21 best hotels in Dubai for 2023 for girls' holidays, honeymoons & solo travel
The search for the best hotels in Dubai is no easy task, with the Arabian city home to more than 135,000 hotel rooms at last count. But fret not, we've done some digging. For glamorous hotels, sandblasting in the dunes and a bass-thumping nightlife scene keep reading.
If you (like us) have been binge-watching Dubai Bling, you’d know that Dubai is the place to see and be seen. With some of the most jaw-dropping luxury hotels in the world, you’d be hard done to find a better splash-out city break than Dubai.
However, amidst all the glitz and glam, this jewel in the desert offers more than just glamour, boasting a seemingly endless plethora of incredible sights, culture, adventure – plus a vibrant nightlife scene to boot. Yep: the city has plenty of wondrous sites to explore. Need proof? You can climb world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, stroll along the City Walk, watch a Dubai Fountain show or even go on the XLine, the world’s longest zipline, in the Dubai Marina. There’s something for all kinds of travellers in this magical city in the sand.
So while you may eye-roll at every influencer, celeb and footballer flocking to Dubai to avoid the bitter cold in the UK, it turns out they might be onto something. There’s plenty of reason to hop on a flight the United Arab Emirates this winter.
Enter: our guide to the best hotels in Dubai to help you plan your next trip. From ultra-luxe hotels like the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah or The Ritz Carlton Dubai to contemporary, design-led properties such as the W Dubai and Armani Hotel or self-contained mega resorts that are so large and encompassing that they have become destinations within themselves (think: One&Only Royal Mirage or Atlantis The Palm), our comprehensive guide has an air-conditioned bliss of a Dubai hotel for every style and occasion. Time to glam it up in Dubai, no matter your budget.
Ahead, one travel writer's edit of the very best hotels in Dubai for 2023.
Best hotel in Duabi for: exploring the city
Address: Wafi, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Raffles Dubai’s palatial 17-storey pyramid silhouette will certainly make you feel like you have stepped into ancient Egypt (and you will see plenty of Egyptian motifs throughout the hotel). An architectural marvel, Raffles Dubai embraces the excess of the Egyptian pharaohs. Here, you will find hieroglyphs etched onto the walls, rich Egyptian motifs and a grand multi-storey lobby that will bring out your inner Cleopatra. There is also an excellent spa and a fabulous array of dining options which include Japanese restaurant Tomo, Italian trattoria Solo and traditional Arabian restaurant Azur. This five star luxury hotel boasts the largest standard rooms in the whole of the city and is conveniently located next to many of its cultural sites including Old Dubai, Dubai Business Bay or Dubai Creek.
Best hotel in Dubai for: the beach club
Address: Caesars Palace Bluewaters Island PO Box 36555, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Located in the stylish Bluwaters Island, Caesars Palace Dubai is bringing Las Vegas glam to the sunny shoes of Dubai. This luxury beach resort occupies a 500 metre private beach and is great for escaping the buzz of the city without being too isolated. Just a short walk from the Dubai Marina and the picturesque JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), Caesars Palace is a great place to balance work, play and relaxation. Sunbathe at the Neptune Pool & Beach Bar or turn it up at the vibey Venus Beach Club. Dine to your heart’s content at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell Kitchen, which offers immersive brunches and of course Ramsay’s signature Beef Wellington. There is also a relaxing wellness facility that offers luxury spa treatments. We’re certain you’ll be treated like a queen in this palace.
Best hotel in Duabi for: a sense of place
Address: Downtown Burj Khalifa Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: The Taj Dubai adds a welcome splash of colour and opulence to Business Bay, Dubai’s main financial district. This contemporary boutique hotel embraces Arabian design influences and motifs and houses more than 3,000 Indian sculptures and artworks. Gilded frames, vibrant textiles, and exotic artefacts set this hotel apart from its contemporary peers and we’re all for it. Like most Dubai hotels, there is an outdoor pool, spa, steam room and hammam, with charming touches like the Hendricks’ Gin bicycle cart. The hotel’s breakfast restaurant Tesoro is a celebration of Arabian and Middle Eastern flavours, the Byzantium lobby lounge is also a great spot for tea, while the Eloquent Elephant is a fab spot for all day dining. Its Business Bay location means it’s a great base for exploring the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain too.
Best hotel in Dubai for: style
Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai
Address: Jumeira Bay Island, Jumeira 2, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Known as one of the best luxury hotels in Dubai, the Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai occupies its own private island and really lives up to the stellar Bulgari name. Decked in stylish Italian marble and characterised by rich velvet accents, bold fashion prints, and with a gold-tiled pool to boot, this hotel certainly knows how to make an impact. Guests will find Bulgari fine jewellery in the hotel gift shop, while the hotel bakery is filled with traditional Italian pastries. You can spend the day at Bulgari’s Beach Club (which is as stylish as it sounds) or go for a relaxing treatment at the Roman bath-inspired spa. We especially recommend trying the Roma breakfast, which combines traditional Italian flavours with Dubai indulgence and offers a taste of the Mediterranean on the Arabian Gulf. Every moment at the Bulgari hotel feels like you’ve stepped into a glossy fashion editorial, and we are certainly fans.
