Find the best hotel in Dubai – where luxury meets culture

Location and offerings

In Dubai, there are plenty of hotels in all categories. Most of the most popular business hotels are located around the financial and entertainment district of Deira. Families prefer something a little different. Some prefer to stay in the center, but most are targeting comfortable hotels that are close to the beach.

For the preferences of couples it looks about the same as families. Many come to the city center while others prefer a beach front hotel with nice rooms and suites.

In Dubai there are also many good budget hotels. They keep a relatively high standard compared to budget hotels in other countries and many also have great locations, close to Deira. Others are situated in residential parks a little outside the city center.

Dubai is of course best known for his astonishing range of elegant luxury. Most luxury hotels have a very central location or are near the popular seaside promenades.

When looking for a hotel it is always wise to first decide what you want out of your stay, and then select your category and price range accordingly.

Attractions and sights

In Dubai, there is much to discover, and the most striking is the city's modern architecture. Dubai boasts the world's tallest building, Burj Kalifa along with a host of other impressive skyscrapers, the famous Jumeirah Beach, it’s crystal clear water invites you to immerse yourself, which attracts many visitors every year. You can visit the Dubai Museum and the famous Ski Dubai resort with a ski slope and real snow.

Sports fans can enjoy a visit to Dubai Sports City, Motor City and there are several good golf courses. Children usually appreciate the attractions such as Wild Wadi Water Park, The Jumeirah Palm and Aquaventure. Many who visit Dubai see fit to go on desert safari or book themselves a journey with the hot air balloon. There are actually so much to see and do that a week's vacation is barely enough time.

Restaurants, shopping and nightlife

Dubai has a fantastic selection of gourmet restaurants, cafes, bars and fine shops. You can find food with influences from all corners of the world in Dubai’s many high class restaurants. You can even book a table at your own wooden boat, called a Dhow. There are also plenty of more economical options, such as buffets and fast food outlets.

Dubai is primarily a town for meetings and events, but you can also enjoy concerts and nightlife. The best nightlife is said to be in Deira, which is one of the city's hot neighborhoods with shops and souks (markets). Most tourists tend to visit the city's famous Guldsouk (Rose Market). There are also souks selling spices and textiles.

Many hotels have their own lounges and bars - some with entertainment. However, you should note that some hotels are completely alcohol-free.

Trade shows and events

Dubai is a dynamic city that is full of life with many activities, fairs and festivals. Both the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Festival are popular events. In the Dubai World Trade Centre and at other major focal points many other international fairs and conferences are hosted. The town is frequented by businessmen from all over the world who come here to meet, make contacts and forge trade agreements.

During the Feast of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. For you as a tourist this means that you should avoid eating or drinking in public to show respect. When the sun has set it is time for Iftar which is a celebration and the foods served are special because of the holiday. International guests are generally welcome to partake in the Iftar evening meal at the hotels. Iftar is always just after a particular time related to the complete sunset, so do not be the first to the buffet. Restaurants, bars and dance halls often have different procedures during this period while others are completely closed. Most hotels that cater to international guests provide meals such as breakfast in less public areas of the hotel for non-fasting guests.

In Dubai, there is a wide selection of hotels and it is seldom difficult to get a free room. But if you have some special accommodation in mind it is always good to be ready ahead of time. Please make a inquiry before you book the trip.

Travel to and in the city

Most people travel by air to Dubai. Dubai International Airport has a good, relatively central location with good transport links. Once inside Dubai one can travel by bus, tram or metro, but the easiest way is to travel by taxi. Some times it can be hard to get a free car, especially during "business hours", which is 8-9 in the morning and 16-17 in the afternoon. Many hotels offer their own shuttle service to the airport, beach parks and shopping centers. Dubai is a popular port frequented by both cargo vessels and larger cruise ships. In the city there are also small boat lines, from which one can get a different view of the city.

Weather and climate

The city is surrounded by desert and the city has a warm, sunny climate with minimal rainfall. It is possible to visit Dubai all year round, but the temperature is most pleasant in the period from October to April. In the summer time it can become very hot, then a hotel with air conditioning and pool is almost a must.

Price structure

Dubai is one of the world's most expensive cities to live in, yet it is relatively inexpensive to visit here. You can spend huge sums on specially imported gourmet cuisine and exclusive drinks but at the same time there are also good restaurants, buffets and fast food outlets where you can eat your fill for a relatively small cost.

City pass

The popular discount card Time Out Dubai City Card provides you with discounts at a variety of restaurants and bars in Dubai.