Le Meridien is a 579-room luxury hotel located a quick drive from the airport. With 18 solid restaurants and bars; five heated outdoor pools (including one in the rooftop area); a wonderful spa; and a fully equipped fitness center, the property's features are on par with other luxury hotels in town. The Royal Club section features stylish rooms and wonderful amenities. But the main building -- with underwhelming standard rooms, and overall tired facilities -- is in need of an urgent update. Those looking to explore Dubai’s main attractions may find the hotel to be a little out of the way.
Le Meridien is a 579-room luxury hotel located a quick drive from the airport. With 18 solid restaurants and bars; five heated outdoor pools (including one in the rooftop area); a wonderful spa; and a fully equipped fitness center, the property's features are on par with other luxury hotels in town. The Royal Club section features stylish rooms and wonderful amenities. But the main building -- with underwhelming standard rooms, and overall tired facilities -- is in need of an urgent update. Those looking to explore Dubai’s main attractions may find the hotel to be a little out of the way.
The Nassima Royal Hotel may not offer quite as many over-the-top amenities as other luxury hotels in Dubai -- but it doesn’t lack much either. Aside from all the features for the business traveler -- including several restaurants and bars; high-tech rooms; a well-equipped fitness center; and extensive meeting space -- the hotel also offers a relaxing spa with couples’ treatments, a kids’ club, and a rooftop pool offering stunning views. The location in central Dubai, within walking distance of two metro stops and the Convention Center, makes it a good pick for all types of travelers.
The Nassima Royal Hotel may not offer quite as many over-the-top amenities as other luxury hotels in Dubai -- but it doesn’t lack much either. Aside from all the features for the business traveler -- including several restaurants and bars; high-tech rooms; a well-equipped fitness center; and extensive meeting space -- the hotel also offers a relaxing spa with couples’ treatments, a kids’ club, and a rooftop pool offering stunning views. The location in central Dubai, within walking distance of two metro stops and the Convention Center, makes it a good pick for all types of travelers.
This 115-room luxury property offers a desert resort experience a 45-minute drive from central Dubai. There are some good facilities here, including an infinity pool, spa offering poolside massages, four excellent restaurants, and stunning rooftop terraces. Rooms are perhaps not as glamorous as some may expect from a five-pearl property, but instead are decorated in the traditional Bedouin style to fit in with the surroundings. This is a popular, family-friendly resort and attracts a range of guests, including business travelers looking for something a bit different. However, guests should not expect a secluded oasis, as the atmosphere is quite lively. Those seeking a romantic break might want to check out Al Maha Desert Resort, which is quieter, more isolated, and doesn't allow young children.
This 115-room luxury property offers a desert resort experience a 45-minute drive from central Dubai. There are some good facilities here, including an infinity pool, spa offering poolside massages, four excellent restaurants, and stunning rooftop terraces. Rooms are perhaps not as glamorous as some may expect from a five-pearl property, but instead are decorated in the traditional Bedouin style to fit in with the surroundings. This is a popular, family-friendly resort and attracts a range of guests, including business travelers looking for something a bit different. However, guests should not expect a secluded oasis, as the atmosphere is quite lively. Those seeking a romantic break might want to check out Al Maha Desert Resort, which is quieter, more isolated, and doesn't allow young children.
This upscale hotel, located in the bustling Deira district just 10 minutes west of Dubai International Airport, has 180 well-maintained apartments that are notable for their generous size, contemporary style and extras that range from washing machines to private balconies (some with views of Dubai Creek). The property includes assorted meeting rooms; it has a wellness center and a small indoor pool with a play area, too, but is otherwise short on recreational facilities. Travelers wishing to stay in Deira who are willing to trade a full kitchen and other conveniences for a more resort-like environment should consider the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel instead.
This upscale hotel, located in the bustling Deira district just 10 minutes west of Dubai International Airport, has 180 well-maintained apartments that are notable for their generous size, contemporary style and extras that range from washing machines to private balconies (some with views of Dubai Creek). The property includes assorted meeting rooms; it has a wellness center and a small indoor pool with a play area, too, but is otherwise short on recreational facilities. Travelers wishing to stay in Deira who are willing to trade a full kitchen and other conveniences for a more resort-like environment should consider the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel instead.
Located outside the central city, the 316-room luxury Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is a stylish hotel sitting alongside scenic Dubai Creek, a scenic waterway plied by traditional dhows and luxury yachts day and night. The hotel has a fitness center, and a massive outdoor pool area with multiple pools, which is particularly lovely. The on-site Belgian Beer Cafe is popular with tourists and ex-pats alike, and is an authentic spot to enjoy a craft beer or northern European meal. Rooms are inviting, even if they aren’t particularly distinctive, and Superior Rooms come with additional perks, such as Molton Brown bath products. Guests looking for a beachfront hotel with similar features and amenities might want to check out the Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, though its rates are higher.
Located outside the central city, the 316-room luxury Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is a stylish hotel sitting alongside scenic Dubai Creek, a scenic waterway plied by traditional dhows and luxury yachts day and night. The hotel has a fitness center, and a massive outdoor pool area with multiple pools, which is particularly lovely. The on-site Belgian Beer Cafe is popular with tourists and ex-pats alike, and is an authentic spot to enjoy a craft beer or northern European meal. Rooms are inviting, even if they aren’t particularly distinctive, and Superior Rooms come with additional perks, such as Molton Brown bath products. Guests looking for a beachfront hotel with similar features and amenities might want to check out the Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, though its rates are higher.
