Just over 30 years ago, the Dubai World Trade Centre was the city’s lone skyscraper – a bit like a lone candle in a blackout. Fast forward to today, and Dubai’s skyline is a jaw-dropping collage of over 200 towers, each more mind-blowing than the last. This desert fortress, where “bigger is better” is practically a city motto, boasts architectural marvels and the tallest building in the world. Amidst these sky-high masterpieces are some of the best hotels in Dubai, where luxury isn’t just a word, but a lifestyle.
From glitzy gold leaf extravaganzas to plush desert retreats, the best hotels in Dubai cater to all tastes – whether you fancy lounging on golden beaches or venturing into the desert dunes. So buckle up and get ready to be wowed as we unveil our favorite picks for the best hotels in Dubai. And if you’re looking for family-friendly fun, don’t miss our edit of the best family hotels in Dubai!
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Discover Dubai’s Most Dazzling Stays: The Best Hotels in Dubai That Will Leave You Speechless
Siro One Za’abeel: The Best Hotels in Dubai for Fitness Fanatics and Wellness Warriors
Welcome to Siro One Za’abeel, where fitness meets finesse in the heart of Dubai’s latest skyscraper sensation. If you thought the best hotels in Dubai were all about opulent gold and glam, think again. Siro One Za’abeel’s 132 rooms might look minimalist at first glance, but they’re engineered to elevate your health game to new heights. We’re talking thermoregulated mattresses, an 11-category pillow menu, and blackout blinds that sync with your circadian rhythm—because waking up is hard enough without battling jet lag and grogginess.
Elite runners have given a thumbs-up to ceiling fans designed to combat that dreaded dry throat from overzealous air conditioning. The in-house nutritionist, Heeral Shivnani, crafts macro-counted meal plans that will make your stomach and your Instagram feed equally happy.
The Fitness Lab, sprawling across 9,687 square feet, boasts cardio machines with a killer view of Downtown Dubai’s skyline. For recovery, dive into cryotherapy, vibroacoustic therapy, or just chill in the relaxation suites. If you’re not winded yet, try yoga or reformer Pilates before you hit the hay—scientifically designed, of course. So, if you’re looking for the best hotels in Dubai where you can flex your muscles and zen out, Siro One Za’abeel is your go-to spot!
The Lana: The Best Hotels in Dubai for When You Want Luxe Without the Bling
Welcome to The Lana, Dorchester Collection’s dazzling debut in Dubai. This 225-room gem in Downtown Dubai is making waves as one of the best hotels in Dubai, and for good reason. Imagine a hotel that’s so “anti-bling,” it makes minimalist look like a party. Designed by architectural wizards Foster + Partners, The Lana has views that make Instagram filters jealous: the circular Marasi Marina’s deep blue waters reflect Dubai’s glittering skyline, and Burj Khalifa towers majestically in the background.
Step into suites that are less “just another hotel room” and more “your posh, chic apartment.” You get a bedroom, living and dining area, entertainment room, kitchenette, walk-in wardrobe, and a bathroom where the bathtub is swathed in marble like it’s the crown jewel of a Roman emperor’s spa.
On a micro-level, The Lana takes luxury to a whole new realm with 100% goose-down duvets, a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, and heated toilet seats. If that’s not enough to make you swoon, the custom Frette bed linens and Vispring mattresses (yes, the same ones Buckingham Palace uses) will. And if you’re a fan of French and Italian coastal cuisine, the Riviera restaurant, curated by Jean Imbert, is your gastronomic ticket to the Mediterranean.
One&Only One Za’abeel: The Best Hotels in Dubai for Sky-High Luxury and Michelin Magic
Welcome to One&Only One Za’abeel, where “vertical resort” takes on a whole new meaning. Towering in one of Dubai’s most jaw-dropping landmarks, this hotel isn’t just a high-rise; it’s an architectural marvel linked by The Link, a boulevard-style bridge that’s as much about Michelin-star dining as it is about jaw-dropping views. Yes, it may sound like a sci-fi dream, but beneath the glitz, the One&Only magic is in full swing with impeccable service, sophisticated luxury, and a touch of grandeur.
