Working out where to stay in Dubai can be a bit of a minefield! Dubai is such a big city with so many areas so what is the best area to stay in Dubai??
Dubai is best known for its lavish buildings and luxurious hotels, but the city actually offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. From luxury resorts on Palm Jumeirah to the vibrant beachfront, the bustling heart of Downtown, and even unique luxury desert glamping experiences, the city has a base suitable for every kind of trip.
Where to Stay in Dubai
The best areas to stay in Dubai are numerous; whether you’re looking for the best area to stay in Dubai for families, as a couple, a family or on a girl’s trip, there are specific areas in Dubai to stay that will cater to your needs.
Additionally, for budget-conscious travellers, Dubai offers a range of wallet-friendly options that don’t skimp on comfort or quality. Among these, some of the top hotels to stay in Dubai can still be affordable!
In this Dubai travel blog, we’ll help you find the best area to stay in Dubai depending on your budget and trip type and give you recommendations for the best hotels in Dubai.
1. Palm Jumeirah
- Best for – couples
- Price range – $$$$
Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is one of the most recognised and famed man-made structures in the world. Home to some of Dubai’s best beaches, restaurants and bars, the Palm is also where you’ll find the city’s best luxury resort hotels.
The island sits off the shoreline of the city’s centre, making it one of the best areas to stay in Dubai and is only 30 minutes from the airport.
Being one of the most desired and luxurious spots in Dubai, the Palm is the best hotel for couples, families and those looking for a relaxed, quality stay. Recognized as the best area to stay in Dubai for families, the Palm stands out among the other areas in Dubai to stay.
The area is the most expensive place to stay in Dubai, but there are plenty of top hotels to stay in Dubai to choose from, with varying qualities and room prices.
Best Hotels on Palm Jumeirah
Now let’s look at where you can stay on Palm Jumeirah with links to Booking.com to check out rates and availability!
Atlantis Hotel
One such gem is the Atlantis Hotel, a world-famous complex boasting breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. With its own water park, marine habitats, and a variety of exquisite restaurants, Atlantis offers an unrivalled experience. Staying at the Atlantis is considered the pinnacle of extravagance in the heart of Dubai, marking it as one of the top hotels to stay in Dubai.
They have plenty of room types to suit various budgets and even have the option of booking an underwater suite. The hotel itself has become an attraction in one of the best areas to stay in Dubai, known for its unique pink architecture and pristine location right at the northern centre of the palm. Many people would claim that a trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a stay at the Atlantis!
Check rates and availability at the Atlantis Hotel Dubai here!
One&Only Royal Mirage The Palm
For those seeking seclusion, the One&Only Royal Mirage The Palm is an intimate sanctuary that’s perfect for couples or those looking for relaxation. Tucked away amidst lush gardens on the Palm Jumeirah, this intimate resort offers a serene escape from the vibrant energy of the city. The elegant and spacious guestrooms and villas exude a timeless charm while providing stunning views of the Dubai skyline or the captivating Arabian Gulf.
Guests can indulge in world-class spa treatments, relish delectable cuisine at the resort’s exceptional restaurants, and bask in the sun beside the tranquil private beach. The architecture is truly breathtaking and the hotel even has its own beach club, Drift Beach Dubai, which is one of the best beach clubs in Dubai, further enhancing its status among the top hotels to stay in Dubai.
Check rates and availability at One&Only Royal Mirage The Palm here!
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is also a great option for couples but stands out as the best area to stay in Dubai for families. Inspired by the Ottoman Empire, this opulent resort has lavish interiors, a private beach, and an award-winning spa. It also has one of the best pools in Dubai, and plenty to do on-site to keep people of all ages entertained, making it a preferred choice among the various areas in Dubai to stay.
Check rates and availability at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray here!
Find your accommodation in Dubai here!
2. Dubai Marina and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
- Best for – families and groups
- Price range – $$$
The Marina and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) districts make up the lively waterfront area, and are a popular mid-range option for hotels in the city, placing it among the top hotels to stay in Dubai.
Here, the skyline is dominated by sleek skyscrapers overlooking the Arabian Gulf. This area is one of the best areas to stay in Dubai, ideal for those seeking a dynamic urban experience coupled with the serenity of a beachfront retreat.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, beachfront clubs, bars and more all within walking distance, making it an attractive place to stay for families, couples and group trips. Dubai, in general, is not very accessible by foot, but the marina and JBR neighbourhood has plenty packed in so that it can be explored without a car and even has its own tram line to take you around the area when it gets too hot.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Dubai for the first time, Dubai Marina & JBR is a great area as it’s iconic and easy to get around Dubai from, and offers many options among the best areas to stay in Dubai.
