Dubai hotels

Anything with the word Lego attached to it will be a winner with the kids, and given the Legoland Hotel sits smack in the middle of the city’s entertainment and theme park precinct just adds to the excitement. Just as you would expect, there are awesome rooms and suites all with a Lego feel, themed dining and awesome activities for the whole family to enjoy as they stay and play. Knowing just how ‘brick-mad’ so many youngsters are, you’ll need to be prepared for an excitement overload, but trust me it’s worth it.

Any hotel or resort with its own waterpark is a winner with holidaying families, and this entertainment wonderland doesn’t disappoint. Not only can Atlantis, The Palm lay claim to more than 100 water slides, it’s also home to one of the largest aquariums on the planet, offers its guests and off-site tourists sea lion and dolphin encounters, and as if that’s not enough, it also boasts a bowling alley and games arcade. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, at least you know the kids won’t be whining that they’re bored – if anything they won’t want to leave.

The only resort within Dubai’s popular parks and resorts precinct, Lapita exudes Polynesian vibes and is surrounded by Jebel Ali’s most popular attractions – Legoland, Motiongate and Bollywood Parks. Guests are afforded a free pass to the parks, which means flash mobs, roller coaster rides, water slide fun and entertaining stunt shows.

Quirky and comfortable yet affordable, Rove Downtown is ideally situated within walking distance of Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dancing Fountain. Rooms are on the small side and breakfast is more of an on-the-go experience than a sit-down affair, but the location is fabulous, the views good, and the team offers a round-trip airport shuttle. Design-wise it’s very cool, and it’s got a younger vibe. Basically if you’re going to be out all day sightseeing and just want a place to lay your head and a coffee in the morning before doing it all again, Rove is for you.

A seven-minute drive from the city’s international airport, Hilton Garden Inn Al Muraqabat is situated in the thick of Old Dubai and just a few steps away from the Al Rigga Metro Station, which provides you access to the rest of the city. Connecting rooms are available as required, and the hotel has an all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop pool. Children under the age of 18 stay free if sharing a room with a paying adult, and Wi-Fi is free.

Cozy, comfortable and modern, although a wee bit on the small side, Ibis Dubai Al Barsha is great value for the price tag. Although a fraction of the cost of other more luxurious accommodation in Dubai, the Ibis in Al Barsha has an all-day eatery, a cafe/bar, fitness center and offers parking. The nearest metro station is a five-minute walk away, so public transport options are good too.

This iconic five-star property is dripping with luxe appeal – you can even watch the fish swim around from your bed! This so-called ‘Jewel of Jumeirah’ stands 321m tall and boasts 202 suites along with nine signature restaurants, and aquariums where you would usually find walls and windows. Everything about this landmark sail-shaped hotel screams extravagance. From the gold-leaf laden throughout to the glamorous decor, and its indulgent spa, the Burj Al Arab is the epitome of Arabian luxury. Be prepared to pay through the roof though – a night at this diva of Dubai is on the high side, but it’s a bucket-lister for sure and so worth it for a special occasion.

Standing proud in Jumeira Bay and just a hop, skip and a jump from Dubai’s ‘Golden Mile,’ this five-star resort serves up a Mediterranean village vibe. A unique development for the global brand, the property truly is an indulgent paradise. Not only are there 101 rooms and 20 pool villas to choose from, there is also a Yacht Club and Marina, a signature scent infused throughout the resort, and you can expect to enjoy some of the most comfortable furnishings, made in Italy, of course.

With sweeping views of the Gulf and some of the best city skyline vistas directly in front of you, this is the spot for some R&R, delectable food, and A-grade pampering.

If you’re familiar with the Raffles brand, you’ll know that it’s all about next-level luxury. The Dubai iteration, Raffles The Palm, is all that and a lot more. Grandiose and lavish to a fault, this swanky seaside establishment that is set on 25 acres will please anyone with a penchant for the personalized service Raffles is renowned for.

You’ll no doubt lap up the 1,500-foot private beach and admire the opulent furnishings – we’re talking chandeliers, beautiful staircases, and quality furnishing – not to mention the five-star food and beverage offerings. From its position on the Western Crescent of The Palm, you would be forgiven for feeling like you’re a royal and this is your private palace.

It’s an exquisite place to celebrate a special occasion or simply spoil yourself.

This hotel has a real sense of place about it, which is welcomed if you like to really feel like you’re in a completely different place when you travel. Everything about this heritage property is Arabesque in its appeal and it doesn’t hurt that it’s located in the bustling district of Al Seef, on the banks of the Dubai Creek.

This neighborhood is packed with winding alleyways, souk market stalls, and Emirati restaurants and cafes; in the evening it comes alive with dancing, singing, and contagious magical ‘Old Dubai’ feels. The 190-room Al Seef Heritage Hotel is within walking distance (temperature-allowing) of some of the old city attractions.

Known as the summer houses of Jumeirah, this Arabian-inspired resort is nestled within the popular Madinat Jumeirah complex. Considered one of the most intimate, exclusive offerings in the emirate, this 283-room property reflects the Arabian summer house of days gone by. Traditional features include wind towers, known locally as barjeels; majlis, or group sitting areas; and majestic courtyards.

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is just three minutes from the popular Jumeirah Beach and can be reached on foot or via an Abra, the traditional wooden boat.

XVA Art‘s position within the Al Fahidi Historical District, the oldest neighborhood in Dubai, speaks volumes. With its roots dating back more than 100 years, in a country that is just 50 years old, it’s the Persian architectural heritage and design focus that set this property apart from any other in this historic part of the city. The fact that it was once occupied by one of the UAE’s most prominent families adds to the appeal.

Camelback rides, falconry displays and photo opportunities – not to mention desert sunsets and even a mini-golf course – Bab Al Shams is all about cultural immersion. Whether traveling as a family or after a more intimate experience, this purpose-built heritage-focussed resort is a nomadic reminder of days passed. Embrace the shifting sands and enjoy some time outside of the city limits, acknowledging how far this relatively young nation has come.

Set within the expansive Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha is a desert haven that is surrounded by rolling dunes and frequented by four-legged locals, like camels, oryx and gazelles. A 45-minute journey from Dubai, you can choose to simply kick back and relax, or make the most of every moment in this unique landscape and join a horse-riding tour, camel trek, dune walk or a drink among the sand dunes.

A relatively new addition to the Dubai hotel scene, this property’s breathtaking infinity pool really does take the cake for the best in the emirate. Guests can lay out or dip in and enjoy some of the best vistas of the city’s incredible skyline. Located on the SkyDeck, there are private cabanas, a pool bar and sun loungers, and it’s open to hotel guests from 9am to 7pm daily. This is one Instagram shot you can’t miss – believe me, you’ll generate some serious FOMO.

Positioned within The Palm Tower, St Regis Dubai occupies the same building as Aura SkyPool – the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. It’s suspended 200m in the air on the 52nd story of the skyscraper that is connected to Nakheel Mall. Taking up residence on the first 18 floors of The Palm Tower, St Regis boasts 264 rooms and 26 suites, but it really is the spectacular pool and views that make it a winner with hotel guests and external tourists.

This much-loved Cunard cruise liner can lay claim to being the only floating hotel in the emirate. Docked permanently at Port Rashid, this standout offering provides guests not only with a choice of 447 rooms and suites, but also a selection of international food and beverage offerings, a gym, indoor pool, and a licensed theater. Just a couple of minutes from the beach, Downtown Dubai and the nearest metro station, this landmark accommodation option is as unique as they come.