Best boutique hotel in Dubai
Address: Jaddaf Waterfront, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: The Palazzo Versace Dubai could not be more appropriately named. This grand neo-classical hotel towers in what was once Dubai’s culture village and looks like it would feel just at home on the Vegas strip. Greek columns, marble floors, Roman mosaics and rococo prints as far as the eye can see, will certainly make you feel like a Versace. So much so that you’ll see the Italian fashion house’s Medusa Insignia pretty much everywhere at the hotel (even on the water bottles). The Versace spirit is clearly everywhere at the Palazzo, from the hotel’s numerous Versace boutiques to the glamorous landscaped gardens overlooking Dubai Creek. Michelin-starred chef Mansour Memarian leads the culinary offer at Palazzo Versace, bringing rich Italian and Mediterranean flavours to Dubai’s sunny shores via the fabulous La Piscine and Giardino restaurants.
Best hotels in Dubai for friends
Address: West Crescent Palm - Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Like any W Hotel, the W Dubai The Palm is cool, stylish and absolutely poppin on a weekend. A relative newcomer to Dubai’s bustling hotel scene, W Dubai The Palm is just the hotel to bring the fun, colour and excitement to your next girls trip. The hotel’s neon lit façade and Ibiza-inspired beach club beckon its guests to party from day to night. Even the multi-storey glass artwork in the lobby, inspired by a soundwave, pays homage to the hotel’s link to Dubai’s club scene. The beach-facing pool deck is where the party is at and houses a maze of pools surrounded by wicker cabanas, so you can shield yourself from the rays. If all-day beach parties aren’t your jam, know that W Dubai The Palm is also located in the beating heart of Dubai’s foodie scene. Nearby restaurants from culinary superstars Yanick Alléno and Alain Ducasse are within quick driving distance, plus the hotel’s own Massimo Bottura and Akira Back-led restaurants offer plenty of gastronomic delights to feast on too. For daytime fun, the Aquaventure water park is also just a quick drive away.
Best hotel on the Palm Dubai
Address: Crescent Rd - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Atlantis the Palm certainly has one of the most iconic facades in the whole of the UAE and sits on the very top pf the Palm Jumeirah. (You’d certainly recognise its iconic central arch anywhere). The second biggest hotel in Dubai, Atlantis the Palm resort Dubai has over 1,500 rooms, over 23 restaurants and 65,000 different marine species living in its giant aquarium, certainly earning its name as the Atlantis. This mega hotel is a destination within itself and is home to an endless array of attractions for the whole family. There is the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquaventure Water Park, the fab ShuiQi Spa and even helicopter tours. Active holidaymakers will enjoy the jogging track, tennis court, swimming pools, and volleyball court – plus exciting array of water sports available on the beach. For dining, we like Nobu for its signature miso black cod or the Ossiano restaurant by the aquarium.
Best new hotel in Dubai
Address: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Located in Dubai’s bustling West Palm Beach, the Hilton Dubai Palm Beach is one of our top picks for best new hotel openings in Dubai. This newly opened beach resort is home to plenty of exciting dining concepts including the Zing Beach Bar on the water’s edge and SocialBee which has a menu designed around locally sourced honey. We also like the Aussie Jones the Grocer concept, which does a great brekkie. Its location in Palm Jumeirah means there are gorgeous sea views all around and that it is close to the Aquaventure waterpark, the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk and of course the Burj Al Arab.
Best hotel in Dubai for couples
Address: Burj Khalifa, Shewikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Located in the Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers, you simply can’t find a more iconic (and more central) location in Dubai. The Armani Hotel was designed by Giorgio Armani himself and occupies the eight floor of the world’s tallest building, with suites on the 38th and 29th floors. Here you will find some of the most incredible views of the city below, including of the Dubai Fountain which has regular water shows that tantalise both locals and tourists alike.
