Last Updated on January 26, 2022 by hungryoungwoman
You’ve got your flights booked and a random itinerary in mind but haven’t looked up where to stay in Dubai yet? Fret not, I’m here to make your decision easy with this guide on the best place to stay in Dubai for first-timers or even if it’s your zillionth time in the city (however, I expect you to have a favorite by now I hope!) 😛
UPDATE: If you’re here during/after the pandemic, see this list of best places to visit in Dubai during the Coronavirus with things you can do safely.
Unlike other countries, it is hard to find the most convenient places to stay in Dubai simply because it does not have a city center. This really depends on how you have your itinerary planned and what you define as the most important places to see in Dubai.
Where to stay Dubai hotels list is divided according to the tourist attractions in Dubai you will be visiting first and according to your budget. Scroll below to choose your pick:
Want to know what to pack for Dubai? Here’s a Dubai Packing List!
Where to stay in Dubai? Choose Your Best Place to Stay in Dubai
Booking.comBest Areas to Stay in Dubai for the culturist:
The top Dubai accommodation to experience the real culture of Dubai is close to Deira, Karama, and Bur Dubai. These places are mostly inhabited with expatriates from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Dubai Museum and the souks are located quite close to these areas with a strong bus, metro, and even abra access (water bus)
BUDGET: Rove Hotels, Deira
Rove Hotels partially belongs to the Emaar group which is responsible for projects such as the Burj Khalifa; the tallest building in the world and The Dubai Mall; one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
Of the 5 branches, I find this branch of Rove Hotels the most convenient and budget-friendly as it is located very close to Deira City Centre metro station, has a mall just walking distance away, and the souks very close by.
The rooms and service are top-notch while The Daily restaurant downstairs serves a good breakfast buffet that is very affordable if it isn’t included in your package. For looking at some cheap hotels in Dubai, click here to see the latest prices
MID-RANGE: Aloft City Centre, Deira
Aloft City Centre is a boutique 4-star hotel in Dubai connected to Deira City Centre. The hotel is set in a prime location that makes it easy to explore the local districts of Dubai, especially if you want to design your own food tour of local street food of the country
Apart from colorful hues that suit the modern traveler, Aloft houses 3 restaurants and a bar. Included in these is our favorite, Han Shi Fu, which is a Chinese restaurant serving some of the most delicious and instagrammable food!
The terrace gives a nice view of the Dubai skyline and the central location ensures that the most popular Dubai sightseeing places are only a metro ride away. Check prices here
LUXURY: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhoud
Dubai is all about luxury hotels and The Jumeirah Creekside is no exception but it has the added bonus of being a practical hotel too. The main draw of the Jumeriah Creekside is that it’s located only 5 minutes from Dubai International Airport which is perfect if you are in Dubai during transit.
We only ever stay in airport hotels if we have an insanely early flight or we’re on a stopover, but we made an exception for this one for one big reason. As the name suggests, Jumeirah Creekside is part of the Jumeirah family and with it comes free entrance to Wild Wadi Waterpark. For a family of 4, this is worth in the region of AED 1200 (or $327). When you can book a Club Room or Family Room for under AED 1000, it’s a no brainer. I would consider this when looking for family hotels in Dubai.
They provide a free shuttle to Wild Wadi, the private Jumeirah Beach (you get a complimentary beach pass at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray once per stay) as well as the Dubai Mall.
There’s also a fantastic rooftop pool with amazing views over Dubai Creek, especially at sunset. Stand in the lobby and look up to see the glass-bottomed pool jutting out 8 floors up or dive down in the pool and watch people far below in the lobby. It’s quite a cool feature. If a rooftop pool is not for you, there’s also an outdoor pool complex on the ground floor which is great for families.
Breakfast is usually included in your rate and is outstanding. If you don’t want to eat in one of the 5 restaurants, take a 15-minute taxi to the Gold souks where you’ll find some more authentic (and cheaper) eats.
