Where to Stay in Dubai • 5 INCREDIBLE Areas + Hotels

Dubai is a spectacular city, boasting numerous attractions as well as stunning luxury hotels, high-end apartments, and boutique hotels, so choosing where to stay in Dubai can be a difficult decision. 

No need to worry! Since I have family in the city, I’ve been to Dubai many, many times, and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. To make sure you love the city as much as I do, I’m here to help you find the perfect place to stay! 

I’ve selected the 5 best areas for your stay in Dubai to help you make your choice. The top spot goes out to the area around Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, with its sandy beaches, dining venues, shopping spots, and luxury hotels. 

To make things even easier, I went through nearly all the hotels in each of the 5 recommended areas and handpicked the top 2 options for each price category. And just for a little bonus, I also included the best hotels near the Dubai airport in case you’re just stopping by for a layover.

Talking about hotels, I recommend booking as soon as you find the perfect option for you! Remember, this is a highly visited city, and many people are looking to book a hotel, just like you!

Let’s go!

If you are in a hurry

Want to get straight to the booking part? Check out the best hotels in Dubai Marina and JBR:

• Best luxury hotel: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• Best mid-range hotel: Rove Dubai Marina
• Best budget hotel: Travelers – Dubai Marina Hostel

Here’s a map of the 5 best areas for your stay in Dubai:

1. Where to stay for the first time in Dubai – Dubai Marina & JBR, Downtown Dubai
2. The top spots in Dubai for nightlife – Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina & JBR
3. Where to stay with family – Palm Jumeirah, Bur Dubai
4. The best places to stay for luxury – Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina
5. Where to stay on a budget – Deira, Bur Dubai

NOTE: before you book your hotel, make sure you’ll have easy access to public transport to get around the city, and more importantly, make sure the hotel offers air conditioning. Dubai is extremely hot and humid, even during winter, so air conditioning is extremely important. 

1. Dubai Marina & JBR – where to stay for the first time

The Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city built along a stretch of shoreline of the Persian Gulf. The first time I visited Dubai, the marina didn’t even exist! My family used to visit Dubai every year over Christmas and it was amazing to watch the city transform year on year.

This gorgeous neighborhood is recognizable for the shiny yachts docked in the marina and the towering skyscrapers that offer stunning views of the Dubai skyline. Even though this is primarily a residential area, it’s home to Dubai’s most affluent residents, so there’s an abundance of luxury. 

Within the Dubai Marina, there’s another residential development: the Jumeirah Beach Residence—JBR for short. This waterfront community boasts over 40 towers and an amazing selection of hotels. 

This part of Dubai has plenty to offer – I suggest you start at the beach! JBR Beach (map) is an urban beach lined with bars and eateries. You can then move on to Marina Beach (map) and try some water sports or spend the day at a unique water park – the AquaFun Waterpark is the world’s largest inflatable water park. I absolutely loved doing it and would highly recommend it for kids and adults alike.

Your stay here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Barasti Beach (map) – there’s an amazing beach club where you can have an amazing time both during the day and at night. Another unmissable activity is taking a walk along the Dubai Marina Walk, the palm-lined waterfront that hosts a wide variety of cafes, eateries, and shops. 

And, of course, we can’t forget about Sheikh Zayed Road! This is the city’s most notable street, and it passes right along Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. It’s a large, traffic-heavy road, but I suggest you drive through at least once to admire all the skyscrapers lining the road. 

When it comes to shopping, the main point of interest is the Dubai Marina Mall (map). Here, you’ll find a variety of designer stores and a large dining complex. If you don’t want to eat inside the mall, head to Pier 7 and take your pick from the 7 restaurants that provide amazing waterfront views. 

If you’re staying in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence – JBR, you’ll be in a great location for exploring the rest of the city, as there are plenty of stops for the Dubai metro, and you can easily get around the city. You can also rent a car, but I have to warn you that Dubai traffic can get pretty bad – public transport is the better choice! 

Lastly, if you have some extra time, I suggest you pay a visit to Bluewaters Island, a man-made island that’s home to Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Although the wheel is not currently operating, it’s still a good idea to go out to the island and admire it from below.

Luxury (US$450 and up)

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – recognized as a 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Araba is located on its own island and features 8 signature restaurants, a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor infinity pools, an aquarium, a tennis court on top, and much more! I’ve been inside, and trust me when I say, this place is iconic!
• JW Marriott Hotel Marina – this hotel is in the best location, directly linked to the Dubai Marina Mall – it’s beautifully decorated with natural, warm colors and wooden furniture, and it also boasts 2 swimming pools and 3 amazing restaurants. 

