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In our guide, you will find out where to stay in Dubai for all types of travelers with different budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels and resorts.
Find out also when is the best time to visit Dubai and what to do 1 day in Dubai, where you will find many activities for your visit.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Dubai
Dubai offers many interesting places for tourists to stay. Deciding where to stay in Dubai is not easy. Dubai is a huge city and parts of it are not walkable. Locations like Bur Dubai or Deira are further away from the modern part of the city. To visit attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, or Dubai Marina, you must use Dubai Metro or another form of public transport.
According to the majority of visitors, the best place where to stay in Dubai is Dubai Marina because of its modern surroundings with many dinner and activities options, or Dubai Downtown with a view of the Burj Khalifa
skyscraper.
Every visitor is different, some love the hustle and bustle of the big city, some prefer to stay on the city’s outskirts where it is not so busy.
Fortunately, Dubai has a good public transport system, you can get to the city center relatively easily from various other neighborhoods.
Old Dubai (Deira & Bur Dubai)
Bur Dubai and Deira are parts of the city divided by Dubai Creek.
Together they are known as Old Dubai, with its historic districts, centuries-old gold and spice markets, and ancient forts creating another great place where to stay in Dubai.
We also stayed for a couple of nights in Deira overlooking Dubai Creek.
Pros
The advantage of these locations is that they are not so crowded with tourists. Even though it is on the outskirts of the city, you can still get there by metro. Another advantage can be the short distance from the
Dubai International Airport.
Are you planning to visit the center only once during your visit to Dubai and spend the rest of your vacation shopping in the old part of the city or swimming in the hotel pool? This may be the best place where to stay in Dubai for you.
Cons
The disadvantage of these neighborhoods can be the distance from other attractions of Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa, which is a 40-minute metro ride away.
Low-budget
Mark Inn Hotel Deira
2-star hotel in the heart of Deira offering rooms with air conditioning, TV, free wifi, and minibar. Breakfast is included in the price. The hotel has a restaurant and a 24-hour reception. The nearest metro is an 8-minute walk away.
Midrange budget
Rove City Centre, Deira
A 3-star hotel located in the center of Deira, just a 5-minute walk from City Center Deira Metro Station 1. It has a convenient location, thanks to the fact that it is only a 7-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
The hotel offers a swimming pool and fitness center, Wi-Fi in all areas, and even a restaurant. All rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a tea/coffee maker. For better comfort of the guests, this hotel also provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport. The reception is open 24 hours a day and the hotel also has a self-service laundry.
Luxury budget
5-star hotel in Deira with a view of the river or the pool. The standard room has air conditioning, a balcony, a TV, and a private bathroom.
There is an extra charge for breakfast. The hotel also offers other rooms, such as a junior or presidential suite. In the hotel building, you will find 9 catering establishments, even a pastry shop, a fitness center, and conference rooms. In the vicinity of the hotel are the Union metro station, and the Al Ghurair Center shopping center it is also within walking distance of the water taxi stop and the Gold Souk market.
The hotel’s rooms and facilities are also suitable for people with physical disabilities.
Sheikh Zayed Road
This is a great place where to stay in Dubai! It is a highway in Dubai connecting all important parts of the city. There are many skyscrapers around the Trade Center where large hotel chains are located, but also important business centers of the city. In this part of the city, you will also find the metro with the most iconic view of Dubai, which runs alongside the highway.
Pros
The advantage of this location is the view of the skyscrapers from the surrounding hotels, it looks like a city of the future. This street is directly connected to the metro, which allows you to reach almost all the
attractions of the city.
Cons
The disadvantage of this location can be the constant noise from the highway. The price of hotels in this area is not the cheapest.
Low-budget
No options
Midrange budget
Staybridge Suites Dubai Financial Centre
An IHG Hotel It is a 4-star hotel within walking distance of the Financial Center Metro Station. There are several dining options and small shops in its vicinity.