We usually book with Booking.com but always check on the Jumeirah website as they usually have some amazing deals.
Go for a Club Room or a room with access to the Club Lounge where they serve buffet-style food and drinks throughout the day for free. Note that children under 12 are not allowed
Contributed by Jacquie from Flash Packing Family
Dubai Beach Hotels for the beach lover
While technically a desert, Dubai is well-known for making good use of its water bodies and beachgoers make up a large part of the population! Below are some Dubai places to stay with beach access.
MID-RANGE: Ramada Hotels and Suites, JBR
Jumeirah Beach Residence is a popular beach location that attracts a crowd on weekends and the cooler months. Apart from accessible shopping and dining opportunities, there are metro and tram connections in the area
Ramada is one of the 4 star hotels in Dubai that is located close to the beach with standard room options. Additionally, there is also a duplex choice for large families to enjoy their stay in their penthouses. The rooms are minimally decorated which is convenient for short stays.
There is one restaurant downstairs along with a cafe. Room service is also provided on request. To check prices, click here
LUXURY: Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach
Amwaj Rotana offers modern and luxurious rooms all within a few steps of Jumeirah Beach. Amwaj Rotana is a five star hotel with all the mod cons and beautiful views too.
I stayed here for three nights on my visit to Dubai and each night after a long day of site seeing it felt like I was returning home.
The Amwaj Rotana has everything you could need – a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness center for all your activities. It also has a day spa.
Inside the hotel is the famous Benihana Restaurant which is known for its world-famous hibachi and the best Japanese cuisine in Dubai.
Contributed by Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog
LUXURY: Burj Al Arab
A popular and important part of the Dubai skyline is the Burj Al Arab which is shaped like the sail of a ship. Apart from being touted as a “7 star hotel”, Burj Al Arab is just close to Jumeirah Beach and also boasts its private beach area for in house guests.
Although a steep price tag, Burj Al Arab does full justice in being one of the most expensive hotels in the world. Expect to be treated like royalty with plush interiors in the room, 24 karat gold iPads, and designer toiletries.
In-house guests have access to 9 splendid restaurants, all with stunning service and food in their own ways, luxury cabanas, and two swimming pools.
The location is also quite perfectly located just 5 minutes away from Wild Wadi water park and a luxurious version of a souq called Souk Madinat Jumeirah situated 15 minutes by walk. Check current prices and pictures of rooms here
LUXURY: Atlantis, The Palm
If you’ve ever flown into Dubai and stared out the window, it’s hard to miss the man-made Palm staring back at you from the Earth. This ‘only in Dubai’ style attraction is also home to Atlantis, The Palm. Atlantis is more than the top 10 luxury hotels in Dubai, it is a resort, a theme park, an aquarium and a suite of excellent restaurants all rolled into one.
The impressive building is difficult to miss as you approach it. Unmistakeable with its two wings and hollowed center, there are over 1500 rooms in this hotel.
The rooms themselves are incredibly spacious. You can expect the plushest of linens and a modern feel. In Atlantis however, the real attractions are outside of the rooms.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the Atlantis aquarium. There are floor to ceiling viewing platforms available to anyone to wander by and watch the fish and sea creatures mesmerizingly swim about. Guests of the hotel also get access to the aquarium proper as many times as the like during their stay. Check current prices here
For those who like to get in the water, the adjoining Aquaventure waterpark is the perfect place to take a dip. You can take it easy and float around in a tube. Or the thrill-seeker can enjoy dropping at rapid speed through the aquarium. There’s something for everybody at this waterpark.
When you’re done with that, finding a restaurant to satiate your appetite isn’t hard. Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen is a good mid-range option, Nobu is perfect for those seeking nothing but the best, or for those with a tighter budget, Shawafel offers some good value Middle Eastern fare.