Mid-range (from US$150 to US$450)

• Rove Dubai Marina – situated near the beach, this hotel has stylish rooms fitted with flat-screen TVs and modern bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and make use of the on-site fitness center and pool. 
• Wyndham Dubai Marina – this is another amazing hotel that offers a vast range of restaurants and even an in-pool bar that serves snacks. But don’t worry, it also has a fitness center where you can sweat out all the extra calories!

Budget (up to US $150)

• Travelers – Dubai Marina Hostel – the hostel offers accommodation in shared dormitories and guests get access to communal bathroom facilities, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a terrace. 
• Bohemian Backpackers – situated within walking distance of Marina Beach, this hostel has air-conditioned, shared dormitories, offers concierge services, and features an on-site nightclub – a perfect spot for singles looking to meet new people.

2. Downtown Dubai & Business Bay – the best areas for nightlife

Downtown Dubai is the city’s bustling hub, with its vibrant nightlife and a combination of futuristic buildings and traditional Arab architecture – a truly incredible blend of old Dubai and new Dubai. Situated a 40-min drive North of Dubai Marina, the downtown is well-connected to the rest of the city, thanks to the several Dubai metro stations in the area. 

This lively neighborhood has an abundance of attractions, but the focal point of interest is the internationally famous Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and a must-visit when in Dubai. 

Besides being the tallest building, Burj Khalifa also has the world’s highest lounge. I highly recommend you book tickets online and prepare yourself for an incredible experience.  I’ve never been inside but I always stop by when I’m in the city to just look at it. 

FUN FACT: The design of the Burj Khalifa building was inspired by the desert flower, Hymenocallis or Spider Lily. 

Yet another unmissable attraction here is the Dubai Mall (map), the world’s largest mall. It’s an absolute must-visit on your trip to this city, and it’s one of my favorite places since it’s so much more than just a mall. Besides stores and eateries, it’s home to the Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the kids’s amusement park KidZania, and the movie theater Reel Cinemas. I’ve spent a whole day in the mall and it still didn’t feel like enough time!

Within Dubai Mall, you can also see man-made waterfalls – the Dubai Mall Waterfalls are truly fascinating and depict Dubai’s diving pearl fishermen. And if you’re a book lover like me, you have to check out the massive bookstore in the mall (map). I was in there for hours.

After your day at the mall, go outside and watch the light and music show at The Dubai Fountain (map) – it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. Other places you should visit in the downtown area include the Burj Khalifa Park by Emaar (map), with its lush gardens and narrow alleys, and the Dubai Opera. 

Bordering the downtown area to the West and surrounding Dubai Creek, you’ll find Business Bay, the city’s main business district that also boasts many luxurious hotels and plenty of amazing restaurants.

Whether you choose to stay downtown or in the nearby Business Bay, you’ll be overwhelmed by all the incredible hotels. If you don’t want to spend too long dwelling, check out my selection of the absolute best mid-range and luxury hotels in these areas.

Luxury (US$350 and up)

• Kempinski Central Avenue – this is one of the most luxurious hotels in central Dubai, located a short distance away from Dubai Mall and offers a sauna, an outdoor pool, and several breakfast options. 
• The St. Regis – situated within walking distance of Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel features 4 restaurants, a fitness center, a sauna, and a vitamin bar, and has spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Dubai skyline. 

Mid-range (from US$160 to US$350)

• The First Collection Business Bay – this hotel provides easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and amazing facilities such as a fully-equipped gym, separate male and female spa rooms, and 2 swimming pools. 
• DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – during your stay at this hotel, you can benefit from free parking, organized airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi access. Other amenities include room service, air conditioning, and delicious breakfast. 

NOTE: Dubai downtown is a more upscale area, so there aren’t any well-rated budget accommodations. If you’re traveling on a budget, consider staying in Deira – more on that in the next section. 

3. Deira (Old Dubai) – where to stay in Dubai on a budget

Situated between Dubai Creek and the city of Sharjah, about 30 km (18 miles) North of Dubai Marina, you’ll find the historic neighborhood of Deira, with its traditional markets (Souks), shopping malls, and boutique hotels.

Even though many people think that Dubai is just a destination only for luxury travelers, Deira is a neighborhood that proves that Dubai offers something for everyone. Here, you’ll find a great choice of budget options that won’t disappoint you with what they offer. 

The first stop on your Deira itinerary should be the Dubai Gold Souk (map), a lively bazaar with many stores that specialize in golden jewelry. In case you don’t want to splurge on jewelry, head to Dubai Spice Souk (map) and become familiar with all the exotic spices sold there. 

The Waterfront Market (map) sells a variety of fresh and dried fish, but if that’s not your thing – I totally get it. For a more traditional shopping experience, there’s the Al Ghurair Centre (map), with more than 380 stores, and the Century Mall (map), which features many specialty stores and a kids’ play area. 

