Before setting off to discover the famous city of the United Arab Emirates, there’s a crucial question to ask: where to stay in Dubai. After all, the city is huge! It stretches over 50 kilometers, from the historic center in the north to the southernmost districts. Beyond this particular criterion, several other questions may come to mind: should you stay by the sea? Or closer to Downtown and the Burj Khalifa? It’s important to take the time to find out everything you need to know before choosing your accommodation in Dubai.
And our advice should help you make up your mind. We’ll guide you in your choice of where to stay in Dubai, whatever suits your needs and budget. Of course, we’ll also share our best addresses and hotels.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Dubai, here are some key things you need to know about the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Dubai:
- $ this hotel in Jumeirah, in the southern part of Dubai, near La Mer.
- $$ this one, good value for money accommodation in Downtown
- $$$ this 5-star, located directly in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower! This is the place to stay if your budget allows!
Map of different areas to stay in Dubai
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Dubai
Areas where to stay in Dubai
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with our review of the main areas to stay in Dubai when traveling. We also share our hotel tips and recommendations. These tips are organized by price category to make your search easier.
Downtown Dubai, accommodation at the foot of the Burj Khalifa
Downtown is the area that can be considered the center of the city. It's located more or less in the geographic center. It's an excellent place to stay in Dubai for several reasons.
Downtown is well served by the metro, and is very dynamic. And above all, it's home to the city's symbol: Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper.
Hotels are plentiful. However, to stay in this district, you'll need to budget accordingly. These tend to be high-end establishments, such as the Armani Hotel, located in the very heart of the city's most famous building.
However, you can still find some good deals. When it comes to eating out, you'll be spoilt for choice in the vicinity of your accommodation, whether within the famous Dubai Mall or nearby.
Beyond the Khalifa Tower, there are other sights to see:
- Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall
- theaquarium
- the Dubai Fountain and its magnificent sound and light shows.
Whether or not you plan to spend the night in Dubai in this district, you're bound to come across it several times.
Our Downtown accommodation recommendations
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Located just north of the Burj Khalifa, this is one of the few affordable places to stay in Downtown without breaking the bank.
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The Pullman Downtown hotel offers good value for money. It's close to the Business Bay and within easy reach of the Dubai Mall. Pleasant swimming pool and free parking.
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This is one of the city's finest 5-star hotels. It's located in Dubai's most famous skyscraper: the Burj Khalifa. A beautiful swimming pool from which to admire the heights of the tower!
Bur Dubai & Deira to stay in the historic center
The historic center is divided into 2 parts: Deira and Bur Dubai. They are separated by Dubai Creek, an arm of the sea. If you want to stay in Dubai in a more traditional district, this is the place to go.
There are no big buildings here, but rather relatively low-rise buildings, mosques and even some traditional Gulf architecture. But don't expect to find the atmosphere of a Fez or Cairo souk.
Accommodation is fairly affordable. You'll find budget hotels as well as a few international chains. Located in the north of the city.
Served by the metro and close to the airport, its location makes it a convenient place to stay. Even though it's a long way from some of the tourist attractions in the south of the city.
Restaurants are plentiful, but most of them are more like canteens for immigrant workers.
The historic heart of the city is home to many places of interest and things to do:
- souks such as the Spice Souq and the Gold Souq
- Al Fahidi Fort, now a museum (free)
- Al Bastakiya, a pleasant place to stroll and have lunch
- the birthplace of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, one of the Emirate's most prominent emirs
- dinner cruise in a dhow (traditional boat) on the inlet, in the evening
Finally, to get from one to the other, you can take a traditional boat, the abra, for a crossing of just a few minutes.
The best hotels to stay in this part of town
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Located in Bur Dubai, this establishment offers free parking, which is not the norm in the historic center! A real asset when it comes to keeping your budget in check.
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This is an exceptional place to stay in old Dubai. Hilton's Curio Collection hotel features traditional Gulf architecture and decor.
Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim for seaside holidays
The Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts occupy a large part of the Dubai coastline. The former lies just to the north of the latter.
