Dubai Hotels

With its towering skyscrapers, golden beaches and baking sunshine, Dubai doesn't do things by halves. Though it's known for its best-and-biggest aesthetic, choice also abounds when it comes to accommodation in Dubai, and you'll find astounding range of hotels from the cheap to the most opulent in the world.

For unbridled push-the-boat-out opulence, the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Beach hotels have come to define Dubai, but there are plenty of luxurious five-star hotels, family-friendly accommodation and even good-value budget hotels in Dubai.

Things to do in Dubai

There’s no shortage of things to do in Dubai – it’s a manmade playground that’s constantly showcasing the next big thing. The Emirate is fairly compact, centring around the coastline and remarkable shopping malls that combine boutiques with exciting attractions.

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, dominates. Get your bearings by heading up to the observation deck or take a boat from the glittering Dubai Marina and see the sights from a different angle. From indoor skiing at Ski Dubai to dune bashing across the sands, Dubai has a surprising range of sports covered. You can even work on your swing here at one of Dubai's golf hotels.

Despite its reputation for extravagance, Dubai is also well-set-up for family holidays thanks to countless fun attractions, from Legoland Dubai to Kidzania in the heart of Dubai Mall. Aquaventure Waterpark and Dolphin Bay Adventure & Encounter are also a must for anyone travelling with the kids.

Discover culture in Dubai

Soak up Dubai’s heritage by choosing a four-star hotel in Bur Dubai. The neighbourhood is the city’s cultural and historic heart, yet still close enough to the big attractions. It’s here you’ll find the Grand Mosque, the atmospheric textile souk and quirky backstreets packed with colourful shops and no-frills restaurants.

A visit to Dubai Museum offers an insight into the origins of this rapidly evolving city. It's in the Al Fahidi Fort – Dubai’s oldest building – and a welcome balance to the fast-paced opulence of the Downtown district. Nearby Dubai Heritage Village recreates the sights and sounds of old Dubai alongside the adjoining Diving Village, which houses exhibits on pearl diving and fishing.

How easy is getting around Dubai?

Stay centrally and you probably won't need to travel much. Most of the luxury hotels in Dubai are a stone’s throw from the silver sands. Go for accommodation in Downtown Dubai and you’ll be in the thick of the city’s dazzling array of shops, attractions, restaurants and nightlife, and still within striking distance of the cooling beach breeze.

Downtown Dubai is more pedestrian-friendly than other parts of the city, but remember that the heat is a factor when it comes to walking anywhere. Generally, taxis are the easiest way of getting around after dark; they can be a little slower during the day due to the traffic that tends to build up in the city centre. Dubai also has an extensive bus network and its own metro system – just be mindful of rules on public transport, as there's a long list and you can be fined for breaking them.

A good option for convenience in Downtown Dubai is Address Dubai Mall, where you can choose a room with a view of the Dubai Fountain. Hotels near Dubai Fountain are also handy for the Dubai Mall with its designer boutiques, restaurants and bars, and attractions including a virtual reality playground, Kidzania, Dubai Aquarium, restaurants and bars.

When it’s time to feel the sand between your toes, Jumeirah Beach and Park is around five miles away (9km). just take the Line 81 bus.

Take the driverless Metro the 12 miles (19km) to Dubai Marina, or hail a taxi and head the same distance in the other direction for the Gold Souk with its narrow lanes and hundreds of jewellery traders.

Does Dubai have family-friendly hotels?

Dubai has thrilling theme parks, water playgrounds, hotels with private beaches for sandcastles, and desert dunes to sandboard down. When it’s time to cool down, you can even take the kids downhill skiing and ice skating.

Masses of child-friendly attractions means there are plenty of family hotels in Dubai. You can chill in luxury while the kids burn off steam.

For little ones who can’t sit still, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa has five-star luxury for mum and dad, and a kids’ club that includes free water sports and a video games room. One of Dubai’s best-known resorts, Jumeirah Beach Hotel sits close to the Arabian-themed Wild Wadi Water Park. Although with a private beach, tennis courts, six swimming pools, a kids’ activity centre and climbing wall, they may well be happy to stay just where they are.

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