Inside, the hotel is a picture of sleek greys and metal touches. Like a sleek Armani suite, the hotel greets visitors with bronze arches, rich leather textures and stylish concrete details. Armani gift shops are dotted around the hotel, offering chocolates, fashion and even flowers. There are several Armani restaurants too including the Mediterraneo and Privé night club (of course, named after the Armani Privé line). The Armani Spa on the third floor is a wondrous feast for the senses, completing your Armani immersion. There is also a terrace pool that is the perfect place to catch the sun. The hi-tech rooms and suites (with iPads controlling everything from room temperatures to blinds) will make you feel appropriately swanky, like you have somehow stepped into the latest James Bond flick and hey – there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
Best hotel in Dubai for: solo travellers
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road in the heart of the city, the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai is the perfect hotel for solo travellers. The hotel is just a quick drive from most of Dubai’s key attractions such as the Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek and City Walk, but in many ways is a destination within itself. This five-star hotel boasts the same luxury amenities and impeccable luxury service you’d expect from any Shangri-La property, with a Middle Eastern touch. It also has excellent views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Not to mention, its excellent rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail over sunset.
Best hotel in Duabi for couples
Address: Jumeira 1, Jumeirah Road, Dubai.
Why we love it: Five gorgeous pools, a breath-taking private beach, and a fabulous spa make the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah a prime choice for honeymooners looking for a glamorous yet relaxing stay in Dubai. With a beachfront location right in front of Mercato Beach (with neighbours like the Four Seasons and the Bulgari Hotel), the Mandarin Oriental Dubai is a great base for discovering all downtown Dubai’s main attractions. We especially recommend checking out the graffiti-covered City Walk which is home to plenty of cute shops and restaurants.
The hotel is Mandarin Oriental at its finest, as guests are greeted with a stunning signature scent the moment you enter. The hotel has 256 hotel rooms, most with incredible sea views and all fully equipped with Natura Bissé toiletries. Michelin-starred chef Jose Avillez brings Portuguese flair to the dining offer at Mandarin Oriental with Tasca, but we think Noor Lounge and Netsu are also worth shouting about. There’s certainly plenty to fall in love with here.
Best hotels in Dubai for honeymoon
Address: The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Designed like an elegant Moorish palace and complete with a private beach, the Ritz Carlton is the epitome of understated luxury. Amidst the glitz and glamour of Dubai, The Ritz Carlton’s refined elegance stands out and is perfect for loved up newlyweds looking for a private yet luxurious retreat for their honeymoon. The hotel blends Arabian influences with all the signature Ritz Carlton touches (like private butler service/dedicated concierge). The colonial-style hotel has eight restaurants, six pools and beautifully landscaped gardens which are home to a cacophony of tropical birds. It is also conveniently located near the souks, where you can get your new wife/husband some traditional Arabian souvenirs, or better yet, some reasonably priced gold jewellery. We think the Bedouin-style Amaseena restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic meal for two.
Best hotel in Dubai for: a quiet break
Address: South America The World Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: If you want to get away from Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle, then check-in to the Anantara World Islands Dubai. The hotel is four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, the equivalent of a 15 minute speedboat ride. It is the first to open on Worlds Islands and offers a quiet and relaxing retreat away from the city. Here you can relax in beautiful summer houses, enjoy gorgeous private beaches, endless swimming pools, beautiful sea views and the most amazing view of Dubai’s skyline.
Best hotel in Dubai for: a central location
Address: Dubai Golf Creek And Yacht Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a luxurious base to explore all the city’s main attractions, then the Park Hyatt Dubai is the hotel for you. Located ten minutes away from the airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and adjacent to the Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina; it doesn’t get more central than the Park Hyatt Dubai. This low-rise five-star hotel has excellent views of the Dubai Creek and Business Bay and has a laidback approach to luxury. Elegant Arabian summer houses meet Mediterranean touches and bougainvillea-covered walkways, creating an effortlessly luxurious atmosphere that would impress even the fussiest of travellers. The hotel’s waterfront dining promenade, which is home to Brasserie du Park and Noépe, is a great place for dining but also for people watching.
Best hotel in Dubai for: coastal luxe
InterContinental Dubai Marina, an IHG Hotel
Address: Bay Central, Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, 393080 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: Located in the swanky Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous confluence of superyachts, Dubai Abra (wooden Dow boats) and glitzy restaurants, the InterContinental, an IHG Hotel, is just the place to explore all of Dubai’s seaside attractions. Jumeirah Beach Residence, or JBR according to the locals, is just a five-minute walk away. Adventure-seekers can also try the XLine, the world’s longest zipline, at the Dubai Marina and zip through all of Dubai’s sites at 50 miles per hour. They can also hop on a Dubai Abra and sail along the Dubai Creek. The hotel itself has all the quintessential InterContinental features; a fabulous breakfast buffet, a relaxing spa, and the excellent service you’d expect at any InterContinental property. Don’t forget to dine at Marina Social, Jason Atherton’s new joint, where the wagyu tartare is to die for.
Best hotelsin Dubai for families
Address: 11416, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road, Po Box 11416.
