Known as one of today’s most impressive man-made wonders, the city of Dubai is home to massive skyscrapers (including the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa), luxury shopping, exquisite cuisine, and scenic adventures. After the discovery of oil in the region in 1966, the city experienced explosive growth and construction, attracting investments from all corners of the globe.
When I first visited Dubai in early 2024, I was not disappointed — it has an interesting blend of tradition and innovation unlike anywhere else I’ve experienced. During the day, you can literally go scuba diving in the 1,200-plus-store Dubai Mall and in the evening, take a walking tour of ancient Old Dubai, and try spices and teas or shop at Gold Souk market. The city is a true fusion of centuries past and modern times.
As one of the region’s most impressive cities, it’s no surprise that Dubai is also home to some of the world’s finest hotels. We’ve rounded up the best hotels in the city — many of which have earned a spot on our exclusive World’s Best Awards and It List — to elevate your U.A.E. trip to the next level.
Why I’m the Expert
Joe Niehaus is a commerce and travel writer who spends significant time abroad, visiting various properties across a wide range of hotel brands. While in Dubai, he experienced a vast array of hotels, restaurants, sites, and excursions, oftentimes guided by locals, so he’s sure these properties are the best the city has to offer.
Courtesy of Al Maha
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Set against Dubai’s mesmerizing desert landscape, multi-year World’s Best Awards winner Al Maha offers an exclusive retreat about an hour outside of the city. Every one of the 42 villas has handcrafted Arabian furnishings and opens up to temperature-controlled private pools with sweeping views of the golden dunes.
During your stay, you can indulge in world-class dining (including an iconic floating breakfast) at Al Diwaan or the Hajar Terrace Bar, relaxing spa treatments at Timeless Spa, and a variety of outdoor activities including camel treks and wildlife safaris. Al Maha is what you likely picture when you think “Dubai.”
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, Al Maha delivers on all fronts. The hotel’s exceptional attention to detail in indigenous design and tailored service, along with its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the local ecosystem, adds an enriching layer to your stay.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Dubai Camel Racing Club, Inflight Dubai Indoor Skydiving, SkyHub ParamotorsAccessibility: Accessible on-site parking, valet parking for vehicles adapted for drivers in wheelchairs, lowered electrical outlets, lowered sinks, and toilet seats at wheelchair height with grab railsLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: From $1,296 per night
Courtesy of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Anantara The Palm, another World’s Best Awards winner, stands out as having the U.A.E.’s first over-water villas, with Thai-inspired architecture spread across a pristine stretch of the Palm Jumierah. The resort’s lagoon pools wind through the property like a network of peaceful waterways, connecting the standard rooms with direct access while the beach villas have their own private pool.
The dining scene impresses with its variety — Mekong serves authentic dishes from three Asian countries while The Beach House offers Mediterranean flavors with front-row views of the Persian Gulf. Revo Café provides a casual spot for light fare throughout the day, along with other restaurants and lounges open at different times.
When you’re not floating in one of the three temperature-controlled swimming pools or lounging on the private beach, the Antantara Spa combines Thai hospitality with traditional hammam treatments. For those seeking adventure, the resort’s water sports center offers everything from kayaking to wakeboarding. Families especially appreciate the dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, plus easy access to Palm Jumeirah’s attractions.
Make time to book the signature Designer Dining experience — whether it’s a romantic dinner on the beach or a family feast in your private villa, the culinary team personalizes every detail. Just remember to reserve your preferred restaurants and spa treatments well in advance, particularly during high season.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Anantara Beach, The Palm Fountain, Al Ittihad Park, Jumeirah Lake Towers PromenadeAccessibility: The resort features elevators and wheelchair-accessible areas.Loyalty Programs: Anantara DISCOVERYRates: From $484 per night
Courtesy of Armani Hotel Dubai
Also available to book at Expedia.com
The Armani Hotel Dubai, a 2021 World’s Best Awards winner, sets the standard for sophisticated luxury from its prime location in the Burj Khalifa. Every element of the fashion icon’s first hotel bears Giorgio Armani’s signature style, from the custom-designed furnishings to the understated palette that defines each space.
Seven restaurants showcase the hotel’s culinary prowess — Armani/Ristorante presents refined Italian cuisine while Armani/Hashi delivers Japanese flavors with views of the Dubai Fountain. The Armani/Lounge, stretching across the front of the hotel, offers front-row seats to the fountain shows over afternoon tea or evening cocktails.
