups.

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Pros

  • Spacious suites with proper kitchens
  • Private beach with Dubai Marina views
  • Friendly and attentive service

Cons

  • Some design elements feel dated
  • No natural sunlight or views in the gym
  • Sports bar lacks energy and atmosphere
West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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THE BEST HOTEL IN DUBAI

The Lana

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Lana

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Located at Marasi Bay Marina, a neighborhood that’s still up-and-coming with plenty of new developments, The Lana marks Dorchester Collection’s debut in the Middle East – and what a debut it is. With spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Canal from its suites and rooftop infinity pool, this elegant 30-story hotel is set within one half of an interconnected contemporary building designed by renowned global architectural firm Foster + Partners. With elevated details and interiors by Parisian duo Gilles & Boissier, this 225-key hotel offers tastefully designed rooms and suites, a gorgeous outdoor pool, a well-equipped gym, the luxurious Dior Spa, and eight restaurants and bars (with four in partnership with acclaimed chefs Martín Berasategui, Jean Imbert and Angelo Musa), all close to Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall.  

Other iconic hotels within the Dorchester Collection include The Dorchester in London, Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, and The Beverly Hills Hotel. 

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Pros

  • Stunning skyline and Burj Khalifa views
  • Spectacular rooftop infinity pool
  • Refined contemporary design

Cons

  • Construction in the area
  • No public transport access
  • No kids’ club or private beach
Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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THE BEST HOTEL IN DUBAI

One&Only One Za'abeel

4.5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | One Za’abeel Tower Za’abeel 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

One&Only

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Located at One Za’abeel, a pair of striking towers connected by a dramatic 230-meter-long cantilever perched at a height of 100m, this luxurious Dubai hotel’s sophisticated contemporary design perfectly reflects the spirit of modern Dubai. It’s home to a standout collection of restaurants including one by French chef Anne-Sophie Pic and another by Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz. There are two swimming pools, including one of the most spectacularly located rooftop pools in the city, as well as The Link, a lifestyle destination with an upscale food hall, and a holistic wellness hub that goes beyond the typical spa offerings to provide longevity-focused treatments and experiences.

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Pros

  • Well-designed contemporary rooms with premium amenities
  • A stunning rooftop infinity pool with incredible views
  • Good selection of dining venues

Cons

  • Lack of a private beach and watersports
  • Busy rush-hour traffic to get to Downtown Dubai and elsewhere
  • Multiple reception areas for the tower, hotel, and The Link can seem confusing
One Za’abeel Tower Za’abeel 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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THE BEST HOTEL IN DUBAI

Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites

4.5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | East Crescent, Plot 40, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rixos, The Palm Hotel and Suites

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Tucked away at the end of the eastern crescent on Palm Jumeirah, this family-friendly resort by Turkish hospitality brand Rixos boasts a 1 km-long private white sand beach, three swimming pools, a luxurious spa, sports club, kids’ club and mini-waterpark, watersports center, and eleven restaurants and bars. The coastal-inspired rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and the Jumeirah coastline.  

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Pros

  • Excellent restaurants
  • Impeccable service
  • Private beach and three pools

Cons

  • Popular à la carte restaurants book up quickly
  • Spa interiors feel dated
  • No public transportation access
East Crescent, Plot 40, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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THE BEST HOTEL IN DUBAI

The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm

4.5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

St Regis Dubai, The Palm

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Located within the first 18 floors of the sleek 52-story Palm Tower, the tallest skyscraper on Palm Jumeirah, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm offers an upscale stay at one of Dubai’s most prestigious addresses. With direct access to Nakheel Mall and a seamless connection to the Palm Monorail, the hotel offers the chance to experience Palm Jumeirah while keeping the rest of Dubai within easy reach. You can unwind at two outdoor swimming pools, an intimate boutique spa, and a state-of-the-art gym, with complimentary access to Kyma Beach, a few minutes’ drive away. Dining is equally elevated, with two restaurants (including an outstanding Turkish restaurant) and a jazz bar on-site, as well as a host of acclaimed venues at the adjacent St. Regis Gardens and elsewhere at the Palm Tower.  

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