Outside the main season, this hotel has reasonable prices for all types of visitors, we used this option during the summer. The hotel offers a view of the Burj Khalifa from the higher floors and is generally a short distance from the skyscraper and the Dubai Mall if you use the metro. They have rooms with a view of the sea or the skyscraper. 24-hour fitness center, swimming pool, wellness, room service, wi-fi in all areas, and excellent
breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Each suite is equipped with a kitchen and a private bathroom.
This is also our favorite hotel where to stay in Dubai!
Luxury budget
One&Only One Za’abeel
A luxurious 5-star hotel near the World Trade Center Metro Station offers free parking, two swimming pools, a fitness and wellness center, airport transfer, 11 restaurants, a bar, and room service. The spacious rooms
are equipped with a bathroom, an extra large bed, air conditioning, a tea kettle/coffee maker, and Wi-Fi. The hotel offers rooms with a view of the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa.
Downtown Dubai
The tourist center of the city with the iconic skyscraper Burj Khalifa with a dancing fountain and the largest shopping center in the city, Dubai Mall. A luxurious district of Dubai where many 5 and 4-star hotels are located.
Pros
Downtown Dubai has a convenient location where you have everything within walking distance with easily accessible public transport to the surrounding area.
Cons
The disadvantage of accommodation in this area of Dubai can often be overcrowded with tourists, especially during the main season. You will not find budget-friendly accommodation here.
Low-budget
No options
Midrange budget
Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai
Apartments near the Burj Khalifa and the Singing Fountain, 10 minutes walk from the Dubai Mall. They offer apartments with a view of the skyscraper, a swimming pool, a children’s corner, a fitness center, airport transfer, wellness, a restaurant, room service and breakfast, free private parking is available on site. Wifi is free throughout the hotel.
Luxury budget
Armani Hotel Dubai
5-star hotel in the Burj Khalifa building designed by Giorgio Armani himself. It occupies 11 floors of the iconic skyscraper. The hotel has a swimming pool, a luxurious wellness center, 5 restaurants, provides a transfer to the airport, and offers breakfast. Each room has air conditioning, a view of the city, a private bathroom, a minibar, a coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is directly connected to the Dubai Mall.
The Palm Jumeirah
An archipelago of man-made islands. Part of the Palm Islands projects. They were created to resemble a palm tree from a bird’s eye view. The trunk is a mixed commercial and residential area, the fronds are reserved for residential houses and villas, while the outer part of the island is used for luxury resorts and a water amusement park.
Pros
Palm Jumeirah offers a great view of the sea, there are many resorts in the area as well as a water amusement park. If you have decided to visit Dubai and enjoy your entire stay in a resort where you will be entertained the whole time, this location could be the best place where to stay in Dubai.
Cons
You will not find budget-friendly accommodation in this area of Dubai and the resorts here are quite expensive. The only public transport option is the Palm Monorail.
Low-budget
No options
Midrange budget
C Central Hotel and Resort The Palm
The 5-star hotel located on the island of Palm Jumeirah offers its guests a swimming pool, free private parking, transfer to the airport, a fitness center, and a private beach. The rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, sound insulation, a minibar, and a view of the surroundings.
Some rooms have a balcony with a view of the island. The hotel also offers a continental breakfast with vegan options.
Luxury budget
Hotel Atlantis
An iconic 5-star hotel with a sandy beach and a view of the Persian Gulf. The accommodation price includes free entry to the Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. In the hotel area, you will find two swimming pools, 15 restaurants, boutiques and shops, a fitness center, and wellness. All rooms have a balcony with a view of the surroundings, a coffee maker/tea kettle, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have larger terraces with a panoramic view of the palm island. The hotel offers daily programs for children and teenagers.
Al Barsha
A quiet residential area dominated by the Mall of Emirates, a shopping center with many shops and boutiques or other leisure activities such as Ski Dubai. In the neighborhood, there is a park with an artificial lake and the Dubai Miracle Garden. Mashreq Metro Station is 4km away from
Sufouh Beach.
Pros
The advantages of this location certainly include the distance from the beach and the proximity of the large shopping center Mall of Emirates.
There are many accommodation options in the area in all price categories.
Cons
It is a more distant area from the sights of Dubai.