The Armani/Spa spans over 12,000 square feet of tranquility, where thermal facilities complement treatments designed to counter urban stress. Rooms feature curved walls and elegant touches like Armani amenities, iPad-controlled lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking either the Dubai Fountain or the Arabian Gulf.
Located in the world’s tallest building, the hotel provides direct access to The Dubai Mall and downtown attractions. For the ultimate experience, book an Armani Fountain Suite — the views of the world’s largest performing fountain are unmatched.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Mercato BeachAccessibility: The hotel offers handicapped-accessible rooms.Loyalty Programs: U by EmaarRates: From $809 per night
Courtesy of Atlantis The Palm
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Due to its popularity as a family-friendly destination, it can get quite crowded, particularly during peak seasons.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai commands attention at the top of Palm Jumeirah with its distinctive rose-hued color and awe-inspiring architecture. The resort houses one of the world’s largest waterparks, Aquaventure, where guests enjoy complimentary access to over 105 record-breaking slides and attractions including a new 48-meter tower.
The culinary lineup reads like a who’s who of celebrity chefs — Nobu Matsuhisa’s namesake restaurant serves Japanese fusion, while Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar offers British classics with a twist. Ossiano, the underwater fine-dining restaurant, provides front row views of the Ambassador Lagoon’s 65,000 marine creatures during your meal.
A 2021 World’s Best Awards winner, the resort continues to innovate with experiences like The Lost Chambers Aquarium encounters and dolphin interactions at Dolphin Bay. Rooms and suites capture the ocean theme with marine-inspired decor, while the Signature Suites — including the famous Underwater Suites — offer unparalleled luxury with floor-to-ceiling aquarium views.
The expansive AWAKEN Spa features traditional and cutting-edge treatments alike. For the ultimate Atlantis experience, request a table at Ossiano during sunset — the changing light through the aquarium creates an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: The Palm Fountain, WHITE Beach, Aquaventure Beach, Al Ittihad Park, Jumeirah Lake Towers PromenadeAccessibility: Accessible parking and rooms, Braille signage, sensor-friendly spaces, and wheelchair-accessible areasLoyalty Programs: Atlantis UnlockedRates: From $428 per night
Courtesy of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Also available to book at Expedia.com
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands as Dubai’s most iconic silhouette. Set on its own private island connected by a curved bridge, each duplex suite spans two floors with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the Arabian Gulf or Palm Jumeirah.
Culinary experiences range from the impressive – Al Muntaha serves modern European cuisine on the 27th floor – to the extraordinary, at Al Mahara, where floor-to-ceiling aquarium walls provide a mesmerizing backdrop to your seafood dinner. The Terrace, which extends over the water, houses private cabanas and two infinity pools that seem to merge with the horizon.
Landing a spot on our World’s Best Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the hotel maintains its reputation with unparalleled service, including dedicated butlers and optional in-suite check-in. The Talise Spa, perched 150 meters above the Gulf, offers treatments with panoramic views, while the indoor infinity pool features a kaleidoscope ceiling that shifts with the day’s light.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, Xpark Jr, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Al Barsha Pond ParkAccessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areasLoyalty Programs: Jumeirah OneRates: From $1,527 per night
Courtesy of The Lana
Also available to book at Expedia.com
The Lana makes an architectural statement in Business Bay with its striking puzzle-like build — a design masterstroke from firm Foster + Partners that creates a play of light and shadow throughout the day. The 225 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Dubai’s evolving skyline from every angle, while the bathrooms, dressed in Greek marble, offer deep-soaking tubs with city or desert views.
Eight dining venues showcase the hotel’s culinary aptitude. Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui brings his innovative Basque cuisine to Signatures, while the 38th-floor rooftop presents Mediterranean flavors in a garden setting. The building’s distinctive void houses the Desert Garden, where guests can enjoy light bites surrounded by desert flora.
An It List winner in 2024, the property brings Dorchester Collection’s renowned service to Dubai. The fourth-floor wellness space includes a state-of-the-art gym overlooking the canal, while the rooftop pool provides a sleek escape with cabanas and skyline views.
