Where to Stay in Dubai
With over 100,000 hotel rooms across the emirate, you are spoilt for choice as to where to stay in Dubai. From ultra-modern suites overlooking the city skyline, to classically styled desert retreats and family friendly beach resorts, there really is somewhere for everybody.
Here’s an overview of the main areas in Dubai, including things to see, local facilities and transport links. Feel free to also get in touch with our team for their recommendations.
Downtown Dubai
Home to two of the city’s most famous attractions, the 828 metre high Burj Khalifa and fabulous Dubai Fountain, to stay in Downtown Dubai is to experience the very essence of this modern metropolis.
Its main road, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, is almost circular, encompassing the fountain and world’s tallest building, as well as the Souk Al Bahar, a recently built, but traditionally designed marketplace, with over 100 shops and 20 eateries. If that’s not enough for you however, the adjoining Dubai Mall has 1,200 outlets, a one-time world record, plus is home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a giant glass wall in the mall providing a teaser as to the magnificent marine life it houses.
Outside the hottest times of the year, strolling down the 3.5 km, palm tree lined Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard makes for a pleasant evening activity, perhaps choosing one of the many restaurants for dinner. You’ll also pass the beautifully designed Dubai Opera House, opened in 2016.
The journey from Dubai International Airport to Downtown Dubai takes around 15 minutes in a taxi and 20 minutes on the metro.
Freedom Favourite Hotel:
- Palace Downtown – a luxurious hotel in Downtown Dubai, with a palm tree fringed swimming pool and rooms that look over the Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa and Old Town.
Dubai Creek
Prior to the oil-money fuelled investment in Dubai from the 1960s onward, much of the city’s commerce and industry was found along the natural saltwater creek that extends several kilometres inland from the Persian Gulf. While fishing and pearling boats no longer dominate the waterway, the areas around Dubai Creek are still the best place to get a feel of old Dubai.
And none so more than the Al-Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya. Built in the 1890s, many of the community’s sandy-coloured buildings have traditional air-towers that provide natural ventilation and cooling. It is an enjoyable walk through the neighbourhood’s winding alleyways, popping into the craft shops, cafes and museums that now occupy most premises.
Taking an abra across the creek itself is also one of the ‘must-do’ experiences on any visit to Dubai. The wooden water taxis ferry passengers between the neighbourhoods and souks on either side of the watercourse, carrying around 20 people at a time. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are particularly worth a visit, though be prepared to haggle!
Al Fahidi Metro Station is on the green line, one stop from where it connects to the red line.
Freedom Favourite Hotel:
- Canopy Hilton Dubai al Sheef – a stylish hotel with a gym overlooking Dubai Creek and a rooftop swimming pool. It’s close to an abra station and 1.5 km from Al Fahidi.
Dubai Marina & The Walk
In contrast to the creek, Dubai Marina is all about the here and now. At 3 km, it is the largest man-made marina in the world, joining the Persian Gulf at both ends. The main road between the sea and the marina is called The Walk and lined with places to eat and drink. In total there are over 200 skyscrapers in the area, an impressive feat considering the construction of the marina itself only commenced in the year 2000.
Speedboat tours depart from the Dubai Marina to The Palm and other island-wonders. If you are after something more relaxing however, a dhow dinner cruise may be a better choice. You could also head across to JBR Beach, popular with both tourists and residents.
There is a superb choice of hotels in Dubai Marina and along the Walk, from the super-chic to family friendly. Many have roof top bars overlooking the water and the countless super yachts moored upon it.
Nearby facilities include Dubai Marina Mall which has 130 shops and restaurants and a six screen cinema. The metro connects Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai and the more recent tramline to the enormous Mall of the Emirates.
Freedom Favourite Hotel:
- JA Ocean View – a modern hotel with a fitness centre, infinity pool, rooms with a sea view and direct access to JBR Beach. JA Ocean View is great for both couples and families.
The Palm Jumeirah
If you don’t stay on The Palm Jumeirah for your Dubai holiday, you must at least make sure you visit, to appreciate how a seemingly far fetched idea to create an island paradise could be made a reality or to gaze green-eyed at some of the most luxurious residencies in the UAE, if not the world!
Celebrity homes aside, hotels on The Palm cater for a range of budgets. Most offer private beaches and numerous sports and activities to keep both children and adults entertained.
A taxi from Dubai Airport to The Palm costs from £25. Down the ‘trunk’ island is a four station monorail, which connects to the Dubai Tram via a footbridge and can be fun to ride even if you are not staying on The Palm. Our Dubai City Tour also visits.
Freedom Favourite Hotel:
- Atlantis, The Palm – perhaps the most famous hotel in Dubai, with three swimming pools, a private beach, the UAE’s largest aquarium and the superb Aquaventure waterpark. You could easily enjoy your whole holiday at Atlantis, The Palm without leaving the resort!
Next steps…
Whether you know exactly where you would like to stay or are looking for advice as to the best Dubai hotels and resorts, get in touch with our friendly team who will be pleased to help.
Dubai hotel prices fluctuate daily, but our Travel Experts will always find the best rates for you. With FREEDOM, you can also book your hotel, flights and experiences in one place, as an ATOL protected package.
Get in touch to make your dream Dubai holiday a reality!
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