Best hotels in Dubai: where to stay by area

In Dubai the area where you sleep decides the kind of holiday you have: the iconic skyscrapers of Downtown, the beach and bars of Dubai Marina, the luxury resorts of the Palm or the authentic Dubai of the souks. The city is vast and built for the car, but the metro links the main areas well and taxis are cheap, so choosing the right location matters a lot. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Dubai, area by area

Downtown Dubai

The modern heart around the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and the dancing fountain. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the icons to hand, with high-end hotels and a handy metro. High prices and a very touristy area.

• The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
• The Dubai Mall and the fountain show
• The Old Town and the waterside restaurants
• Direct metro to the Marina and the airport

For icons and convenience, look for hotels in Downtown.

Dubai Marina and JBR

The skyscraper quarter by the sea, with the Marina walk and the JBR beach, full of restaurants and bars. It is the choice for anyone who wants the sea, evening life and a modern atmosphere, often at better value than the resorts.

• The walk and skyscrapers of the Dubai Marina
• The beach and bars of JBR
• Cruises and dhows on the canal
• Metro and tram for the city

For the beach and evening life, see hotels in Dubai Marina.

Palm Jumeirah

The palm-shaped man-made island is the realm of the luxury resorts, with the Atlantis, the private beaches and the water parks. It is the choice for anyone after an exclusive resort holiday, with high prices but services and beach at your door.

• The Atlantis The Palm resort and its aquarium
• The private beaches and beach clubs
• The monorail and skyline views
• Restaurants and water parks

For luxury and beach, look for hotels on Palm Jumeirah.

Old Dubai: Deira and Bur Dubai

Along the Dubai Creek, the old Dubai of the souks and traditional houses offers another side of the city, authentic and much cheaper. It is the choice for anyone after culture, atmosphere and budget, between the Gold Souk and the historic Al Fahidi quarter.

• The Gold Souk and the Spice Souk
• The historic Al Fahidi quarter
• Crossing the Creek by abra, the traditional boat
• Much lower prices and local cooking

For culture and budget, see hotels in Old Dubai.

Jumeirah and the beach

The residential coast of Jumeirah, with the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, combines beaches and elegant resorts in a more relaxed atmosphere. It is the choice for anyone who wants the sea and luxury away from the buzz, with the Jumeirah Mosque a step away.

• The Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped hotel that symbolises Dubai
• Madinat Jumeirah and its canals
• The public beaches and beach clubs
• The Jumeirah Mosque

For beach and relaxed luxury, look for hotels in Jumeirah.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Dubai uses the dirham (AED, about 4 per euro) and has a very wide offering, from five-star resorts to cheaper hotels.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 90-250 euros a night; beach resorts cost far more.
• A dinner for two: about 50-100 euros; alcohol is pricey and served only in licensed venues, usually in hotels.
• Coffee: around 4 euros; the metro is very cheap and ultra-modern.
• Tourist tax: the Tourism Dirham is charged per room per night, from about 7 dirhams (budget) to 20 dirhams (5-star), roughly 2 to 5 euros. On top, hotels apply VAT, a municipality fee and a service charge, usually already in the rate.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Dubai.

Getting there and around

The main airport is Dubai International (DXB), very close to the city and linked by the metro. The more distant Al Maktoum (DWC) serves some flights. From the airport the metro or a cheap taxi reaches the centre quickly.

In town the metro links Downtown, the Marina and the airport well, and taxis are cheap. For the more spread-out areas a rental car is handy but not essential. Remember that in summer you move mostly indoors, with air conditioning.

When to go

• November-March: high season, pleasant weather around 25 degrees, the best window but with the highest prices.
• April-May: rising heat but still manageable, with lower rates.
• June-September: extreme heat, often over 40 degrees and humid; great hotel deals, but life almost entirely indoors.
• October: the end of summer, still hot but improving, a good compromise.
• During Ramadan hours and dining habits change: check before you travel.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Downtown for the icons and convenience, or Dubai Marina for the beach and evening life in a modern setting.

Do I need a car in Dubai? Not essential: the metro links the main areas and taxis are cheap. A car only helps for the more spread-out areas.

How much is the tourist tax? The Tourism Dirham is about 7 to 20 dirhams per room per night by category, roughly 2 to 5 euros, plus taxes and a service charge usually included.

Are there rules on alcohol and dress? Alcohol is served in licensed venues, mostly in hotels; in public places and malls modest dress is wise, especially during Ramadan.

How many days do I need? Four or five nights for the icons, a beach day and one in Old Dubai.

The best hotels in Dubai

Below is a selection of real hotels in Dubai among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.