From Deira, you can take an Abra (a traditional wooden boat) across the creek and visit the Al Fahidi historical district and Al Seef Street. Crossing the creek by Abra is a unique experience, and it’s very cheap – it costs less than US$0.30 per crossing, making it the cheapest mode of public transportation in Dubai. It’s one of the most unique experiences that I’ve had when in Dubai and I completely recommend it.

Luxury (US $350 and up)

• Park Hyatt Dubai – boasting a private lagoon on Dubai Creek leading up to a private sandy beach, a swimming pool, numerous dining options, and even its own golf course, this is one of the best luxury hotels in Dubai. 
• Golden Sands Hotel – this luxury resort has rooms with lake, city, and river views and features a rooftop pool and a bar where you can enjoy a drink after a day exploring the city with Dubai Creek as the background. 

Mid-range (from US $150 to US $350)

• Edge Creekside Hotel – located near Dubai Creek, the hotel offers a restaurant, free private parking, a swimming pool and features a complete fitness center. You can also benefit from the concierge service and the on-site currency exchange. 
• Aloft Dubai Creek – a hip hotel with stylish rooms, each with a signature bed and a walk-in shower. Guests can go for a swim in the pool, enjoy a great breakfast, and work out in the gym. 

Budget (up to US $150)

• Mark Inn Hotel – this budget hotel has simply furnished rooms with private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The front desk is open 24/7 and the staff is super friendly and happy to assist you with anything you may need. 
• ibis Styles – a comfortable hotel available at affordable prices, with facilities like an outdoor pool and a gym. Breakfast is served daily and you can choose from a few different options, and parking is also available at the property free of charge. 

4. Palm Jumeirah – where to stay with family

Palm Jumeirah is a palm-tree-shaped, man-made island off the coast of Dubai, just a 15-min drive from Dubai Marina, and it’s usually the first thing people associate with Dubai. This is one of the most-visited parts of the city due to the many high-end hotels, cool beach clubs, and family-friendly attractions. 

The Palm is the top spot for a family stay in Dubai. Get ready to spend your days doing fun on-water activities like kayak tours, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, yoga, and countless others! But if there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss, it’s the Aquaventure Waterpark, the world’s largest waterpark! It’s one of the best waterparks I’ve ever been to and definitely recommend it for both kids and adults.

Since there’s not a lot to visit on the Palm, you can plan a day trip to the World Islands, or if you have a few days more, I’d recommend venturing out to the Al Barsha neighborhood and going on a shopping spree! 

The main point of interest in Al Barsha is the Mall of the Emirates (map), which hosts many international brands, as well as Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort – this will be great fun for the kids, I can tell you for sure. And if you happen to visit during Christmas, you’re in luck – the decorations are amazing – just as they are in the rest of the city during Christmas! 

Luxury (US $450 and up)

• Atlantis The Palm – with stunning architectural design, private beach access, uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, and some of the best restaurants in the city, the Atlantis Hotel is also kid-friendly, offering a Kids’ Club and a water playground.
  PRO TIP: Select the underwater suite if you’d like to sleep surrounded by fish and see what it would feel like to sleep in the underwater city of Atlantis. 
• Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai – located close to Dubai Media City, the hotel features its own beach, 5 swimming pools, and numerous dining options. If you’re traveling with family, you can book connecting rooms, and baby cots are provided free of charge. 

Mid-range (from US $190 to US $450)

• Adagio Premium The Palm – this aparthotel overlooks the seafront and has a private beach, a fitness center, a hot tub, a sauna, and a kids’ pool. Each hotel apartment is air-conditioned and has a fully equipped kitchen. 
• Aloft Palm Jumeirah – the hotel boasts 7 restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool, a private beachfront, and family rooms, plus a rooftop bar that overlooks the iconic Burj Al Arab and the Arabian Sea. 

NOTE: Palm Jumeirah is one of the best areas of the city, but it’s also the most luxurious part of Dubai, so you won’t find any budget options here. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodations, check out my recommendations for Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences. 

5. Bur Dubai – best place to stay for a traditional atmosphere

Known as the heart of Old Dubai, Bur Dubai is composed of alleys, bazaars, and traditional architecture. Just like Deira, the Bur Dubai district has incredible souks (markets) and is close to Dubai Creek, where you will find traditional boats and floating restaurants where you can grab a bite of traditional Dubai cuisine.

Another great advantage of staying in Bur Dubai is its transportation system. Several train stations will keep you well-connected to the rest of the city, and a taxi service is also available – plus it’s metered and cheap!

