Best Places To Stay In Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai is the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates and is famous for its futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping opportunities, and vibrant culture.

Home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and a whole host of other popular attractions, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days here for the best experience. We recently spent three nights, and on previous trips I’ve spent around the same amount of time… But if you have a week you’ll easily fill that time with Dubai activities!

Now, trying to find a hotel can often feel very overwhelming as there are so many options. Luckily, I’m here to help with this Dubai hotel guide.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai, then I’ve got you covered. This guide is going to detail the best places to stay in the city, in a variety of areas, so there’s something for everyone!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, we earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Which area of Dubai is best?

This is a really tricky question. Honestly, it’s going to depend on a couple of factors: 1) what kind of trip you’re onm (family holiday, romantic getaway, or business travel); 2) what you’d like to see and experience while you’re in Dubai (busy city life, cultural gems, or beach break?) 3) your budget; and 4) how much time you’d like to spend relaxing.

For family holidays and beach breaks we recommend The Palm Jumeirah or Jumeirah Beach Residences (sometimes referred to as JBR). For more cultural experiences, we like the Dubai Creek area. And for a true city break, book a place in Downtown Dubai or the Dubai Marina.

We find the best value for money (cost versus luxe) in the Downtown Dubai or Dubai Creek areas.

The best places to stay in Downtown Dubai

1. DAMAC Maison Distinction

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai then check out DAMAC Maison Distinction. Boasting a fantastic location, gorgeous luxury suites, and excellent facilities, you don’t want to miss out on this place. 

One of the hotel’s highlights has to be the rooftop swimming pool, as from here, you’ll be treated to striking views of the Burj Khalifa, and the city. 

At DAMAC Maison Distinction, there’s also an on-site spa that you can take advantage of, a fitness center, and Bloom’s AVA restaurant. 

However, it’s the beautiful suites that will take your breath away! Some of these spacious suites sleep up to 6 people and offer fantastic views of the world’s tallest building. 

Not only that, but all of the suites feature a private kitchenette, a spacious bathroom, and a seating area, where you can relax after a long day of exploring! 

2. Ramada Downtown Dubai

Next up is Ramada Downtown Dubai, which overlooks the beautiful Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. You’ll also be near Dubai Mall and the Dubai Opera, so you’ll be in a great location for exploring the city. 

There are 181 rooms at Ramada Downtown Dubai, some of which sleep up to 4 people. Better yet, many of them offer excellent views of the city and plenty of amenities.

The most luxurious option at this hotel is the 4-bedroom Penthouse which boasts panoramic views, private balconies, and a master bedroom that features its own jacuzzi! 

With an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, sauna, and concierge service, this hotel has a lot to offer. It’s also a great option for families, as you’ll find a children’s playground and pool at Ramada Downtown Dubai. 

This place offers a fantastic business center too if you’re traveling for work.

3. DAMAC Maison Mall Street

DAMAC Maison Mall Street is another excellent option if you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai. It’s set in a great location, so you’ll easily be able to access other areas of the city! 

Not only that, but many of the rooms are relatively affordable considering the popular location. This makes it the perfect option for travelers looking to keep their costs down, but who still want to stay in the heart of Dubai. 

DAMAC Maison Mall Street is also a great place to stay for those after a relaxing getaway. Boasting an on-site spa, outdoor swimming pool, and wellness areas, which consist of a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, this hotel offers plenty of opportunities to de-stress! 

There are lots of rooms and suites to choose from at this hotel, with all of them offering a fully-equipped kitchen and balcony.

Other options: I’ve also previously stayed at Manzil Downtown and Vida Downtown which were both great and really affordable, though I’d recommend this more for couples/friends than for travelling with kids.

The best places to stay along Jumeirah Beach Residence

4. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

You’ll find plenty of hotel options along Jumeirah Beach Residence, but there’s something special about this place! 

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach is located along ‘The Walk’ and is close to The Beach Mall and Dubai Marina. It’s a 5* hotel known for its luxurious suites, excellent facilities, and variety of dining options.

When it comes to the latter, there are four dining establishments to choose from so you won’t be short of options! If you stay at this hotel, you’ll also benefit from an outdoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and steam room. 

Better yet, this hotel puts sustainability at the forefront of its policies, making it a great option for eco-friendly travelers.

