Mention Dubai, and even the most casual traveler understands that this is a place of extraordinary luxury that attracts the wealthiest people from all over the globe. The architecture and amenities at these resorts is often over the top and sumptuous. But this type of luxury comes at a price – a very high price. Here we will outline 10 of the top hotels in Dubai that are amongst the highest rated.
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
10. Al Qasr
Loosely translated to mean, “the palace”, this resort has been designed to resemble a Sheikh’s summer residence. There are 292 guest rooms decorated with classic Arabic flair and private patios, many with perfect ocean views. For the children, there is the Sinbad’s Kids Club and water-park fun at Wild Wadi. It’s certainly a premier hotel.
Photo from Jumeirah.com
9. The Grosvenor House
Offering views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina, The Grosvenor House is another highly-rated, extremely luxurious hotel in Dubai. Located at the marina, this hotel is a high-rise with 45 total floors. The Grosvenor House offers 422 guest rooms, suites, and apartments, 12 bars, multiple restaurants, a spa, and everything else you would expect it to have. When it comes to Dubai, all of the hotels on this list will offer world-class amenities.
Photo from Grosvenor House
8. Shangri La
The fabled city of Shangri La is alive and well in this well heeled section of Dubai. The hotel comprises 302 guest rooms with deep soaking tubs, rain showers and warm décor with sleek lines and local artwork. The luxurious and curved pool is the perfect spot to relax after a day of shopping or after a workout in the finely appointment gym. The hotel’s location on the storied Sheikh Zayed Road puts it right in the center of Dubai’s action with shopping, entertainment and wild skyscrapers just a few blocks away. A room will run you about $3,000 per night.
Photo from Shangri-La
7. Raffles Dubai
The Raffles Dubai is yet another absurdly gorgeous hotel that offers anything you could want. The hotel is near major-landmarks in the city and it is located in a large, pyramid-like building. The design of the hotel merges Asian influences with Arabic themes which make for a very unique feel. The hotel offers 246 guest rooms and suites, 8 restaurants and bars, a spa, a hair salon, and much more.
Photo from Raffles Dubai
6. Bab Al Shams
Located just slightly outside of the city is the amazing hotel and resort known as Bab Al Shams. While many hotels in Dubai go for large and extravagance, Bab Al Shams is sort of different. The entire hotel is a massive network of traditionally styled Arabic buildings. It’s essentially a retreat in the desert. The hotel offers 113 rooms, 3 pools, and 8 restaurants all located in low-rise buildings.
Photo from Meydan Hotels
5. The Address Downtown
The Address Downtown is another premier hotel and resort located in the heart of the city and just 15 minutes from the airport. The hotel is in a fairly large building that offers many guest rooms and suites, a spa, multiple restaurants, a few bars, and all the other luxury amenities. This list sort of repeats itself, its just that all of the highest rated hotels here are the best that money can buy.
Photo from The Address
4. Dar Al Masyaf
Dar Al Masyaf translates into English as “summer house”, and this hotel is essentially a collection of amazing suites and villas, spread out like a small village. There are many different ones to choose from, many of which are accessed by winding water ways. Dar Al Masyaf certainly offers an amazing experience.
Photo from Jumeirah.com
3. Al Bustan Rotana
The Al Bustan Rotana is yet another five-star hotel in Dubai that get consistently great reviews. The hotel offers 275 rooms and suites, a gym, a spa, multiple pools, a few restaurants, and even a doctor on call. The hotel has also some of the largest space for conferences and meetings in Dubai.
Photo from Rotana Hotels
2. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
In the middle of the Liwa desert, which is the world’s largest uninterrupted desert, stands the resort of Qasr Al Sarab. Every room has an expansive view of the surrounding desert and is decorated in muted, natural colors that blend in with the environment. Some suites come equipped with their own free form pool which is not a luxury but more of a necessity in the midst of the desert heat. There are four restaurants, including the all-day buffets as well as a spa where ancient elixirs get a modern update with a floral foot bath, Thai herbal compress massage or a detoxifying green tea scrub. It is essentially an Arabic palace in the desert. A room here will cost around $3,100 per night.
Photo from Qasr Al Sarab
1. Burj Al Arab
You cannot talk about Dubai without mentioning the Burj Al Arab, arguably one of the most iconic hotels in the world. This hotel has a distinct look and is recognized by the soaring 1,000 foot building that was designed to resemble a billowing sail. While it glistens in the sun during the day, come sundown, the building becomes a huge and dramatic light show. The interior is just as spectacular with each suite designed to flow over two stories. Among these luxurious suites, is an even more grand option: The Royal Suite which features a four poster bed on a rotating platform and includes a stairway of gold and marble. On each floor, you have access to a reception desk along with a complete staff of butlers that can cater to your every need. The concierge staff on your floor can assist with renting a Rolls Royce or make a reservation at the on site seafood restaurant, Mahara which flies in Maine lobster daily. It’s really one of the nicest hotels not only in Dubai, but the entire world.
Photo from Jumeirah.com
