Hotels in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai does not experience multiple seasons. It is either hot or hotter all year round! From November – April, average temperatures range from 24 – 35 degrees Celsius, with warm evenings and slightly cooler nights. This is peak tourist season for Dubai, hence, you must reserve your accommodation in advance. Dubai also receives light rainfall between January – March. During the rest of the year, from May – October, the temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius or even higher, and outdoor activities become difficult in the scorching heat. Hotel prices are slightly lower during this time of the year. If you visit Dubai during these months, protect yourself from the heat, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and try not to spend too much time outdoors.

Getting around Dubai

Dubai has a fairly extensive metro and bus network to travel within the city. The Dubai Metro runs mostly above ground and standard adult ticket prices range from 4.00 AED – 8.50 AED depending on the number of zones travelled. Tickets can be purchased in the form of a Red Nol card which costs 2.00 AED. The card can be loaded with the cost of 10 individual trips. The Dubai Tram runs from Al Sufouh to Jumeirah Beach Residences in 42 minutes, and connects directly to the Palm Monorail. The Palm Monorail runs from the trunk of the Palm to the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. There are nearly 1500 buses circulating in Dubai and fares are usually combined with the metro ticket prices. Dubai Ferry, with fares starting at 25.00 AED operates between Business Bay and Dubai Marina via the Dubai Canal. With a large number of cycle paths coming up in the city, cycling around Dubai is becoming increasingly popular. You can easily rent a bike at any BYKY station and the first 30 minutes are charged at 15.00 AED. Most taxis in Dubai are government-operated and charge a metered fee based on distance travelled. Big Bus Dubai runs a comprehensive hop-on hop-off bus service to escort tourists to major landmarks throughout the city. A 1-day ticket costs approximately 225.00 AED.

Buy the Go Dubai Card

You can get significant savings on top museums, tours, activities, and attractions, if you buy a GO Dubai Card. An all-inclusive card starts at 759.00 AED for an adult and 519.00 AED for a child (ages 3 – 12). You can also choose a 3, 4, 5, or 7 calendar days’ card depending on the length of your stay and your Dubai itinerary.

Best places to stay in Dubai

When a shimmering and stunning skyline shines like a million stars against the barren desert backdrop, you know you have arrived in Dubai. Whether you wish to shop, dine, relax, play, or explore the diverse culture and ethnic heritage, Dubai offers plenty of exciting possibilities. Make sure that you choose your accommodation in a neighbourhood that best caters to your interests and itinerary.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai offers you the world’s largest shopping mall – Dubai Mall, the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa and the world’s tallest hotel – JW Marriott Marquis. Glistening skyscrapers, incredible shopping, and exciting attractions, make Downtown Dubai the most attractive area for first-time visitors to the city. The VIDA Downtown on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard offers stunning views of the city and great dining options. You can also consider The Palace Hotel located in Souk Al Bahar for amazing views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. For a unique luxury experience, consider the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa building. For convenient access to Dubai Mall, stay at The Address Downtown Dubai hotel.

Dubai Marina

The impressive district of Dubai Marina is sheer luxury on the water. Waterfront restaurants with al-fresco seating and pop up entertainment stalls, make this an attractive area for younger couples as well as families with kids. Beaches, relaxation and food will be the key themes while you stay in this area. Consider the La Verda Suites and Villas Dubai Marina which enjoys the largest stretch of the Dubai Marina promenade. Within a short walk from the beach, you have the Address Dubai Marina, a luxurious 5-star hotel with world-class amenities and an infinity pool offering spectacular views across the Dubai Marina.

The Palm Jumeirah

At the landmark Palm Jumeriah, the world’s largest man-made island, you can treat yourself to the most high-end hotels, luxury beach clubs and spas, and the best in fine dining. Enjoy a luxury stay at the majestic 5-star hotel, Atlantis, which has a 17-acre water park and several award-winning restaurants. You can also consider the traditional Thai-inspired Anantara the Palm Dubai Resort perched on the eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah. Another interesting option is the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeriah hotel which boasts a private beach, numerous leisure activities and elegant sea-facing rooms and suites.

Old Dubai

All areas around either side of the Dubai Creek form the Old Dubai neighbourhood. Old Dubai is known for gold and spice souks (markets), fresh food markets at the dhow wharves, and several ethnic food restaurants with Arabic, Persian, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine. For exceptionally luxurious Arabic-themed accommodation along the Dubai Creek, stay at the Barjeel Heritage Guest House, which is a short walk from the Heritage Village. For a more budget-friendly stay, consider the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, located opposite Dubai Museum and within walking distance from Meena Bazaar, Al Bastakiya Quarter, and the Dubai Creek.

Cheap hotels in Dubai

Downtown Dubai has several budget-friendly hotels, such as the ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel or the ibis One Central Hotel. In the Dubai Marina area, you can consider the Wyndham Dubai Marina which is well-connected by public transport and within a 7-minute walk from Dubai Beach. Near the Dubai Old Souk area, you can stay at the Admiral Plaza Hotel or Savoy Crest Hotel Apartments. You can also get cheap accommodation at hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport or the Le Meridien Fairway, both near the Dubai International Airport.

With a stunning Persian Gulf shoreline, a booming international culinary scene, and an abundance of larger-than-life attractions, Dubai has several exciting must-see and must-do activities.

• Visit the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and let the fastest lift in the world take you to the top of the building for panoramic views of the city.
• Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and get a whole new understanding on Islamic traditions and cuisine.
• Enjoy a picnic at some of Dubai’s most beautiful public parks such as Safa Park or Mushrif Park.
• For a fun family outing, visit the Jumeirah Beach, which offers lots of options for entertainment, dining, shopping, and cinema.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to click your ultimate Dubai selfie in front of the world’s only 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab!
• Inside the Mall of the Emirates, visit Ski Dubai where you can hire equipment, get skiing lessons and actually ski on the huge man-made slope. It is quite the experience to ski down snow-packed slopes in the middle of a desert!
• Indulge in a leisurely stroll around the Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk and treat yourself to a meal at some of the best restaurants in Dubai.
• Take one of the beautiful old roofed boats from Bur Dubai Abra station and ride across Dubai Creek for just 1.00 AED.
• In the Old Dubai area, admire the gold extravaganza at the Gold Souks and enjoy the aroma of spices at the Spice Souks.
• Take a safari in the desert and get a flavour of the Bedouin lifestyle. You can try a hubbly bubbly (shisha tobacco), indulge in freshly barbequed shawarma, opt for thrill rides around the dunes in desert vehicles or on camels, and enjoy authentic belly-dancing performances after sundown.
• Don’t miss out on watching the free fountain shows at the Dubai Fountains situated outside the Dubai Mall.
• Go on a shopping spree at the Dubai Mall, the world’s best and largest shopping destination.
• Watch fascinating nocturnal desert animals or engage in shark diving and cage snorkelling at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located inside the Dubai Mall.
• Visit the Al Bastakiya Quarter where you can walk through narrow alleyways and see palm-wood houses and ‘wind towers’ (early Arabian ventilation system). Stop by at the Arabian Tea House and choose from over 100 different blends of tea.
• Learn about Dubai’s history and transformation from a fishing town to a high-flying mega-city when you visit the Dubai Museum.
• Spend time at Media City and Internet City, and enjoy a meal at one of the celebrity chef-run restaurants. Enjoy a weekend market, or a music festival or concert happening in the area.
• Art lovers should not miss a trip to Al Quoz, an emerging cultural hub with several contemporary art galleries, exhibitions, and cultural events.