Rooms start at around $US350 including unlimited Aquaventure and Aquarium access. Full and half-board options are also available at additional cost. Check prices here
Contributed by Jeff of Our Passion For Travel
Best location to Stay in Dubai for the ultimate tourist
These top hotels in Dubai have been curated keeping in mind easy access to Downtown Dubai which houses the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, City Walk and is comparatively closer to attractions in Dubai than other areas
Want to know what dining inside BurJ Khalifa is like? Click here!
BUDGET: Ibis World Trade Centre
A popular choice for business travelers and those visiting expos at the World Trade Centre Dubai, Ibis is a well-known budget property with standard facilities.
The metro station can be reached by just a 2-minute walk and takes you to almost everywhere in new and old Dubai.
There is one restaurant at the property that serves breakfast with your package (if you’ve opted for it) and there are shuttle buses to most places. Click here to check prices and pictures
LUXURY: Renaissance Downtown Hotel
I’ve traveled to Dubai several times and have stayed at various hotels. My all-time favorite hotel is the Renaissance Downtown Hotel which is one of the new hotels in Dubai. Neighboring the Burj Khalifa, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline.
The rooms are contemporary and chic, and the hotel is also only a five-minute drive or twenty-minute walk to the Dubai Mall. The hotel even offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Dubai Mall for customers.
This hotel is coined as a luxury hotel, but you can snag a room in low season here for about $140 USD per night. One of my favorite things about staying here is the view I had from my room.
The view at night with the Burj Khalifa lighting up was especially beautiful. Moreover, the concierge at the hotel is very helpful. They were Dubai experts and were able to give me information about the undiscovered and must-sees in Dubai including the most instagrammable places in Dubai.
If you fancy staying in for dinner, the hotel offers exquisite dining options with two celebrity chefs that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Lastly, the breakfast buffet is heavenly with many choices and several made to order stations. Check updated prices here
Contributed by Disha from Disha Discovers
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR TO VISIT AT THE TOP AT BURJ KHALIFA AND SKIP THE LINE!
LUXURY: Manzil Downtown
Another luxurious spot is Manzil Downtown. I chose this for my babymoon at Mandil Downtown as I was too pregnant to travel to another country and also because our room had a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa! Talk about watching it from your bed 🙂
There are a couple of options for dining at the hotel. The Boulevard Kitchen serves your breakfast, a sports bar with cheat meal worthy food, and to dine al fresco there is the courtyard.
The hotel is designed keeping in mind Arabic traditions and this is seen in the rooms which have large Arabic inscriptions on the walls. Also, hues of sandy browns are seen throughout as that is UAE’s favorite color when it comes to being traditional.
Attached to the hotel is Souk Al Bahar which also offers lots of shopping and dining choices while being closest to Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Click here to see current prices
Best Hotels in Dubai for city lovers
Jumeirah Beach Residence, Barsha Heights, and Barsha are well-known areas and they also house some of the best family hotels in Dubai. There is a mix of cheap to expensive hotels in the area which suits every budget you are looking for.
In addition to this, lots of restaurants located nearby to dine or order in, metro access, and some of the tourist spots are located nearby which makes it easy when you’re searching for a Dubai where to stay
MID-RANGE: First Central Hotel Suites, Barsha Heights
One of my favorite hotel apartments in Dubai when I have to stay with family and book multiple rooms at a time. First Central Hotel Suites has an advantageous location with a shopping mart nearby with free delivery, lots of restaurants, and a metro station at a walkable distance.
This would probably be one of the best places to stay in Dubai during a week-long vacation.
There is also a kitchenette in most rooms which allows saving costs on eating outside or to fix a quick snack without having the need to dine outdoors or order. The rooms are comfortable and don’t have much of a view, but the accessibility really makes up for it in my opinion. Check latest prices for different types of rooms here
MID-RANGE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Residences, Barsha
The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Residences Dubai – Al Barsha is a solid choice for a good hotel that is not a resort. I personally chose it for its location. It is right opposite the Mall of the Emirates, one of the premier malls in Dubai.