In terms of accommodation, there are over 400 sea-view rooms and suites to choose from! These offer a private balcony so you’ll have breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. 

5. Rixos Premium Dubai JBR

Choosing where to stay in Dubai can be difficult, but Rixos Premium Dubai JBR is one of the best options, especially if you’re looking to stay along Jumeirah Beach Residence.

This 35-story hotel is home to over 400 rooms, many of which offer panoramic views of the gulf through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. If you’re after a more luxurious stay, then make sure you opt for a suite! 

Thanks to the hotel’s location you’ll have direct access to the beach and its watersport opportunities. You’ll also be near some of the area’s most iconic attractions including Dubai Marina Mall and the Mall of Emirates. 

In terms of facilities, you’ll find a bar and eight restaurants on-site, so there are plenty of dining options. Not to mention, there’s a large outdoor swimming pool, an on-site spa, a fitness center, and a salon.

6. Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Considering Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is a 5* hotel, some of the rooms are very affordable. That makes it a great option for travelers who don’t want to spend too much but still want those luxurious facilities. 

Home to an outdoor pool, a wellness center, and six restaurants and bars, this incredible hotel has so much to offer. The food is known to be delicious, so make sure you dine here during your stay.

There are 297 luxury rooms at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, with some of them offering sea views. No matter which one you go for, you’ll have a private bathroom, free WiFi, and coffee & tea-making facilities. 

If you choose this hotel, you’ll also be just a short walk from the beach, so you’ll be in a great location. Not to mention there are some popular attractions nearby including the marina!

The best places to stay on Palm Jumeirah Island 

7. Atlantis, The Palm

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai then check out Atlantis, The Palm, the city’s most famous hotel. Whether you’re a couple or a family, this place has something for everyone!

Atlantis, The Palm is a gorgeous 5* hotel that stands out above all the others. Boasting an underwater aquarium, a private beach, and a fantastic on-site spa, this place is the definition of luxury. 

During your stay, you’ll also get complimentary access to Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest water parks. 

If you still aren’t convinced, then Atlantis, The Palm is the ultimate foodie destination. There are several signature restaurants here along with celebrity chef restaurants, such as Ossiano.

Now, there are plenty of rooms to choose from at this hotel, but the Signature Suites offer the best experience. There’s the Underwater Suite, Presidential Suite, and the Grand Atlantis Suite! 

8. Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah

If you’d prefer something a bit cheaper then make sure you take a look at Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah. This hotel is located just a few steps from Palm West Beach and offers extensive facilities.

One of the highlights has to be the hotel’s private beach area, where you can relax on a sun lounger and soak up the sun. 

There are 389 rooms in total at Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows. That way, you can appreciate the epic views! 

For the best vistas, opt for a sea-view corner premium room. These sleep up to two adults and one child under the age of 12 and include lots of amenities. 

While here, take advantage of the on-site dining options, spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Honestly, there’s so much on offer at this luxurious hotel! 

9. Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm

The Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm also offers some affordable accommodation options! Thanks to its location, you’ll have easy beach access. In fact, this 5* hotel also offers a private beach area.

There are over 200 rooms at Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm, with many of them offering superb views of the Arabian Sea. Don’t forget to check out the luxurious Palm Suites! 

One of the best things about staying at this hotel has to be the variety of dining opinions. Whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine or Pan-Asian food, there’s something for everyone here. 

Another great thing about Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm is the variety of facilities on offer. On-site you’ll find a spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and salon.

There’s also a great business center if you’re traveling for work.

Other options: We recently stayed at the Sofitel Dubai The Palm – look out for our review in the coming days. For the ultimate in luxury, also check out Atlantis The Royal – it’s Dubai’s newest luxury hotel and you really have to see it to believe it.

The best places to stay in Dubai Marina

10. InterContinental Dubai Marina, an IHG Hotel

This gorgeous hotel is set in the heart of the marina and offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area! You’ll be just a short walk from JBR Beach and the Dubai Tram, so you’ll have no problems getting around.

InterContinental Dubai Marina is known for its award-winning restaurants and bars, modern rooms, and extensive facilities, so it’s a big hit with travelers! 

There are over 300 guest rooms at this hotel, with the suites being the most luxurious. Many of the suites offer a private balcony and marina views, so it will be a struggle to tear yourself away from the room! 