You’re probably reading this because you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai for the first time, as well as helping you out with accommodation in Dubai, also check out my other Dubai posts to help you plan your trip:
Best Hotels in Dubai Marina and JBR
Now let’s look at where you can stay in Dubai Marina and JBR with links to Booking.com to check out rates and availability!
Address Beach Resort
The Address Beach Resort hotel is a standout choice in the area, offering contemporary elegance and panoramic views, making it a prominent suggestion for where to stay in Dubai. This iconic beachfront resort has endless options for dining, relaxation, and entertainment.
It is also home to the world’s tallest infinity rooftop pool with stunning views out to the sea. The hotel is situated at the end of JBR Beach, where you can walk over the footbridge to Bluewater Island.
Check out rates and availability at the Address Beach Resort here!
Ritz-Carlton Dubai
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is another great option for travellers looking for convenience, luxury and comfort. This beachfront resort combines luxury with Middle Eastern flair, offering elegant rooms, a private beach, and exceptional dining options.
Check out rates and availability at the Ritz Carlton Dubai here!
Grosvenor House
Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel is comprised of two iconic towers, with a contemporary design, high-end amenities, and stunning views of the Dubai Marina. They have rooms at varying price points, and is a great base to walk around the marina and hit up some nearby restaurants.
3. Downtown Dubai
- Best for – couples/short trips
- Price range – $$$$
Downtown Dubai, with the iconic Burj Khalifa at its centre, is the city’s pulsating core and undeniably a top pick for where to stay in Dubai. It’s a haven for those who desire to be in the midst of the action when looking for the best area to stay in Dubai.
Being closer to the airport than the Palm and the Marina, staying downtown is a good base for a short trip and with its proximity to Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping mall in the world, it becomes the best area to stay in Dubai for shopping.
The Downtown area also has some of the city’s best restaurants, so if you’re a foodie and a tourist looking to hit up the city’s most popular attractions, this is the best area to stay in Dubai for tourists. For holiday makers seeking the epitome of extravagance, it doesn’t get much better than Downtown Dubai and it’s simply one of the perfect areas for a first time trip to Dubai!
Best Hotels in Downtown Dubai
Now let’s look at where you can stay in Downtown Dubai with links to Booking.com to check out rates and availability!
Armani Hotel Dubai
The Armani Hotel Dubai, situated within the Burj Khalifa itself, epitomizes sophisticated luxury and is undoubtedly one of the top hotels to stay in Dubai. This luxurious hotel has a stunning design, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of the city, making it a prime example of the best place to stay in Dubai for tourists seeking elegance and exclusivity.
It is truly one of the most desired spots in the city, and is a top pick for couples visiting Dubai for the first time, solidifying its position in suggestions for where to stay in Dubai.
Check out rates and availability at the Armani Hotel Dubai here!
Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Sofitel Dubai Downtown, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, is a great and comfortable hotel that has a range of affordable price points, offering a luxurious experience for those wondering where to stay in Dubai on a budget.
This hotel combines French elegance with Middle Eastern hospitality, with luxurious rooms and exceptional amenities.
Check out rates and availability at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown here!
Address Downtown
The Address Downtown is a popular spot, mainly because of its incredible swimming pools that look directly out to the Burj Khalifa. With its panoramic views and proximity to The Dubai Mall, the hotel offers a blend of convenience and opulence, showcasing why it is considered one of the top hotels to stay in Dubai.
This upscale hotel offers contemporary rooms, world-class dining, and some fun activities including a rooftop glass slide, making it a notable mention in the top places to stay in Dubai.
Check out rates and availability at the Address Downtown here!
Find your accommodation in Dubai here!
4. Luxury Desert Glamping in Dubai
- Best for – couples
- Price range – $$$$
For a taste of the rugged beauty of the Arabian desert, consider indulging in a luxury glamping experience. Your trip to Dubai is not complete without a visit to the desert and it is the best place to stay in Dubai for tourists looking for a full Dubai experience, and many travellers opt for overnight stays amidst the dunes.
You’ll find plenty of curated glamping experiences, complete with sumptuous amenities, starlit dinners, and mesmerizing desert activities within reach of Dubai itself. Whilst this option certainly isn’t the cheapest place to stay in Dubai, it’s a unique blend of adventure and luxury that promises to be a highlight of your Dubai adventure.
Best Luxury Desert Glamping in Dubai
Now let’s look at where you can Glamp in the Desert with links to Booking.com to check out rates and availability!
Nara Desert Escapes
One of the most popular options is Nara Desert Escapes, and their most recent luxury glamping opening, The Nest by Sonara, is one of the most unique and extraordinary places to stay in Dubai. Nesting offers a peaceful and innovative sleeping concept, designed by award-winning Architect Gianni Ranaulo, for unforgettable nights in the desert, epitomizing the luxurious side of where to stay in Dubai.
