9 Best Hotels in Dubai Marina, Dubai

The most romantic resort in Dubai, this hotel has four different hotels to choose from; while they differ in appearance and amenities, they are all tranquil, private, and spacious. The entire complex is fashioned like an Arabian palace, with lush palm-filled gardens, domes and arches, adobe-brick finishings, and nooks and courtyards with mosaics and tasteful water features. The sand on the beach is among the whitest available in Dubai, and views across the water lead to the other One and Only property, just a short shuttle-boat over to the edge of Palm Jumeirah. Rooms, like the entire resort, including the restaurants, are classic and understated, with exotic elements and rich, tasteful furnishings. The pool (at the Palace) is a dream; it is colossal and interspersed with palm-tree islands, which allow for plenty of private rendezvous.

This elegant high-rise features a modern arch straddling the Marina Promenade, and a sweeping pool area on the fourth floor with panoramic views. Interiors are classic with geometric arabesque nuances and warm neutral tones, and rooms are comfortable and welcoming, nearly all with stunning marina views. Children are well accommodated with extra beds in most rooms, plus there is a kids' club, and all-day dining restaurant Mazina looks after little ones very well. One-bedroom "residences" come with a kitchen.

Although not the fanciest of Hilton's properties, this hotel oozes beachy charm, with light blues and neutral tones, airy restaurants, and a general laid-back approach. Monster rooms, family suites, beach-side location, and a trusted brand are big draws here, despite its position at the sleepy end of the Jumeirah Beach Residence strip. The pool area is simple but lovely, surrounded by lawns and a scattering of cabanas, and right on the beach with views to Palm Jumeirah (just don't look at the industrial zone a little ways to the left). Seaside dining offered by the hotel might look appealing, but has suffered from bad reviews. The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill however is definitely worth a visit.

It's rare to find a large hotel brand that also delivers on style, but that's exactly what you'll find at the Intercontinental Dubai Marina. The property's unique design can be seen throughout the hotel, and in their flagship restaurant, Marina Social by Jason Atherton, and some other eclectic spaces, like the Ginter cocktail bar. The hotel is comprised of two towers, with the second housing apartments, but the greater design features are in the first. Rooms are delightfully light and airy, most have spectacular marina views, and the beds are some of the most comfortable in the city. This lively spot is unpretentious, easygoing, and close to all the action.

High-rise apartment views or marina-side villas make this a popular choice for families and groups. Architecture and interior design are neat and modern, but tend to lack flair, with exception of the penthouses. All rooms, however, have an (often exceptional) view of the Dubai Marina to make up for this. Apartments are well-appointed and spacious, and come with washing machines and kitchenettes. There is a pool and some on-site dining, but most guests will spend their time exploring the surrounding area, with the marina and a great variety of restaurants and shopping nearby.

This old dame might seem a little tired, but there's still plenty of reasons to stay here. It's in prime position on a lovely quality beach just north of the Dubai Marina, and the grounds remain lush and extensive, especially now that guests can also access the newer Westin next-door. The resort is fun-packed, with plenty of water sports on offer, five pools, tennis, great kids club, and the pumping Barasti Beach bar (in itself, a Dubai institution). Despite its age, the resort still offers well-maintained rooms with classic styling and all the five-star features you'd expect to find, making it a great option for mid-budget travelers.

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.

The water is warm and the air is scented with frangipani at this Italianate low-rise beach-side resort, with the golden towers of Jumeirah Beach Residence hovering directly behind the sanctuary. It's a popular resort for weddings or young honeymooners; there are secluded pools and romantic restaurants aplenty, and rooms are large and plush with designer bathrooms with oval tubs. But families will also enjoy the added extras that traditionally come from Ritz Carlton hotels, including the kids' club, scavenger hunt pack and kids' pool (complete with a water slide). The resort fronts a private beach, and directly out the other side is The Walk, a vibrant restaurant and shopping strip.