Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman

Fancy hotels in Ajman are gaining popularity for their Dubai-level luxury without the price tag, and the Ajman Saray fits the bill. A private beach with shorefront bar and restaurant enhance the resort feel here, while elegant interiors showcase Arabian flair. Sultan archways and Moroccan lanterns have contemporary accents from backlighting amid creams, rubies, and woods, and Mashrabiya motifs are traditional in bright lounges and restaurants. Although not nearly as bustling as Dubai, there are a good number of restaurants and shops, and Ajman's developing Corniche is nearby. Alongside the private beach, guests are generally satisfied with offerings on-site, which include varied drinking and dining, a kids' club, and sensual GOCO Spa (the only one in the Emirates). Despite fountain-flanked courtyards and glossy marbles, the vibe here is easygoing, although poolside music is reportedly repetitive. Nearby hotel parties have disturbed some guests, but otherwise, it's peaceful. Note, bar and restaurant offerings dwindle during Ramadan month (throughout the region).

The hotel occupies a scenic spot overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and its private beach gives little incentive to explore sands farther away. Immediate service roads are empty and somewhat gritty, although the Al Zahra shopping mall and several eateries are within a 15-minute walk. The vibrant Ajman Corniche's shops and restaurants are a six-minute drive, or 35-minute walk, but desert heat here steers guests into taxis, which are cheap. Free shuttles run to Dubai, or it's a 40-minute drive for its malls, and world's tallest Burj Khalifa building. The Ajman Chamber of Commerce is virtually next door, while the 18th-century Ajman Museum is eight minutes by car. Allow 30-minute drives (without traffic) for Sharjah and Dubai International Airports.

All with furnished balconies facing the creek or sea (in upgraded categories), contemporary rooms have classic elegance. They have hardwood or carpeted floors, teal or jewel tones in throw pillows and bed runners, oversized headboards, and luxurious bedding and upholstering. Deep-wood furniture is intricately accented by carvings, stacked stone, or hanging lamps, and discreet panel artwork. Starting at 419 square feet (39 square meters), the entry-level Superior Rooms are spacious, and offer standard phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Illy coffeemakers, kettles, and minibars, as well as seating areas, wardrobes with safes, ironing facilities, slippers, and robes. All bathrooms have swanky mosaic tiling, walk-in rainfall showers, separate tubs, and crested mirrors, plus upscale Molton Brown cosmetics, and hairdryers. The 24 Suites begin at 861 square feet (80 square meters) and have living rooms and dining areas. These turn palatial in upgraded Suites offering offices or vast balconies, and Suite bathrooms directly overlook the ocean via sheer glass. Free crib fittings come standard. Surprisingly and on the downside, there's a fee for in-room coffee pods.

Rock jetties sheltering the beach give it a bay feel, and although not the largest, it's private. Its loungers, umbrellas, and dining options continue on decked terraces around two outdoor pools, which front the shore. Parasols here shade loungers and cabanas amid manicured lawns and palms, and al fresco dining terraces turn romantic in evenings, when pool areas are lit up. Five restaurants include all-day buffets at Vista, where Western, Asian, and Middle Eastern breakfasts are sumptuous. All-inclusive packages cover meals here, plus a la carte offerings in the resort's other outlets. Alongside dedicated bars, restaurant decor fits menus, so expect bleached woods and nautical accents at fish and seafood eatery Safi, while Moroccan restaurant Mejana exudes Moorish charm from archways and deep reds. While a colorful playground, kiddy pool, and supervised activities at the kids' club keep little ones occupied, adults can indulge at the GOCO Spa, where chromotherapy showers and top-of-the-range amenities extend to pampering treatments, plus a hair salon and fully equipped, 24-hour gym. Seven meetings rooms are available, alongside a swish ballroom and business center. Shuttles to Dubai are free. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.