Hotels
Where to stay in Dubai: the best areas explained
Dubai stretches along more than 50 kilometres of coast, and the area you choose decides whether you stay by the beach, beneath the towers or in the old city. These are the areas we would pick between, with one hotel in each.
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From a hotel room in Dubai Marina you watch the towers reflected in the water, and the beach at JBR is five minutes away. The Burj Khalifa, though, is half an hour by taxi, and the old souks by the Creek further still. Dubai is not a city you walk around, and where you stay decides how much time you spend in cars.
The city runs along the coast from Old Dubai in the north to the Marina and Palm Jumeirah in the south. The metro follows the main artery, Sheikh Zayed Road, but most visitors take taxis. We have chosen the areas we would stay in and explain who each suits. For more hotels, see our guide to hotels in Dubai.
Short answer: where should you stay in Dubai?
For a short city break, Downtown is best, with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall on your doorstep. For beach and nightlife together, choose Dubai Marina or JBR. Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach suit a pure beach holiday, and Old Dubai suits culture and markets.
Best for a first visit: Downtown
Best for beach and nightlife: Dubai Marina
Best for a resort holiday: Palm Jumeirah
Best for families: Jumeirah Beach
Best for culture: Old Dubai by the Creek
Palace Downtown
Palace Downtown in Downtown Dubai.
Downtown: the Burj Khalifa and the fountains
Downtown Dubai is the area around the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains that perform each evening. You stay inside the city's most famous backdrop, with restaurants and shopping within walking distance.
It suits short city breaks and first visits. The catch: there is no beach, so you will need a taxi or the metro to reach the coast.
Palace Downtown: the fountains from your terrace
Palace Downtown is a three-minute walk from the Dubai Fountain, built in Arabian style around a long, palm-lined pool. From its terraces you see both the fountains and the Burj Khalifa.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Palace Downtown
Grosvenor House
Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina.
Dubai Marina and JBR: beach and skyscrapers
Dubai Marina is built around an artificial canal lined with towers, and JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence, has a long beach and a promenade of restaurants. In the evening the waterfront is lively.
It suits travellers who want both beach and city life. The catch is the distance to Downtown and Old Dubai, often half an hour by taxi.
Grosvenor House: high above the Marina
Grosvenor House stands in Dubai Marina, with two outdoor pools and the beach at JBR a few minutes away. Its guest scores are exceptional, and it suits travellers who want a city hotel close to the water.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Grosvenor House
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Sofitel Dubai The Palm.
Palm Jumeirah: the resort island
Palm Jumeirah is the artificial palm-shaped island, with resorts along its fronds and outer crescent. It is home to Atlantis and the Aquaventure water park, and many hotels have private beaches.
It suits a pure beach holiday and families who want everything at the hotel. The catch: you are far from the rest of the city, and getting on and off the island takes time at rush hour.
Sofitel The Palm: five pools and a long beach
Sofitel Dubai The Palm has five outdoor pools and a long beach, a few minutes from Aquaventure. It suits families and couples who want plenty of space.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.
Jumeirah Beach: calm and close to town
Along Jumeirah Beach, between Downtown and the Marina, the buildings are lower, with villas and some of the city's best beach hotels looking towards the Burj Al Arab. It is quieter than the Marina and closer to Downtown.
It suits couples and families who want a beach without staying far from the city. The catch: there is little to do outside the hotels at night.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach: sand and balconies
Four Seasons sits on the beach at Jumeirah, with two outdoor pools, and every room has a balcony and a deep bathtub. A calm choice with a short ride into town.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Al Seef Heritage Hotel
Al Seef Heritage Hotel by the Creek.
Old Dubai by the Creek: souks and abra boats
Around Dubai Creek lies the old city, with the Al Fahidi quarter, the spice and gold souks of Deira and the abras, small wooden boats that ferry people across the water. This is how Dubai looked before the skyscrapers.
It suits travellers more interested in culture than beaches. The catch: you will need a taxi to reach the beaches.
Al Seef Heritage: wind towers by the Creek
Al Seef stands by Dubai Creek, built in traditional style with wind towers and wooden balconies. From here you walk to Al Fahidi and take an abra across to the Deira souks.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Al Seef Heritage Hotel
Park Hyatt Dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai by the Creek.
Park Hyatt: a resort by the Creek
Park Hyatt sits by the Creek, with two outdoor pools and a golf course next door. A good choice if you want a resort while staying in the older part of the city.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Park Hyatt Dubai
Good to know before you book
Plan on taxis: distances are long and it is hot to walk for much of the year. Taxis are affordable and easy to find.
Summer is very hot: from June to September it is too hot to be outside at midday. Winter is high season.
Nightly fees: hotels add a tourism fee per room per night, often paid on arrival.
Ramadan: during the month of fasting the pace slows, and some restaurants change their daytime hours.
Where to stay in Dubai: frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Dubai for first-timers?
Downtown is best for a first visit, with the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains right outside.
Is it better to stay in Dubai Marina or Downtown?
The Marina suits those who want a beach and evening life, Downtown those who want the main sights close and do not need a beach on the doorstep.
Where should families stay in Dubai?
Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach suit families, with large resorts, pools and beaches.
Where is Old Dubai?
The old city lies around Dubai Creek, with the Al Fahidi quarter and the souks of Deira.