Each of the nests features a stunning bedroom, bathroom, outdoor majlis, and a Mudeef, positioning it high on the list of top hotels to stay in Dubai for a unique experience. For more info, visit nara.ae/nara-escape.
Al Badayer Retreat
Another popular place to stay in the Dubai desert is Al Badayer Retreat, which can also be considered the best place to stay in Dubai for tourists looking for a secluded desert experience. You can have your private villa with its swimming pool while enjoying a desert view.
Activities here include horseback riding, movie nights, and balcony displays. Inside or outside, every spot there is Instagrammable.
Check out rates and availability at Al Badayer Retreat here!
Al Faya Retreat
Another great option for a romantic getaway to the desert is Al Faya Retreat. Al Faya Retreat is literally the definition of glamorous, with a spa, gorgeous views, and stunningly unique interiors, making it a stellar option for where to stay in Dubai.
5. Budget-Friendly Areas to Stay in Dubai
- Best for – budget travellers
- Price range – $$
Despite its luxurious reputation, Dubai also caters to budget-conscious travellers and holiday-makers offering a range of comfortable and affordable accommodation options in where to stay in Dubai.
Whilst areas like the Palm or Downtown may be some of the most top places to stay in Dubai, there are plenty of great, less popular neighbourhoods to stay that are within easy reach areas of these hot spots and qualify as some of the top hotels to stay in Dubai for budget travellers.
The city is well connected via metro, and taxis are affordable and reliable, therefore staying that little bit further away from the centre is actually not much of an inconvenience, and can even be considered the best place to stay in Dubai for tourists looking for a bargain.
- Dubai Airport
- Old Dubai
- Dubai Creek
- Dubai Science Park
- Al Seef
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Dubai
Here are great budget-friendly hotels in Dubai with links to Booking.com to look at their rates and availability.
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport is ideal for transit travellers, or those who don’t mind a 20-30 minute journey to the beach or the city’s attractions, making it a notable option for where to stay in Dubai on a budget.
This hotel provides comfortable rooms, a complimentary shuttle service, and easy access to the metro, which makes it a great location for those on a budget and highlights it as one of the top hotels to stay in Dubai for cost-conscious travellers. It’ll also be the nicest Holiday Inn you’ve ever stayed at!
Dubai’s Old Town is a neighbourhood that is extremely popular with visitors but has some great affordable hotels and the area is a bit further out from the heart of the city.
Check out rates and availability at the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport here!
Zabeel House Mini by Jumeirah in Al Seef
Zabeel House Mini by Jumeirah in Al Seef is an excellent choice, providing a blend of contemporary design and a prime location along Dubai Creek, firmly establishing it as the best place to stay in Dubai for tourists looking for value and style.
This stylish budget hotel offers compact yet well-designed rooms and is located in the historic Al Seef district. This area is close to the metro to get to other places of interest in the city.
Check out rates and availability at Zabeel House Mini by Jumeirah in Al Seef here!
Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park
Areas like Dubai Science Park are far enough from the action to have quiet and affordable hotel options, but also close enough to the best attractions to make a stay here worthwhile. Hotels like Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park are great, comfortable options for those on a budget, fitting perfectly into the category of where to stay in Dubai when affordability is key.
This hotel has a lower price point than other, similar hotels on the beachfront or downtown. The area is a mere 20-minute taxi journey from the centre, but is also less than 5 minutes away from other attractions like Dubai Hills Mall, Miracle Garden, and JVC, making it one of the top hotels to stay in Dubai for budget travellers.
Check out rates and availability at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park here!
Dubai’s diverse array of accommodation options, ranging from top hotels to stay in Dubai to budget-friendly gems, has something for every type of traveller.
Whether you choose to revel in the luxury of a Palm resort, soak in the opulence at one of the top places to stay in Dubai, enjoy the energy of Marina/JBR, bask in the heart of Downtown, experience the desert’s wild beauty in style or opt for a budget-friendly gem Dubai promises a stay that complements your unique travel experience.
I hope this post has helped you with where to stay in Dubai and the best hotels in Dubai!
For more of my UAE posts and posts from the region see:
- 8 Things To Do In Al Ain | Day Trip From Abu Dhabi Or Dubai!
- Your PERFECT 5 Day Dubai Itinerary
- What To Wear in Dubai! PRACTICAL & HONEST Advice for Tourists to Dubai
- 10+ BEST Excursions from Dubai & Day Trips from Dubai!
- Doha Itinerary & Guide | How To Spend 3 Days in Doha with TIPS!
- How To Spend a Qatar Stopover & Spend 1 Day in Doha!