The best place to start exploring Bur Dubai is Zabeel Park (map), a sprawling park that’s home to the Dubai Frame monument (the perfect place to snap a pic), a flea market, and many walking and jogging trails. 

While staying in Bur Dubai, you can visit the Al Fahidi historical district to fully indulge in the Old Dubai experience and see the many wind towers, check out The Dubai Museum (map) – tickets are available on-site – and spend some time admiring the displays at Dubai Garden Glow (map). 

If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend you plan a visit to the Dubai Dolphinarium, where you can interact with dolphins, and also Children’s City, a science-based amusement park – this was my favorite when I was growing up! I was absolutely fascinated by all the interactive activities, educational experiences and I got to ride on Aladdin’s carpet. Your kids will love it.

And if you’re looking for more fun activities, I advise you to go on a desert safari from Dubai – I really like this one because it also includes a camel ride and optional quad biking. Trust me when I say quad biking on the dunes is unbeatable.

Finally, if you want to spend some time at one of Dubai’s beaches, I’d recommend La Mer Beach (map), with its colorful murals, restaurants and many beach clubs – it’s also great for a night out! This is one of my top places to visit in the city.

Even if you don’t stay in Old Dubai, I absolutely adore this area and make a point of visiting whenever I’m there (and you should too)!

Luxury (US $300 and up)

• Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk – as one of the top luxury hotels, Sofitel offers everything from an on-site restaurant to a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Plus, the air-conditioned rooms have incredible city views! 
• Grand Hyatt Dubai – situated near Sheikh Zayed Road, this upscale hotel has 3 swimming pools and as many as 13 dining and entertainment venues. The luxurious rooms feature private marble bathrooms with a spa tub for ultimate comfort. 

Mid-range (from US$120 to US$300)

• Aloft Al Mina – this incredible hotel has an on-site restaurant, free private parking, free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, and even offers free bike rentals. A billiards table and barbecue facilities are also available to all guests at this hotel. 
• Al Seef Heritage Hotel – the Al Seef hotel is spread across 10 Bayts, i.e., traditional Arabian homes, where you can enjoy authentic design and modern comforts such as room service and on-site dining. 

Budget (up to US $120)

• WeStay Hostel – the hostel provides accommodation in dorm rooms with access to shared bathrooms. If you’re staying here, you can also get a safety deposit box for your belongings and benefit from the on-site ATM and currency exchange. 
• Premier Inn Dubai – this hotel is available at very affordable prices yet still offers great facilities like an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. You also get access to free private parking and a gym. 

👑 Luxury price:	US$300
💵 Mid-range:	US$150
🛏️ Budget:	US$80
📍 Best neighborhood:	Dubai Marina & JBR
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
💵 Mid-range hotel:	Rove Dubai Marina
👛 Best budget hotel:	Travelers – Dubai Marina Hostel

BONUS: Best hotels near Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located fairly close to downtown Dubai (approximately 5 km / 3 miles). The first time I stepped into this airport as a kid, I was in awe. I didn’t know an airport coild be so pretty. 

If you’re in the city for a layover, it’s a good idea to stay near the airport. So, there are the best hotels near Dubai Airport, listed from most to least expensive: 

• Le Meridien Dubai Hotel ($$$) – if you like staying in luxury hotels, this is your best option near the airport. It has 5 swimming pools and 18 dining venues and bars. There’s also an airport shuttle service available at an extra cost. 
• Aloft Dubai Airport ($$) – this 4-star hotel is situated right by the airport and provides access to an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a restaurant, as well as room service and buffet or continental breakfast. 
• Millennium Dubai Airport Hotel ($$) – just a 2-min drive from the airport, this hotel has a concierge service as well as entertainment services. Both bike and car hire are available on the premises, and there are 7 dining options to choose from.
• Premier Inn Dubai International Airport ($) – this is the best budget option near the airport, with family rooms, free parking, a 24-hour gym, and laundry facilities. There’s also a free shuttle to/from the airport – a great deal!

FAQs about where to stay in Dubai

Conclusion

There you have it – my ultimate guide on where to stay in Dubai! I hope that sharing my experience helped you decide on an area and pick a hotel.

But just in case you’re still undecided, here are my 2 favorite hotels in JBR and Dubai Marina: 

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – I love the fact that the Burj Al Arab is situated on a separate island and that it offers unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf
• Rove Dubai Marina – I appreciate the hotel’s great location in New Dubai and its comfortable, spacious rooms

Whatever you decide on, hurry up and make a reservation! Dubai offers plenty of hotel options, but they’re super quick to sell out – I don’t want you to miss out on this amazing city!

If you have any questions about your stay in Dubai, feel free to leave me a comment below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! 

Happy travels!

Kathryn

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