If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, one of the first questions you may have is where is the best area to stay in Dubai?
Having lived in Dubai as an expat and played host to visitors and visited a lot of the hotels for brunch or dinner while I was out there, I’ve got a good grasp on the best locations to stay in Dubai, whether you’re visiting for a solo sightseeing trip or a family holiday.
My guide to the best places to stay in Dubai caters to every type of tourist and for all budgets. I hope you find it helpful! Once you’ve booked your hotel in Dubai, please do check out my other Dubai travel guides to help you plan the rest of your trip. My five day Dubai itinerary is a good place to start.
The best areas to stay in Dubai
While it’s easy to get to different parts of Dubai via the Dubai Metro, the emirate sprawls out from the central vein, Sheikh Zayed Road and the further from SZR you stay, the longer it will take to battle Dubai’s traffic.
To avoid long journey times and ensure you’re staying in the best possible area in Dubai for your vacation, take a look at my pick of the top three main areas to stay in Dubai.
Further down this post, I’ve included specific hotel recommendations for people wondering where to stay in Dubai on a budget, as a family or as a couple looking for a relaxing, romantic break in the UAE.
1. Marina / JBR
Click on the map below to see more information and check availability for each hotel!
Booking.comIt’s furthest from the airport, but this part of Dubai is a great choice for anyone who wants to be able to get out of their accommodation and walk around. A lot of areas in Dubai aren’t pedestrian-friendly, so I’d personally recommend the Marina area if you’re keen to hit the pavements.
I lived in this area and loved it. It’s very popular among western expats.
If you stay in or around Dubai Marina, you’ll be close to Sky Dive Dubai – worth keeping in mind if you plan to tick something off your bucket list!
As well as the stunning Dubai Marina with its super yachts and clubs, this area gives you access to The Walk at JBR with its adjacent free public beach. The Walk is fun during the day but really comes alive at sundown, when locals, expats and tourists alike head out for a stroll.
You can enjoy views of the beach from many of the hotels in Jumeirah Beach Residence itself.
Alternatively, there’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers. This area is located on the other side of SZR and in my experience, the accommodation options are a bit cheaper than the Marina/JBR side because it’s further from the beach and The Walk.
Check accommodation options in Dubai Marina here
Check accommodation options in JBR here
Check accommodation options in JLT here
Take a look at the best tours and activities to book in this part of Dubai here.
2. Downtown
Click on the map below to see more information and check availability for each hotel!
Booking.comIf the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and Dubai Mall are high on your Dubai itinerary, Downtown Dubai is going to be the best location to stay in Dubai for you. Here, you’re right in the thick of things, with both Dubai’s Old Town and the Marina within easy reach.
Downtown Dubai is one of the more expensive areas to stay but it’s worth it if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I’d recommend Downtown if you’re visiting during the height of summer, because you won’t want to spend a lot of time outside.
Check accommodation options in Downtown Dubai here
Take a look at the best tours and activities to book in this part of Dubai here.
3. Bur Dubai
Click on the map below to see more information and check availability for each hotel!
Booking.comNot so interested in the record-breaking attractions? More fascinated by how Dubai came to be the cultural melting pot it is today? If you’re keen to seek out Dubai’s authentic side, Bur Dubai is the best location for you.
Bur Dubai is close enough to Sheikh Zayed Road to stay connected, but far enough from Downtown to offer a different Dubai experience. You’ll find fantastic places to eat that are far cheaper than the usual restaurants in Dubai, and plenty to see and do.
Read my section ‘Where to stay in Dubai as a tourist’ for more information.
Check accommodation options in Bur Dubai here
Check out the most popular tours and activities for tourists and get tickets here
Best hotels for a family holiday in Dubai
There are a lot of great family-friendly places to stay in Dubai. The combination of famous Middle Eastern hospitality and Dubai’s safety makes the emirate an attractive option for families with kids.
Budget Dubai hotels for families
Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira has an indoor pool and clean rooms. It’s located close to the beach and Etihad Museum. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range family-friendly Dubai hotels
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is ideal for families planning a sand and sun holiday in Dubai. You can take advantage of 10 restaurants and bars, 5 swimming pools and a climbing wall at the resort during your stay. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury hotels in Dubai for a family holiday
The Palm is a great area to stay in on a family holiday to Dubai because there’s plenty of beach area and it’s quieter than other areas. Kids and adults alike will be left awestruck by Atlantis, The Palm. The iconic resort has its own water park, aquarium and twelve restaurants. Check prices and availability for Atlantis here.
Where to stay in Dubai on a budget
Deira is one of the cheapest areas to stay in Dubai. You can expect slightly longer journey times on the Metro to the malls and skyscrapers, but you will be close to Dubai’s cultural quarter. Deira is popular with Asian expats and the local businesses and restaurants cater to this population.