The InterContinental Dubai Festival City is a high-end, luxury chain hotel that's impressive in scale, sophistication, and facilities. The location overlooking Dubai Creek with direct access to Festival City will be ideal for some, but tourists wanting to be near the beach and the main attractions might find it inconvenient. However, Michelin-starred dining, a luxurious spa, and chic, spacious rooms makes this hotel a strong contender for anyone looking for a seriously upscale stay near the airport.
The InterContinental Dubai Festival City is a high-end, luxury chain hotel that's impressive in scale, sophistication, and facilities. The location overlooking Dubai Creek with direct access to Festival City will be ideal for some, but tourists wanting to be near the beach and the main attractions might find it inconvenient. However, Michelin-starred dining, a luxurious spa, and chic, spacious rooms makes this hotel a strong contender for anyone looking for a seriously upscale stay near the airport.
The upper-middle-range Cosmopolitan Hotel has 114 modern rooms centrally located in the Al Barsha neighborhood of Dubai, a five-minute walk to the Sharaf DG Metro Station. While slightly removed from tourist attractions, the hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach and the Mall of the Emirates is a six-minute drive away. Contemporary rooms have cheerful, if a bit generic, decor, as well as minibars, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and kettles. The rooftop pool is attractive and has a snack bar, but don't expect any views. Other features include an all-day restaurant, hookah lounge, sleek gym, and spa. Note that no alcohol is served on-site, and guests should be sure to request a non-smoking or smoking room. Tourists may prefer the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, which has a wealth of additional features, though higher rates.
The upper-middle-range Cosmopolitan Hotel has 114 modern rooms centrally located in the Al Barsha neighborhood of Dubai, a five-minute walk to the Sharaf DG Metro Station. While slightly removed from tourist attractions, the hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach and the Mall of the Emirates is a six-minute drive away. Contemporary rooms have cheerful, if a bit generic, decor, as well as minibars, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and kettles. The rooftop pool is attractive and has a snack bar, but don't expect any views. Other features include an all-day restaurant, hookah lounge, sleek gym, and spa. Note that no alcohol is served on-site, and guests should be sure to request a non-smoking or smoking room. Tourists may prefer the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, which has a wealth of additional features, though higher rates.
The Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is a high-end, chain hotel attached to and with direct access into the shopping center of the same name. Rooms are sleek and spacious, with impressive amenities and well-finished bathrooms. Dining options are slim, though al fresco terraces are a hit and the rooftop pool area provides some of the best panoramic vistas in Dubai. While not quite up to the standards of the nearby Kempinski, rates are a lot more affordable and the Sheraton still delivers a comfortable and upscale experience.
The Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is a high-end, chain hotel attached to and with direct access into the shopping center of the same name. Rooms are sleek and spacious, with impressive amenities and well-finished bathrooms. Dining options are slim, though al fresco terraces are a hit and the rooftop pool area provides some of the best panoramic vistas in Dubai. While not quite up to the standards of the nearby Kempinski, rates are a lot more affordable and the Sheraton still delivers a comfortable and upscale experience.
While the Rixos The Palm Dubai is a perfectly pleasant, upscale resort hotel with an enviable Palm Jumeirah setting, there's not much in the way of real wow-factor or glitz found at comparable hotels. That said, views from the private beach and pool are certainly impressive, family-friendly facilities are excellent, and rooms are generally top-grade, many with furnished terraces and sea views. A particularly noisy beach club is turn-off for many visitors, however, and the location is awkward for exploring Dubai. Overall, it's a solid enough option with reasonable rates -- though lacking the pizzazz of the nearby (and not hugely more expensive) Sofitel Resort.
While the Rixos The Palm Dubai is a perfectly pleasant, upscale resort hotel with an enviable Palm Jumeirah setting, there's not much in the way of real wow-factor or glitz found at comparable hotels. That said, views from the private beach and pool are certainly impressive, family-friendly facilities are excellent, and rooms are generally top-grade, many with furnished terraces and sea views. A particularly noisy beach club is turn-off for many visitors, however, and the location is awkward for exploring Dubai. Overall, it's a solid enough option with reasonable rates -- though lacking the pizzazz of the nearby (and not hugely more expensive) Sofitel Resort.
The 310-room upscale Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha offers pleasant, contemporary rooms in a centrally located hotel with the kind of features often found at higher-rated properties. Many of Dubai’s most famous sights are within striking distance from the Holiday Inn Dubai -- the gigantic Mall of the Emirates is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and there is a metro station less than five minutes away on foot. The hotel houses two popular restaurants: Gharana, with South Indian cuisine, and The Royal Buddha, which has been ranked as one of Dubai’s top Asian restaurants. Guests looking to stay closer to Marina Beach and The Walk may want to try Flexstay Holiday Homes Dubai Marina, which has full-service apartments within walking distance of the beach at similar rates.
The 310-room upscale Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha offers pleasant, contemporary rooms in a centrally located hotel with the kind of features often found at higher-rated properties. Many of Dubai’s most famous sights are within striking distance from the Holiday Inn Dubai -- the gigantic Mall of the Emirates is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and there is a metro station less than five minutes away on foot. The hotel houses two popular restaurants: Gharana, with South Indian cuisine, and The Royal Buddha, which has been ranked as one of Dubai’s top Asian restaurants. Guests looking to stay closer to Marina Beach and The Walk may want to try Flexstay Holiday Homes Dubai Marina, which has full-service apartments within walking distance of the beach at similar rates.