This means that there is access to everything the mall offers, from shopping to food to entertainment, particularly the unique Ski Dubai. From the mall there is also undercover access to the Metro, making it easy to get anywhere else in Dubai quickly and easily.
Our room was huge, but I have a suspicion that we received an upgrade because this was incredible if it was the base room that we booked. The bed was really comfortable, and there was a large sitting area with a desk and flat-screen television. The bathroom was huge with a deep, full-sized bath, only matched in size by the walk-in dressing area. All toiletries were supplied, along with slippers and robes. The room also had a safe.
Breakfast was buffet style with a large array of options, from cooked foods to pastries, cereals, and fruit. While I wasn’t traveling with children, I loved the idea of the dedicated children’s station at breakfast with colorful plates and cutlery and foods specifically for their age group.
The hotel also has a pool, gym, and sauna available for use during your visit. There is a usual range of hotel rooms, but also there are one and two-bedroom apartment-style rooms with a kitchen which would suit those traveling with a group or staying for a few days.
Overall, this is a good choice when looking for budget hotels in Dubai and the prices are reasonable compared to other similar accommodation. Prices for a basic room start from $113USD in the high season and $59USD in the low season. Check here for more info
Contributed by Josie of Josie Wanders. Follow her on Facebook here
Dubai Hotel Deals for Families
True story, family outings are the best but the task of doing a Dubai hotel booking that is suitable for families and checks off all their requirements is one word – daunting. Here’s my pick for staying in Dubai with family for all budgets.
BUDGET: Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel, Barsha
A lovely option for families of four people is the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel located in Barsha that offers family rooms in Dubai with a single bed and double bed options.
There is a metro station at a walkable distance and Mall of the Emirates nearby which is a full functioning mall with even a Dubai attraction – Ski Dubai. Check out my favorite packages here if you fancy skiing in a mall.
For most of the cheap family hotels in Dubai, you won’t find many of these facilities available hence, it’s a good choice to splurge on these services a little.
While you’re at it, check out these cheap things to do in Dubai which will really help save costs for big families.
Looking for rooms for families of 4 or more? Check for rooms and prices here.
MID-RANGE: Luxury Sarai Apartments, Palm Jumeirah
For bigger families of 6 people, Luxury Sarai Apartments located in Palm Jumeirah (probably the most picturesque place in Dubai) with apartments offering a chance of city or water view. The rooms are beautifully furnished with all facilities like a kitchen, washing machine, and cleaning products.
For this price, however, you might have to resort to a public transport bus or taxi to get to the nearest landmark which is Dubai Marina Mall, or any place in the Palm Jumeirah area. Nevertheless, there are ample restaurants and cafes available for walk-in or ordering online to suit your needs. Click here for the pictures of rooms and the latest prices
LUXURY: Ritz-Carlton Executive Residences
The Ritz-Carlton Residence, at this time, seems to be the most expensive hotel in Dubai for families. But if luxury is what you want, you will get stunning views of Dubai from your room or the rooftop pool, walk-in closets inside the rooms, and a wonderful breakfast (separate charges for this)
Moreover, since it is located in DIFC which is the heart of Dubai, touring the area is quite easy and restaurants, supermarkets, metro stations, and top Dubai attractions are quite closeby
Check for updated prices and pictures of rooms here!
Luxury Hotels in Dubai for a road-trippers
When looking to spend holidays in some Dubai resorts outside the city, it needn’t be a task! Here are some of my favorite recommendations
Meydan Hotel
I love how the Arabs love horse racing and have a hotel situated almost on the racecourse for ease on the days when there are races scheduled. Meydan Hotel is one of a kind in Dubai and has some of the best views in the city. Think of waking up and watching a race right from your room, amazing isn’t it?
Here’s a more detailed post about my stay at Meydan Hotel Dubai review but the part I exceptionally liked was the Stable Tour enjoyed most by my toddler of 2 at the time where we got to meet the racehorses and see how they are trained and fed. Click here to book your holiday!
