Dubai
Dubai is a city of many centres. You can stay on a man-made palm island, beneath the world's most famous skyline, or by an old trading creek where the wooden boats still run. Here are the areas, and the hotel we would pick in each.
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In short: where should you stay in Dubai?
For beach and resort living, stay on Palm Jumeirah or along Jumeirah Beach. Dubai Marina and JBR suit those who want beach and city life within walking distance. Downtown is the choice for the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and Old Dubai by the Creek for culture and souks. Our first choice is Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina.
Our first choice: Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina. Check availability and prices
Picolo has been to every one of these areas, and the selection below is our own.
How to choose an area in Dubai
Palm Jumeirah: resort hotels with their own beaches, a little apart from the rest of the city.
Dubai Marina and JBR: a beachfront promenade and a buzzing restaurant scene.
Downtown: the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, but no beach.
Jumeirah: long beaches with views of the Burj Al Arab.
Old Dubai: wooden boats on the Creek and the gold and spice souks.
Palm Jumeirah
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Waldorf Astoria sits on the outer ring of the palm island, with three outdoor pools and its own beach. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.4 and praise the staff. Best for couples and families who want a classic luxury resort.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
The island's most talked-about hotel has its own page: read our guide to Atlantis The Royal.
For more hotels on the palm island, see our guide to Palm Jumeirah hotels.
Dubai Marina and JBR
Grosvenor House
Grosvenor House sits in the heart of Dubai Marina, a few minutes from the beach, with two outdoor pools. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.8, among the highest ratings in the city. This is where to stay if you want a city hotel and a beach in the same holiday.
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Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
Rixos sits right on the beach at JBR, with four restaurants and a beach club. Guests rate it 9.0. Best if you want sand under your feet and the promenade outside the door.
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JA Ocean View Hotel
JA Ocean View is also on the beach at JBR, with five restaurants. Guests especially like the breakfast, and more than a thousand rate it 9.0. A good choice for families who want plenty of options.
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For more hotels here, see our guide to Dubai Marina and JBR hotels.
Downtown
Armani Hotel Dubai
Armani Hotel is inside the Burj Khalifa, with a spa and interiors designed by Giorgio Armani. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.2. This is where to stay if you want to step straight out to Dubai Mall and the fountains.
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Rove Downtown
Rove is a simpler, more affordable hotel a few minutes from Dubai Mall, with an outdoor pool and a breakfast guests rave about. It is rated 9.6 from more than 1,100 reviews. A good choice if you would rather spend on experiences than on the room.
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Jumeirah Beach
Read also our guide to the Burj Al Arab.
Jumeirah
Along Jumeirah Beach you can see the Burj Al Arab from your sun lounger.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Four Seasons sits on the beach in Jumeirah, with two outdoor pools, and every room has a balcony and a deep bathtub. Guests rate it 9.4. Best for couples who want calm but a short trip into the city.
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Jumeirah Al Naseem
Al Naseem sits next to the Burj Al Arab, with five outdoor pools and its own beach. More than 500 guests rate it 9.4. A good choice if you want the Burj Al Arab view from your sun lounger.
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Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is built like a wave beside the Burj Al Arab, with three outdoor pools. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.0. Best for families who want beach and plenty of activities.
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Old Dubai and the Creek
Dubai Creek
On Dubai Creek the wooden abras still cross to the souks of Deira.
Al Seef Heritage Hotel
Al Seef sits on Dubai Creek, built in traditional style with wind towers and wooden balconies. Guests rate it 9.0. This is where to stay if you want to walk to the Al Fahidi quarter and take an abra across to the souks of Deira.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Park Hyatt Dubai
Park Hyatt sits on the Creek, with two outdoor pools and a golf course next door. Guests rate it 9.6. A good choice if you want a resort feel in the old part of the city.
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For the most exclusive hotels, see our guide to the best hotels in Dubai.
Tips before you book
Choose by what you want to do: beach and resort on the Palm or in Jumeirah, city and shopping in Downtown.
The Metro: most areas have a Metro station nearby. Palm Jumeirah is easiest by taxi.
Season: winter is peak season and the most expensive. See the Dubai weather month by month.
Frequently asked questions about Dubai hotels
Where is the best place to stay in Dubai?
Palm Jumeirah or Jumeirah for beach and resort, Dubai Marina for beach and city life, Downtown for the Burj Khalifa and Old Dubai for culture.
Where should you stay in Dubai for the first time?
Dubai Marina or Downtown. Both have the Metro and a short trip to most things.
Which Dubai hotels are on the beach?
The hotels on Palm Jumeirah, along Jumeirah Beach and at JBR have their own beach or sit right by it.
Is Dubai expensive to stay in?
There are hotels at every price. Rove Downtown is an affordable option rated 9.6.
What is the best hotel in Dubai?
Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina is our first choice, rated 9.8.