However, it’s not only the rooms that will impress you. InterContinental Dubai Marina offers an on-site spa, outdoor pool, and a fitness center. 

This hotel also offers an extremely personalized service, which includes a sports trainer, babysitting services, and dry cleaning.

11. Millennium Place Dubai Marina

Millennium Place Dubai Marina is another great option if you’re looking to stay in this part of the city. It’s one of the newest hotels in Dubai and yet, it already has a fantastic reputation! 

First of all, the beach and Dubai Marina Mall are both nearby, and you’ll be just a short walk from Dubai Metro Station. 

Millennium Place Dubai Marina boasts 458 gorgeous rooms, with many of them offering stunning views of the city and marina. There are plenty of options and they range in price.

Like many of the hotels in Dubai, this place also offers lots of awesome facilities. If you decide to stay here, you’ll have use of the outdoor pool, fitness center, and bar. 

Millennium Place Dubai Marina is also home to MasterChef, the TV Experience, which is the first restaurant of its kind in the city!

12. Address Dubai Marina

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai then don’t miss out on this gorgeous hotel. Address Dubai Marina is known for its world-class service, spacious suites, and fantastic location.

In terms of the latter, Address Dubai Marina is actually connected to the Dubai Marina Mall, so is the perfect place to stay if you’re a keen shopper! You’ll also be just a short walk from the beach.

One of the best things about this hotel is its infinity pool, as you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Dubai, especially when the city is all lit up at night! 

Not only that, but there are several fantastic dining options on-site including Elvi Lounge, Le Kong, and Nova among others. So if you’re a big foodie, you’ll want to check out this hotel.

Don’t forget about the wellness and fitness centre either! 

The best places to stay in Dubai Creek

13. Golden Sands-Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is another great area of the city and you’ll find plenty of awesome accommodation options here!

Golden Sands-Dubai Creek is one of the most luxurious hotels in this area, with its gorgeous interior, grand suites, and extensive facilities. It’s also just a 10-minute drive from the city’s international airport. 

First of all, the rooftop pool and bar is the perfect place to relax, and you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Dubai and the Arabian Sea from here.

This boutique hotel also offers some charming eateries; The Great Oaks, Frenchie Cafe, and Buonissimo. There’s also Buonissimo Dolci which offers tasty grab-and-go coffee in the hotel lobby. 

There are 150 luxury suites at Golden Sands-Dubai Creek although a few stand out above the others! This includes the Golden Grand Suite Waterfront and the Grand Suite Waterfronts, all of which offer panoramic views and a jacuzzi.

14. Al Bandar Rotana – Dubai Creek

Al Bandar Rotana is another fantastic option if you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai. This gorgeous 5* hotel is located on Baniyas Road and overlooks the waterfront.

There are 190 rooms at Al Bandar Rotana and each one features the latest amenities, a modern design, and plenty of space. The Royal Suite is the most luxurious option as it’s a two-floor penthouse that offers panoramic city views and a jacuzzi. Fancy right? 

Aside from in-room dining, there’s also the Morgan’s Gastropub, Salt & Pepper Restaurant, and Gusto Italian Restaurant, so you won’t be short of food options.

There’s the Deck Pool Lounge too which is a casual poolside eatery. From here (and the pool), you’ll get jaw-dropping views of the city center! 

On-site facilities include a fitness centre, sauna, steam room, and three massage rooms. A personal trainer can also be requested if you wish.

15. Carlton Dubai Creek Hotel

Last but certainly not least there’s the Carlton Dubai Creek Hotel. With an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a sauna, this place has a lot to offer. 

Even better, Carlton Dubai Creek Hotel is one of the most budget-friendly 4* hotels you’ll find in this area so is great for those who are watching their wallet.

There are 126 studios available and each one is equipped with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals and save some money! Not to mention, the studios are very spacious and feature lots of amenities including free WiFi and air conditioning. 

This hotel also offers three on-site restaurants; Al Murjan, Deli Grind Lobby Café, and Narrah. No matter which one you head to, you’ll have delicious food! 

If you’re still not convinced, then you’ll be close to some of Dubai’s most notable landmarks too. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of where to stay in Dubai. Whether you’re after a luxurious getaway or you’d prefer something more affordable, this city has something for everyone.

For more help planning your ultimate Dubai holiday, make sure you check out our list of things to do in Dubai and our guide to Dubai holiday costs.

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