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers
A little trip to the capital is a must during your stay in Dubai, I really recommend spending at least a day in Abu Dhabi as it has so much to offer that most people turn a blind eye on.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is one of the unmissable towers when looking at the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Towers are a combination of five towers of which there are residences, and offices, and a hotel. Read my detailed experience in this Jumeirah at Etihad Towers review
A tip would be to get a room on one of the top floors for the full city views of Abu Dhabi. We stayed on the 59th floor. Click here to see current prices and pictures
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
One of my favorite hotels to date is Park Hyatt in Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. I extremely love the fact that they have a lot of activities for kids, lovely restaurants to choose from, private access to the beach, and the service is spectacular!
There is a detailed post about my stay at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Saadiyat review, but if you would like to check their current prices, you can see here.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa
Another option for a short road trip from Dubai is Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is still a hidden gem, unknown to many tourists in this country. To enjoy what the city has to offer, I suggest booking a stay at their Hilton property that comes with private beach access. Yes, we really love beaches here!
I stayed at the resort when little A was only a few months old ’cause God, I needed a getaway! You can read more about my stay at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah review or to check current prices and gallery, click here.
Dubai and the other 6 emirates offer lots of opportunities for tourists and locals alike in order to make their stay pleasant. If you are looking for affordable hotels in Dubai or five star hotels in Dubai, you know where to look now!
I have more guides and info about the best season to visit Dubai to help plan in advance. For a more detailed itinerary for Dubai 7 days or more, click into my archives!
Until then, happy traveling! xx
P.S. If you want to save and read later, here are some pinnable versions 🙂
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which will give me a small commission if you purchase a product/service. This will not result in any extra cost to you.
Great post 🙂
Have been mulling over Dubai as a destination and I’m glad I chanced upon this! So much info checking out your other Dubai articles and now I feel almost ready! 🥰
Anything you’d like to know, just ask away! 🙂
I would love to go to Dubai someday. I’ll bookmark this post to save as a reference for different stats 😄
Thanks! I hope you really enjoy 🙂
Haven’t been to Dubai yet but still found this super helpful and will use when I finally get round to visit!
Pin it for later then!
Dubai has so many regions with many hotel options for staying. This tourist friendly city has all budget hotels in all areas and so it becomes confusing about what to select. I loved your post as you have pre selected some options for us which makes easier to decide our hotel stay in Dubai.
Yes, perfect for all budgets like I’ve mentioned 🙂
Great options at every price point – thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it!
The Atlantis would be a dream come true! Hope to get there one day
Ah yes! That place is like a dream 🙂
I love this kind of posts, always helpful!
Saving it for later 🙂
Thanks 🙂
After reading this it seems like there are so many beautiful options in Dubai, and so many different areas to pick! I still can’t choose! I think wherever you choose to stay you’ll be a winner 🙂
Haha yes, the best place to stay in Dubai is truly impossible! This is why I tried to do it for all budgets depending on the areas in Dubai 🙂
Wow! Some of these places are absolutely incredible! A great resource for planning travel to Dubai, thanks!
Hope this helps when you visit Dubai 🙂
Dubai has always intrigued me but it’s actually lower on my travel list for some reason. I should probably move it up. 🙂
You should visit at least once, you will love it for sure!
I wish I had this information when I traveled to (and thru) Dubai years ago. I stayed in Dubai for about a week and my hotel was part of a package arranged by Emirates Airlines. I think I would have chosen a different option from your list.
This is such a wonderful and comprehensive list – it’s perfect for planning a trip to Dubai. Thank you! I’m definitely eyeing those beach front options – for sure!! Thanks for sharing!
Dubai is indeed a must-go travel destination in the Middle East, especially during this winter season. You will enjoy every amenities and events in every nook and corner of the city. If you want to travel Dubai for $20 or less, you may find it helpful,
Top 10 things to do in Dubai for less than $20
https://theyoungglobetrotter.com/top-10-cheap-things-to-do-in-dubai/