Low-budget
Studio M Al Barsha Hotel by Millennium
The 3-star hotel is located 700 m from the Mall of the Emirates and within walking distance of the Mall of the Emirates metro station. They offer guests a swimming pool, free parking, a restaurant, a wellness center, and a fitness center. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, and a kettle.
Midrange budget
Al Khoory Atrium
4-star hotel within walking distance of Mall of Emirates. The hotel is modernly furnished and offers its guests a rooftop pool, airport transfer, free parking, 2 restaurants, wellness, fitness center. Each room has its own bathroom, minibar, air conditioning, and flat-screen TV. The rooms are equipped for guests with physical disabilities.
Luxury budget
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
The 5-star hotel directly connected to the Mall of Emirates offers its guests 2 swimming pools, free parking, 4 restaurants, a wellness, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel has a 24-hour reception where they can help you organize a trip to the desert or transport you to the airport. The hotel rooms are luxuriously equipped with a seating area with TV, minibar, private bathroom, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The rooms are equipped for people with physical disabilities.
Dubai Marina
A popular district where to say in Dubai, near sandy beaches, with a large number of accommodation and dining options in the area. Nearby is the Marina Mall shopping center as well as the Dubai Marina Walk promenade with many cafes.
Dubai Marina is also known for its nightlife, so for all those who like to have fun and go to clubs and live shows, this location will be the best place where to stay in Dubai.
Pros
The advantage of this location is that it is close to the beach and is well connected to the city’s attractions by public transport by metro or tram. There are many bars, promenades, and beach activities nearby.
Cons
The disadvantage is the long distance from old Dubai or Dubai International Airport. It is also one of the most expensive areas of Dubai, but even there you will find a few budget-friendly options.
Low-budget
If you looking for a low-budget area where to stay in Dubai, here are a few well-rated hostels for visitors.
Papaya backpacker’s
It is a hostel located a 9-minute walk from Barasti Beach. There is an outdoor pool, parking lot, garden, and common room available. The accommodation provides airport transfer, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. The hostel has a 24-hour reception. They offer mixed rooms as well as rooms only for women.
Midrange budget
The apartments are located in the Dubai Marina with a beautiful view of the canal. The hotel provides free parking, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and airport transfer. The rooms have fully equipped kitchens where you can cook your food. Each room has its own bathroom and air conditioning, and some apartments also have a balcony with a view of the Marina. There is also a restaurant in the building and the hotel provides a good breakfast.
This was a great place where to stay in Dubai!
Luxury budget
5-star hotel resort with 77 floors located right next to the Marina beach. There are 4 swimming pools in the building, one of them on the roof.
There is also a wellness center, a fitness center, 10 restaurants, a private beach, and a 24-hour reception. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a separate bathroom, a TV, a coffee machine, a refrigerator, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also have a balcony with a view of the Marina or the sea.
Where was the best place to stay in Dubai according to us?
Our visit to Dubai lasted almost a month. Every week we moved to a different neighborhood to try different options. It’s hard to say one place where to stay in Dubai. Each location has something in it. For us, it was more
important that each of our accommodations had a swimming pool, as some neighborhoods are quite far from the sea.
Our favorite places where to stay in Dubai:
- breakfast was the best at Staybridge Suites Dubai Financial Centre (The best hotel we have visited so far!)
- the pool was refreshing at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira
- we liked the view and the location the most in Pearl Marina Hotel Apartments
⬇️Watch our video how we got from Amsterdam to Dubai without flying⬇️
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYouGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
Reviews: Before we travel somewhere we always look at Tripadvisor, where we always find a summary of restaurants, places to visit, or hotels with current ratings and photos from people who have visited this place recently.
Luggage storage: Radical storage is such a helpful Luggage storage network! When we have a late check-in or an early check-out we don’t need to carry our luggage with us, we just simply put it in the Radical storage which operates in over 70 countries!
E-sim card: The best way how avoid all the stress of searching for local SIM cards or wifi signals and save time after you arrive in your new country is to get Airalo e-sim. Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions!