Between them, they stretch for almost 20 kilometers. Yet there aren 't many hotels here. Indeed, they are mainly residential areas.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for a place to stay in Dubai by the sea, there are several options. Either north of Jumeirah, on the La Mer side, a beachfront promenade with numerous cafés and restaurants.
At the other end of these 2 districts, to the south, you'll find Madinat Jumeirah. This tourist complex includes luxury hotels (from the Jumeirah chain), cafés, boutiques, restaurants and a (modern) souk.
On the whole, most of the accommodation is in the higher price range. There are, however, a few good ideas for staying here without breaking the bank. We share these recommendations below.
Beyond the purely accommodation-related aspect, there are a few places of interest to see along the coast:
- the Jumeirah mosque, which can be visited (free of charge) on reservation
- La Mer, a beachfront promenade with numerous cafés and restaurants
- Burj al Arab, one of the city's most famous buildings (now a luxury hotel)
- Madinat Jumeirah, a must-see during your stay.
Their location is ideal for enjoying the seaside and the beach, while at the same time radiating out into the city.
Accommodation in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah
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Located just a stone's throw from the beach and the La Mer shopping area, this is the best deal in Dubai! This modern establishment boasts a swimming pool.
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In Jumeirah, affordable addresses are clearly in short supply. The Park Regis is an exception. Close to the seafront, it's an excellent alternative to Madinat Jumeirah.
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This luxury hotel is located in Madinat Jumeirah, with access to the magnificent private beach reserved for hotel guests. If your budget allows, this is one of the best places to enjoy the seaside.
Stay on The Palm, the artificial island in the shape of a palm tree
The Palm Jumeirah is located in the southern part of the city. This artificial island in the shape of a palm tree is home to numerous establishments, mainly upmarket.
If you're looking for a good place to stay in Dubai by the sea, this is one of the best options.
However, we recommend it mainly to travellers who intend to spend most of their time in their hotel, enjoying the beach or the pool.
Indeed, The Palm is rather out of the way. If you're going to be on the move every day, staying here can quickly become a time-consuming affair, especially if you don't have a rental car.
What's more, if you take a cab, you're looking at a small budget. And while there's plenty of accommodation on the island, there are fewer restaurants. You'll have to make do with the restaurants located in the various hotel complexes.
The Palm is therefore best suited to a seaside holiday or a few days' relaxation at the end of a trip. On the other hand, it's a place to be avoided if you're discovering the city for the first time.
Best addresses on The Palm
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The most affordable accommodation on The Palm. This Aloft establishment with pool and private beach is located at one end of the artificial island. The place to stay for less ...
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An institution in Dubai. This imposing hotel can be seen from many parts of the city. In addition to its private beach and aquarium, the Atlantis is also known for its Aquaventure water park. Access is free with a room reservation.
JBR and Dubai Marina, two good places to stay in Dubai
JBR and Marina are 2 adjoining areas in the southern part of the city. Very dynamic, they are two very good places to stay in Dubai on a trip.
The Marina is made up of huge buildings built around... a marina. JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences) is ideally located between the sea and the marina.
These 2 parts of the city are easily reached by metro. The beach at JBR is one of the best in Dubai. And there are numerous cafés and restaurants on The Walk or right on the beach.
When it comes to accommodation, there's a very wide choice. Establishments located on JBR are more expensive, and include major international chains such as Sofitel and Hilton.
At the marina, there are also large international chains, as well as more affordable hotels and aparthotels. Therestaurant offer is abundant, and the stroll along the seafront is very lively in the evening.
The great advantage of these 2 districts is that you can easily walk to the beach or restaurants from your room. As you can see, these are very good places to stay in Dubai.
Accommodation in JBR or Marina
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Located in the marina, this establishment remains relatively affordable. Good location and full-length pool.
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One of JBR's finest luxury hotels. Superb pool directly on the beach. Modern rooms, some with superb sea views. Several restaurants.
Trade Centre & Sheikh Zayed Road
The Trade Centre district occupies part of Sheikh Zayed Road, the immense avenue that crosses Dubai from north to south. Trade Centre occupies the portion just north of Downtown.
The area is served by the metro, notably the Financial Centre and World Trade Centre stations.