Book a sunset reservation at the rooftop restaurant to watch the light play across Burj Khalifa, and don’t miss the spa’s signature treatment that incorporates local ingredients. The concierge can even arrange yacht tours of the Dubai Canal, which flows right past the hotel’s door.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Bai Bar & Terrace, Marasi PromenadeAccessibility: Lowered sinks, raised toilet with grab rails, bathroom emergency cords, and wheelchair-accessible areasLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $636 per night
Chrissie McClatchie, T+L Contributor
The Middle East debut for the Dorchester Collection is just another sign that when it comes to hospitality, Dubai is on the level of London, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles. And The Lana still manages to stand out in a crowded field. That’s partly because of its location in Marasi Bay Marina, an upscale new development. The striking Foster & Partners building is avant-garde, while the interiors, from designers Gilles & Boissier, are more subtle, with soft pinks and sandy beiges that nod to the surrounding desert and elegant touches such as textured wallpaper and rich wood paneling in the 225 rooms and suites. There’s also a Dior spa and a trio of notable restaurants helmed by celebrated chefs — Martin Berasategui, Jean Imbert, and Angelo Musa. Locals are already clamoring to get into the rooftop bar, High Society, where I took in the skyline, martini in hand.
— Chrissie McClatchie, T+L Contributor
Courtesy of One&Only Resorts
Also available to book at Expedia.com
The One&Only One Za’abeel hotel redefines Dubai’s skyline with its bold architecture, featuring two towers connected by “The Link” — a 230-meter horizontal steel bridge that holds multiple world records. This cantilevered marvel houses several restaurants and lounges, each offering a different perspective of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Rooms showcase contemporary luxury with smart features and sophisticated design, many providing views of either Zabeel Park or Dubai Frame. The culinary experience spans the globe: acclaimed chef Mehmet Gürs brings modern Turkish cuisine to ARIANA, while Vietnamese celebrity chef Luke Nguyen presents his vision at ATEM. For those seeking exclusivity, the invitation-only TAPASAKE Club combines Japanese cuisine with poolside convenience.
Also a 2024 It List winner, the property raises the bar for urban resorts with one of the UAE’s largest infinity pools, creating an elevated oasis with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. The One&Only Private Spa offers personalized treatments in private suites, each with its own relaxation space.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Zabeel Park, Green Planet Dubai, The Dubai Fountain, Bay Avenue Park, La Mer BeachAccessibility: The hotel has accessible parking, wide elevators, and wheelchair-accessible facilities.Loyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $659 per night
Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Print Editor
In Dubai, change is intentional — and the opening of One&Only One Za’abeel, the One&Only Resorts brand’s first hotel in the heart of a major city, is no exception. In the affluent Za’abeel district, the hotel is connected to an adjoining tower by the world’s longest cantilever, the 750-foot-long Link, a concept by Japanese architecture firm Nikken Sekkei that hovers more than 300 feet above the ground. Inside, the resort vibe is brought to life by noted Aman designer Jean-Michel Gathy, with a soothing color palette and rich textures that pay homage to the country’s desert landscapes.
— Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Print Editor
Courtesy of Atlantis The Royal Dubai
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Atlantis The Royal Dubai has a stacked-cube architecture rising 43 stories above Palm Jumeirah. The distinctive silhouette, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, houses 795 rooms and suites featuring private infinity pools, making it one of the world’s largest collections of pool-enhanced accommodations in a single resort.
This It List 2023 winner’s dining scene is outstanding. Heston Blumenthal’s debut Middle Eastern restaurant Dinner features historically-inspired British dishes, while Nobu by the Beach reimagines Japanese-Peruvian cuisine in a coastal setting. At Cloud 22, the 22nd-floor infinity pool provides a floating vantage point above the palm-shaped island, complete with private cabanas and a swim-up bar.
The resort elevates luxury with features like the AWAKEN Fitness center’s anti-gravity studio and the Atlantis Royal Spa’s six-room Hammam Sensorium. The Royal Mansion, spanning the top floor, offers the ultimate in opulence with its own infinity pool and dedicated team of butlers.
For the full experience, request a Skyscape Collection room, the views of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic landmarks are unmatched.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Lost Chambers Aquarium, The Palm Fountain, Aquaventure Beach, WHITE Beach, Al Ittihad ParkAccessibility: Accessible parking space, valet parking for wheelchair-equipped vehicles, and wheelchair-accessible areas.Loyalty Programs: Atlantis UnlockedRates: From $830 per night
John Arlidge, T+L Contributor
Most major cities have one hotel icon: the Ritz (Paris), Claridge’s (London), Raffles (Singapore), the Peninsula (Hong Kong). But Dubai, arguably, now has three. Atlantis The Royal joins the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which floats in the Arabian Gulf, and the pink palace of Atlantis The Palm, atop the Palm Jumeirah. The cost was rumored to be around $1.5 billion, making Atlantis The Royal one of the most expensive hotels ever built. It had a launch party to match: Beyonce performed in front of thousands of guests at January’s opening bash. The massive structures fit together like jenga, each with suites unfolding onto vast terraces with private infinity pools. Spend the days taking in the cityscape and ocean views, before dining at restaurants run by José Andrés, Heston Blumenthal, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gastón Acurio, and Ariana Bundy, who opened her first restaurant, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, in the hotel.