Novotel Dubai Deira City Centre is right in the heart of Deira. It has contemporary guest rooms & suites, 4 meeting rooms, 3 restaurants & bars, 24 hour fitness centre, outdoor pool, free parking and is close to Dubai Expo. Check prices and availability here.
If you’re planning to save money during your trip to Dubai by preparing your own meals, opt for a self-catering accommodation option like Dream City Hotel Apartments. You can check their availability and prices for your chosen dates here.
If you don’t want to stay in Deira and would prefer to stay in a more westernised area, Al Barsha is closer to the modern attractions and nightlife Dubai has to offer while remaining relatively affordable for tourists on a budget. Ibis Dubai Al Barsha Hotel has been renovated and has excellent reviews. Check prices and availability for Ibis Al Barsha here.
Where to stay in Dubai as a tourist
If you’re visiting to experience Dubai’s cultural side at the souks and Bastakiya, the best area to stay is Al Fahidi – or anywhere in the ‘Old Dubai‘ area.
You’ll be pleased to hear that although the destination is known for its glamorous side, there are still plenty of cultural things to do in Dubai, and they’re mainly concentrated in this area.
From Al Fahidi, you can easily explore the authentic souks and ride a traditional abra. You will also have less of a journey towards the desert, if you’re booking a desert safari.
It’s not all about the destination’s past though – by booking Dubai accommodation near Dubai Creek, you’ll also be in close proximity to Dubai Frame.
XVA Art Hotel celebrates Arabian artists and offers something a bit different to the norm, with only 13 rooms. This boutique hotel is nestled in Bastakiya. Get more details here.
Where to stay in Dubai for couples
Planning a romantic holiday in Dubai with your partner? There are a number of beautiful resorts where you can have an indulgent stay with your other half.
1. Rixos Premium is a luxury resort in JBR has stylish rooms with views of Al Ain and direct beach access. There are nine award-winning places to eat and drink at Rixos and a fabulous Turkish spa. Check Rixos prices and availability here.
2. Jumeirah Al Qasr is an Arabian nights inspired resort with private beach access. You can relax at the Talise Spa, enjoy the view from your private balcony and savuor sumptuous meals at La Plage, the beachside restaurant. Check Jumeirah Al Qasr prices and availability here.
3. Vida Downtown is a stone’s throw from Dubai Mall. You can cycle around the property or recline in a comfortable cabana by the pool. Check prices and availability here.
4. One&Only Mirage is super romantic, with lush gardens and views over the Arabian Gulf. There are three areas: The Palace, Arabian Court and Residence & Spa – each with unique rooms and themed restaurants. Check prices and availability here.
5. Jumeirah Al Naseem is a luxury resort that’s perfect for a romantic getaway. The two of you can dine in restaurants from world-class chefs and there are adults-only spaces. Check prices and availability here.
Where to stay in Dubai for nightlife
Dubai has a lot of rules, but that doesn’t mean there’s no nightlife in the sandpit! In fact, Dubai is home to some of the coolest venues and rooftop bars in the world – and they are all located inside hotels. Here’s my pick of the best hotels in Dubai for tourists looking to party.
Rove Dubai Marina comes in on the cheaper end of the scale, yet it has contemporary rooms, solid reviews and is located in Dubai Marina, where many of my favourite late-night haunts are located. Check out prices and availability here.
A lot of Dubai’s coolest clubs are located in Downtown. If you’re keen to be able to stumble (inconspicuously) back to your room, try the Armani Hotel, Sofitel or – all of which have their own late-night venues.
Closer to the Marina area, Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers has a nightclub called Above on its 46th floor and the InterContinental has an after dark club called Cartel.
Media One Hotel was always popular among my colleagues who had guests visiting Dubai.
Want to party on the Palm? Book a stay at Five Palm Jumeirah, which is home to The Penthouse.
Best beach hotels in Dubai
There are a number of free public beaches in Dubai but the best beaches are owned by luxury resorts.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is a favourite among Instagrammers. It’s on the Pearl Jumeira waterfront and some rooms have their own pool decks. You can book a romantic beach meal or try SUP yoga. Check prices and availability here.
One&Only The Palm is another luxury beach resort that never fails to please. The ‘island sanctuary’ has a Guerlian spa that makes the most of Arabian rituals and French beauty, and the private beach is lined with palm trees. Check availability and prices here.
If you’re really planning to indulge in all of the extreme luxury Dubai has to offer, there’s no other hotel for it but the Burj Al Arab. It’s supposedly the world’s only seven star hotel!
I hope you have found my guide to the best places to stay in Dubai helpful! If you’ve stayed somewhere amazing that you’d recommend to others, particularly for someone’s first visit to Dubai, please do leave your review in the comments.
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Madhura Shedge says
Dubai is expensive in all the ways! A major part of the travel budget gets drain away on hotel accommodations. With your post, tourists will be able to choose the right location and hotel and save money.