In terms of accommodation, there are numerous establishments here, mainly located on the 2 sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. You'll find some of the big names in the international hotel business, as well as smaller establishments.
Geographically, this is a good place to stay in Dubai, as the location is quite convenient. If you're travelling by car, you'll be right on Sheikh Zayed Road. And its proximity to the metro is also convenient for those who don't intend to rent a car.
There are plenty of restaurants. However, it's not the place with the most things to do.
Nevertheless, if you're planning to explore by car, you'll find good accommodation here, at more affordable rates than in other, more touristy areas.
Good places to stay
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Hotel located in a skyscraper along Sheikh Zayed Road. Spacious rooms, beautiful swimming pool and all for a very reasonable price, given the excellent location.
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Very good Shangri-La aparthotels. These accommodations are located along Sheikh Zayed Road, in the portion very close to Downtown. Very good place to stay with the family, as apartments with several bedrooms can be booked.
Al Barsha, a district for cheap accommodation
The Trade Centre district occupies part of Sheikh Zayed Road, the immense avenue that crosses Dubai from north to south. Trade Centre occupies the portion just north of Downtown.
The area is served by the metro, notably the Financial Centre and World Trade Centre stations.
In terms of accommodation, there are numerous establishments here, mainly located on the 2 sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. You'll find some of the big names in the international hotel business, as well as smaller establishments.
Geographically, this is a good place to stay in Dubai, as the location is quite convenient. If you're travelling by car, you'll be right on Sheikh Zayed Road. And its proximity to the metro is also convenient for those who don't intend to rent a car.
There are plenty of restaurants. However, it's not the place with the most things to do.
Nevertheless, if you're planning to explore by car, you'll find good accommodation here, at more affordable rates than in other, more touristy areas.
Cheap hotels in Al Barsha
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Location within walking distance of the metro and Mall of the Emirates. Swimming pool & free parking, a good budget accommodation.
Staying at Dubai International Airport
Spending a night at Dubai airport can be a good idea. For those discovering the city during a stopover or for the last night of their stay (in the case of an early flight, for example).
There are several options for staying at or near the airport. Logically, as in all major airports, accommodation in the terminals is more expensive than hotels around the airport.
Nevertheless, the latter offer free shuttle buses that take you to the terminal in just a few minutes.
There are also lounges where you can rest for less than a night/day. For example, 6 hours. This can be useful for a long stopover or an early departure.
Staying in Dubai close to the airport is clearly not the option for a long stay. However, for a one-night stopover or the last night of your trip, it could be a good idea!
Hotels located at Dubai airport
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The ideal place to spend the night, just a stone's throw from the airport. Chain establishment, basic but sufficient for a short night before or after an international flight.
What about accommodation in Dubai's other districts?
There are many other neighborhoods in the city. We've mainly listed those of tourist interest.
Whether for their places of interest or their geographical location. However, there are many other places where you can find hotels or tourist accommodation.
If you're planning to stay there, it's important to remember that it's mainly (just?) a place to spend the night. These areas are mainly residential, and there's not much to do as travelers.
Turning to these hotels remains a good alternative for those traveling on a budget.
These include:
- Jebel Ali, located at the southern end of the city. It's clearly not well-situated for a tourist stay.
- Za'abeel and Al Jaddaf, to the northeast of Downtown. A location more suited to travelers
- Satwa and Al Wasl, two districts located between Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah. A convenient location, especially for the City Walk area, where you'll also find The Green Planet.
Summary
If you didn’t know, you’re now aware that there are many options for accommodation in Dubai! From seafront establishments to the enormous skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road, the atmosphere is radically different. And beyond this criterion, there are other parameters to take into account when making your choice: length of stay, whether you’re traveling as a couple or with your family, accommodation budget, etc.
If you’re planning to leave in high season, don’t forget to book your accommodation as early as possible. This is even truer for a stay during the festive season. Dubai is clearly full to bursting at the seams, and the best hotels sell out weeks in advance. And more generally, in a city where 4 and 5-star rates can soar, early booking is still the best option for a wider choice and more attractive rates.