— John Arlidge, T+L Contributor
Courtesy of Accor
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Just like a few of the other selections on our list, this five-star hotel is situated in the heart of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, offering panoramic views of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s striking skyline. Each room and suite features a private balcony perfect for watching the sunset paint the waters in golden hues, while marble bathrooms and sophisticated furnishings create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
One thing I personally love about Fairmont and something that sticks out immediately if you’ve ever stayed at their properties, is that there are so many restaurant options. The Dubai resort’s dining collection spans the globe — Little Miss India serves authentic regional cuisine in an eclectic setting, while Frevo brings Brazilian churrascaria flavors beachside. Flow Kitchen offers international fare throughout the day and Seagrill Restaurant + Bar presents fresh seafood with Mediterranean influences on a sea-view terrace.
Four temperature-controlled pools provide year-round comfort, including an adults-only pool and a dedicated children’s splash area. The Fairmont Spa combines traditional hammam rituals with modern treatments, while the private beach stretch offers water sports and beachfront relaxation. Families will appreciate the Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club and easy access to Palm Jumeirah’s attractions.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Al Ittihad Park, The Palm Fountain, Kids Planet, Burj Al Arab Tower, Al Barsha Pond ParkAccessibility: Accessible rooms and amenities for wheelchairs, visual and audible alarms, and accessible electrical switches and outlets.Loyalty Programs: ALL – Accor Live LimitlessRates: From $394 per night
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
Also available to book at Expedia.com
Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach brings Mediterranean-style grandeur to a pristine stretch of private beach, where sea-facing terraces and marble colonnades frame views of both the Burj Khalifa and Arabian Gulf. The resort’s location, tucked away in prestigious Jumeirah, provides a peaceful retreat while remaining just minutes from downtown attractions.
Two pools cater to different moods: the active pool buzzes with family energy while the quiet pool provides adults with a peaceful sanctuary. The Pearl Spa combines European and Asian wellness traditions across 10 treatment rooms, complete with an indoor pool and hammam. For beach lovers, the private stretch of sand includes temperature-controlled pods and attentive service.
Reserve sunset drinks at Mercury Rooftop to watch Dubai’s skyline come alive, and book Sea Fu’s outdoor terrace during the cooler months; the sound of waves adds an extra element to the dining experience. For the ultimate stay, request a Premier Sea-View Room where the balcony positioning captures both the sunrise over the ocean and the glittering downtown lights.
The Details:
Nearby Attractions: Safa Park, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Green Planet Dubai, Burj Al Arab Tower, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai FountainAccessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas and rooms, raised toilets with grab rails, lowered sinks, and moreLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $953 per night
Know Before You Go
Be respectful of the local culture and customs
Dubai is the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates, in which the official religion is Islam, as stated in the country’s constitution. While drinking is not illegal as is sometimes misunderstood, there is not a sprawling bar scene. Be aware of the regulations and know that being drunk in public will almost certainly result in jail time and fines.
Additionally, PDA including kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted and appropriate clothing should be worn at all times. There are also strict limitations around photography, so be sure to check the latest guidelines before snapping photos.
Make note of Ramadan restrictions
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting in Islam that typically falls during the end of winter and beginning of spring. While tourists aren’t required to fast, you’ll notice that the afternoons are quieter in the city and some businesses’ hours will be affected. It’s especially important to dress modestly, avoid playing loud music, and refrain from PDA during this time of the year.
Dubai is sprawling, so build travel time into your plans
One of the main things I was surprised about when visiting Dubai is simply how large it is. Depending on why you’re visiting, you’ll likely have to travel 10 or more minutes to get where you’re trying to go — whether it’s for a meeting or for leisure. Make sure to account for travel time and traffic, as there is typically a lot of congestion and the city is spread out.
Get out of the city
While Dubai has a lot to offer within the city limits, some of the most picturesque sights that come to mind when you think of the destination typically happen well outside of downtown. Activities such as desert safaris and hot air balloon tours are an hour-plus drive and can be booked through tour companies’ websites directly. And they’re well worth it!
How We Chose These Hotels
Joe Niehaus is a travel writer with extensive international experience, including a visit to Dubai in the past year. The hotels above were curated based on his personal experience visiting Dubai in addition to extensive research, feedback from Travel + Leisure editors and contributors, and several of the selections appear on our World’s Best Awards and It List. Finally, all hotels on this list adhere to our Hotel Values.