As you ascend to your room, don’t be surprised if the view has you feeling like you’re floating in the sky. Each room, no matter how “entry-level,” boasts enough space for a king-sized bed, a daybed fit for a nap marathon, and a standalone tub that screams “relaxation central.” Opt for the 85-square-metre “grand” rooms if you fancy a separate dressing room to show off your wardrobe. The interiors, by Jean-Michel Gathy, blend pale sands, taupes, and gold tones into a luxurious tapestry of marble and silk.
The real showstopper among the best hotels in Dubai, though, is the dining. The Link houses a constellation of star-studded restaurants: La Dame De Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic, DuangDy by Bangkok’s Bo.Lan, Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda, QABU by Paco Morales, and Arrazuna by Mehmet Gürs. And let’s not forget the spa—a Middle Eastern Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie—where you’ll get the royal treatment in both aesthetics and wellness.
Down at The Garden on level 4, you’ll find a slice of Bali with family pools, sculpted like rice paddies, and a swim-up bar that’s practically begging you to sip cocktails while floating. Surrounded by lush landscaping and decorative water features, this pool area makes lounging an art form. Lifeguards are there too, so you can chill with zero worries.
Atlantis The Royal: The Best Hotels in Dubai for When Subtlety is Just Not an Option
Welcome to Atlantis The Royal, where “subtlety” is clearly a four-letter word. If you’re searching for the best hotels in Dubai where excess is an art form, look no further. Nestled on the legendary Palm Jumeirah, this resort is a grandiose sibling to the iconic Atlantis The Palm. With 795 rooms, suites, and penthouses, you’ll have more luxury options than you can shake a gold-plated towel at. And speaking of gold, this place boasts 17 restaurants and bars, a 1.2-mile beach, and over 90 pools. Yes, you read that right—90.
The opening party was so epic that Beyoncé graced the stage and Tiësto composed a theme song. Because, of course, your resort needs a soundtrack. Upon arrival, you’ll walk between walls of fire and water, courtesy of Moshe Safdie—yes, the genius behind Singapore’s Rain Vortex. The interior? It’s a marble lover’s dream with giant fish tanks and grand boulevards lined with luxury boutiques.
Up in the rooms, the vibe shifts to serene minimalism with calming palettes and views that’ll make you want to cancel your sightseeing plans. For those who want to go all out, the suites and penthouses come with landscaped terraces and glass-walled pools—perfect for feeling like royalty without actually needing a crown.
So, if you’re on the hunt for the best hotels in Dubai where the motto is “go big or go home,” Atlantis The Royal is your ultimate destination.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah: One of the Best Hotels in Dubai’s Less-Explored Nooks
Just a short drive from Dubai’s glittery chaos, The Oberoi Beach Resort in Al Zorah invites you to trade skyscrapers for serene mangroves and the promise of tranquil sunsets. Nestled in Ajman, this slice of paradise is like the cool, sophisticated cousin of the Best Hotels in Dubai—less about flash and more about finesse.
Arriving at The Oberoi, you’ll be greeted by sharply dressed staff who might as well be auditioning for a role in a classic film, making you feel like the star of your own luxury movie. Opened in 2017 alongside the area’s first residents, this haven was crafted by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, who clearly thinks neutral palettes and whimsical touches are a match made in heaven.
With 89 rooms offering floor-to-ceiling windows and views that alternate between mangroves, gardens, and ocean, you’ll find it hard to pick a favorite sight. Each room features a balcony, while the villas boast expansive terraces and private pools—some with direct beach access. And yes, they all face west, making your morning coffee and sunset scenes equally Instagram-worthy.
Locals and expats alike flock to this spot for weekend getaways or winter sun. But be warned: once you experience the warm and attentive service synonymous with the Oberoi Group, you might just start wondering why you didn’t explore these hidden gems of the Best Hotels in Dubai sooner.
