4 Best Hotels in Bur Dubai and the South Bank, Dubai

The Arabian Courtyard is caught between the bustle of the exotic Indian Meena Bazaar and business district, and the historic Al Fahidi Quarter; this is reflected in its inability to adhere to either style completely, but hover in the center. The interior has ornate fretwork and heavy wooden furniture, offset by vibrant silky fabrics. There’s a lively restaurant on-site with excellent biryanis and Bollywood singing or dancing most nights. The exterior is geometric and attempts to match the fort that now houses the Dubai museum. The clientele includes leisure travelers visiting the cultural center of Old Dubai, or those conducting business within the bazaar and souks.

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.