Why we love it: This stunning beachside hotel is a great choice for families and sits on a picturesque stretch of private beach overlooking the Burj Al Arab. This family-friendly hotel has six swimming pools, an excellent Cove Beach Bar and offers free access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark next door. With plenty of activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, tennis, squash, climbing and kids club – we couldn’t think of a better hotel in Dubai where you can bring the whole family.
Best hotel in Dubai: with a view
Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, P.O Box 111969, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Why we love it: The clue is in the name, because Dubai’s iconic skyline is the biggest and brightest star of the Address Sky View. The hotel has a tantalising infinity pool on the 54th floor which boasts panoramic views of the city. The towering Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and one of its most famous skyscrapers, serves as an inspiring backdrop for The Address Sky View. Check-in to this cool and contemporary hotel, which is washed with light and makes the most of Dubai’s skyline. It has floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere, plenty of indoor and outdoor rooftop pools, a palm tree lined lobby as well as a fully kitted spa and gym. Fashion lovers will especially like its proximity to the Dubai Mall, one of the most luxurious shopping centres in the city. We rate the hotel’s Cé La Vi restaurant, whose flower-framed swing, which is perfectly placed in front of the Burj Khalifa, has graced countless Instagram feeds (including ours) over the years.
Best hotel in Dubai for: romance
Address: Dubai, Palm Island, The West Crescent, PO Box 114843.
Why we love it: One&Only The Palm is a calming oasis where you can escape the craziness and busy-ness of Dubai. With 90 rooms, the One&Only The Palm may seem large by normal standards, but by Dubai standards is pretty intimate. Located on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, One&Only The Palm is all about celebrating traditional Arabian and Andalucian architecture and is a gorgeous hotel full of romance. The hotel’s stunning palm tree-lined pool is flanked by daybeds, perfect for catching the rays, while its gorgeous grounds offer plenty of Instagrammable spots. It’s the kind of place where you could easily bump into a Kardashian or two. We especially like the Guerlain spa and the Pedi:Mani:Studio helmed by a celebrity manicurist that will transform your digits with his fabulous nail creations. We also like the 101 Dining Lounge and Bar which boasts a beautiful seaside location and, unsurprisingly, excellent seafood dishes too.
Best hotels in Dubai for friends
Address: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, PO Box 75157, Dubai.
Why we love it: Jumeirah Al Naseem is part of Madinat Jumeirah, which comprises four different properties (Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf) to create the equivalent of resort Leviathan. This gorgeous lagoon style resort is a cool and contemporary beachside retreat that offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the warmth of the Arabian sunshine. The hotel has five larger-than-life swimming pools and boasts a stunning beachfront location, making it the ideal choice for beach lovers. Jumeirah Al Naseem has 435 rooms and suites, including the lavish five-bedroom Royal Penthouse which has its own infinity pool and private gym. This mega-resort is home to 11 restaurants and bars, including the excellent Rockfish and Kayto restaurants where guests can enjoy delicious Peruvian food. It is also home to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, which rehabilitates sick and injured turtles from local waters. There is also steam room and hammam, tennis courts, golf course and fitness centre . You could spend a month here and still not be able to explore every inch of this place.
Best hotel in Dubai for: luxury
Address:
Why we love it: Kicking things off with what is probably the most iconic hotel in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab. One of the most instantly recognisable silhouettes on Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab is the epitome of luxury in the city. The hotel is Arabian luxury at its finest and even has butler service. Imagine a breath-taking rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Arabian gulf, an incredible array of fine dining restaurants (including the double Michelin-starred L’Olivo seafood restaurant), a heart-pumping theatre show and enough gold to make your eyes water and you’ll get the Burj Al Arab experience.
Guest can pick from a fleet of supercars to explore the city so they can get lost in the souks or go shopping in the nearby Dubai Mall. There’s plenty to marvel at too inside the hotel, with plenty of guests soaking up the sun and lounging on the Sky Terrace that sits above this iconic skyscraper. We recommend going on the ‘Inside Burj Al Arab’ Tour to get a first-hand feel of what makes this legendary hotel so… well legendary.
Best hotel in Dubai for: beach bums
Address: King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud St, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai.
Why we love it: The second One&Only property on our list, the One&Only Royal Mirage is an excellent mega resort that comprises three properties: Arabian Court, the Palace and the Residence & Spa, offering something for all kinds of travellers. The Arabian Court and the Palace will make you feel like an Arabian princess, while the discrete Residence & Spa is a made up of Moorish summer houses perfect for more private travellers. This stylish five-star hotel is in Jumeirah Beach right beside the bustling marina. An ode to the opulence of the Middle East, the hotel embraces Arabian and Moorish design influences and boasts some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf. With eight restaurants, including the Mediterranean style Olives, the Beach Bar & Grill, and the stylish Beach Club Drift, you could easily spend your entire holiday here and not run out of places to eat.