Bab Al Shams: The Desert Oasis Among the Best Hotels in Dubai
When you’re ready to trade skyscrapers for sand dunes, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is where the Best Hotels in Dubai get their desert chic on. Since 2004, this gem has been the go-to spot for family fun, lush gardens, and a hefty dose of Arabian charm. Fresh from a stylish overhaul, Bab Al Shams now boasts a modern twist on traditional design, with lighter colors and a sleek new vibe—though don’t worry, the desert chic you love is still very much intact.
Imagine this: you’re lounging by the revamped swimming pools, once surrounded by dark, brooding furnishings now brightened up with a contemporary flair. The Mediterranean restaurant Zala and the rooftop spot Anwā—perfect for sunset Asian fare—make dining a desert dream. Need a bit of adventure? Hop into one of the Land Rover Discoveries for a thrilling ride through the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, where you might spot the elusive Arabian oryx or some very photogenic sand gazelles.
For those expecting towering dunes like you see in the Empty Quarter (300 kilometers away), this isn’t it. But for a tantalizing taste of desert life with all the luxury perks of the Best Hotels in Dubai, Bab Al Shams is the place to be.
Jumeirah Al Qasr: Your Royal Fantasy at the Best Hotels in Dubai
Step into Jumeirah Al Qasr, and prepare to be whisked away into a world where opulence is the norm and subtlety is left at the door. Nestled in the heart of Jumeirah’s extravagant beach enclave, this marble-clad, gold-encrusted palace is the very definition of “more is more,” and it’s hard not to fall for its over-the-top charm. This might not be your typical understated luxury, but it certainly delivers a royal experience.
The moment you arrive, the fantasy begins. Mint tea appears at the snap of your fingers, and an abra boat floats you through the resort’s enchanting canals. With more than 50 dining options scattered across this palm-studded paradise, spontaneity is always on the menu. Rooms, refreshed in 2018, feature opulent marble tubs and mother-of-pearl inlays, offering views that are more dreamscape than reality: palm trees, winding pools, and Dubai’s shimmering skyline.
Jumeirah Al Qasr might initially seem like a desert-themed Disney castle, but a few days here reveal its genuine royal hospitality. For anyone seeking a taste of luxury that feels straight out of a fairytale, this gem is among the Best Hotels in Dubai, and it’s certainly worth every shimmering dirham.
One&Only Royal Mirage: The Crown Jewel Among the Best Hotels in Dubai
In an era where luxury hotels often skimp on the little touches, One&Only Royal Mirage proudly stands as a beacon of indulgence. Here, every detail, from fresh flowers to poolside iced fruit and a special service for cleaning sunglasses, exudes pure extravagance. Step into the marbled lobby, greeted by the melodious chime of a gong, and prepare for a level of service that’s intuitive without being overbearing.
Since its debut in 1998, the original Palace has effortlessly outshone the surrounding beach residences with its timeless domes and arches. Now expanded to include the Arabian Court and Residence & Spa, it offers 65 acres of lush grounds that create an unrivaled sense of space and privacy. Golf buggies whisk guests clad in Loro Piana to eight dining venues, including two helmed by three-Michelin-starred maestro Mauro Colagreco. Amid Dubai’s parade of flashy pretenders, One&Only Royal Mirage remains a regal standout among the Best Hotels in Dubai.
For a taste of this royal treatment, expect to part with around £681 per night.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: Where Beach Bliss Meets City Chic
If there’s one place where beachside serenity and urban sophistication collide spectacularly, it’s Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Nestled on Jumeirah’s pristine shores, this chic oasis offers the best of both worlds—like a luxe desert mirage with a view of the city’s glittering skyline.
With interiors flaunting marble, Murano chandeliers, and gold-leaf ceilings softened by earthy desert hues, the resort exudes a calm opulence that’s anything but over-the-top. By the lagoon pools, attentive staff might just pop up with citrus shooters and blueberry muffins before you’ve even realized you’re thirsty or peckish. As dusk settles, couples are drawn to the fire-lit orb sculpture on the beach, adding a touch of romance to your evening.
The spa, boasting treatments crafted by Swiss anti-aging legend Pauline Burgener, promises to keep even the most age-defying guests looking fresh. For dining, detox salads at Folia and yellowtail ceviche at Sea Fu offer healthy delights, while the flamboyant Nusr-Et steakhouse, by the ever-dramatic Salt Bae, brings a bit of flair. The rooftop Mercury Lounge, with its Arabian archways, offers stunning views of the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa.
25hours Hotel One Central: Dubai’s Coolest Creative Oasis
Forget the glitz and glam of Dubai’s high-end haunts; 25hours Hotel One Central is the ultimate playground for the creative and the cool. This isn’t your typical luxury resort; it’s a haven for digital nomads, artists, and anyone who enjoys a quirky twist on traditional hospitality.
With co-working spaces, a lobby jam-packed with thousands of books, a podcast studio, and even a pottery room, this hotel is a creative’s dream come true. Communal areas buzz with the energy of savvy entrepreneurs, artists, and trendsetters—basically, anyone who prefers their Dubai experience with a side of eclectic flair.
Guests are often found lounging on bean bags by the rooftop pool, munching on tacos, and sipping margaritas. For the best view, swim to the pool’s edge and take in the Museum of the Future, which lights up like a futuristic beacon after dark. Evenings are a treat with The Extra Hour Spa for a full-body massage, followed by a stylish hairdo. Dining options include the delicious Indian spot, Tandoor Tina, and Monkey Bar for punchy rooftop cocktails. For a more laid-back vibe, Ernst’s Bavarian bar serves up steins and bratwurst—the first pork in Dubai, no less!
The hotel boasts 434 rooms and suites, with decor that evolves from desert-beige on the lower floors to vibrant hues higher up, reflecting Dubai’s journey from sandy past to futuristic present. Rooms come with hammocks, freestanding baths, and polaroid cameras for spontaneous snapshots.
Bulgari Resort Dubai: Where Italian Glam Meets Dubai Bling
Step aside, bling—Bulgari Resort Dubai is here to redefine opulence. Nestled on its very own private island, this fifth gem in the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts crown (joining the glittering lineup of Milan, Bali, London, and Beijing) proves that luxury isn’t just a style; it’s a statement.
Designed by Italian maestros Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, this resort blends the understated elegance of Italian minimalism with the kind of extravagance that Dubai does best. Picture this: rooms so chic they make other luxury accommodations look like they’re trying too hard. Furnished in a catalogue of Italian opulence, each space screams “I’ve arrived” without saying a word.
But the real showstopper? The 25-metre indoor pool, where the views of the city’s glittering skyline are almost as stunning as the shimmering green and real gold mosaic tiles in the adjoining Vitality Pool. And don’t even get started on the private marina and yacht club—the first for Bulgari and Dubai, naturally.
ME Dubai: Where Space-Age Design Meets Artistic Flair
ME Dubai isn’t just a hotel; it’s an architectural marvel that stands out among the towering skyscrapers of Dubai. This low-rise wonder, designed by the legendary Dame Zaha Hadid, is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s a journey into the future. Nestled within The Opus tower, the hotel’s curved glass façade feels like stepping into a super-slick spaceship, with rooms that could double as the set of a sci-fi movie. Curved walls, wavy furnishings, and plush rugs create an experience that’s as trippy as it is luxurious.
Every corner of ME Dubai echoes Hadid’s genius, from the specially designed furniture to the immersive art exhibitions that draw in creatives from around the world. Dining at the hotel is an experience in itself, especially at Central, the second-floor restaurant that serves up mouth-watering Spanish tapas. Start your day with a breakfast feast featuring sweet and savory à la carte options that will have you lingering longer than planned.
For those seeking one of the Best Hotels in Dubai that marries cutting-edge design with artistic ambiance, ME Dubai is your ultimate destination. Rooms start from about £400 per night—worth every penny for a stay that’s out of this world.
