Best Luxury Hotels in United Arab Emirates
The tourism capital of the Gulf nations, the UAE offers year-round sunshine and glamorous resorts. Its two main cities: Abu Dhabi and Dubai are glitzy playgrounds, edged by a perfect coastline with azure blue seas. Dubai is home to the tallest tower on the planet, Burj Khalifa, a major draw for visitors and some of the world’s most opulent hotels. But it’s not only the more populated areas that attract visitors. Trips out to experience the country’s fascinating Bedouin desert culture offer an opportunity to view and engage with a culture completely disparate from the Western world. Here are our top places to stay in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah is only a 3-minute walk away from the beach and is located on the amazing Palm Jumeirah. The 244 luxurious suites, villas, and penthouses guarantee 5-star accommodation overlooking the lagoon or Arabian Gulf. Guests can enjoy fine dining at any of the four restaurants and bars. The Brunello Restaurant serves exquisite Mediterranean dishes while the K-West Bar is the perfect place to enjoy your evening cocktails. For a bit of shopping, you can browse through the shops inside the resort or visit the nearby Mall of the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Amidst the beautiful 1km-long private beach and historic waterway of the Khor Al Maqta lies your next oasis in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. In their 213 rooms and suites, as well as 6 private villas and 160 serviced apartments, you can find rest and relaxation with modern facilities and burst of Arab architectural design – arched doorways and oversized marble mosaic bathrooms. When you’re not admiring the stunning views of the Khor Al Maqta creek or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you can enjoy culinary delights at the 4 restaurants and bars, including the renowned Shang Palace or soak up the sun on the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri’s private beach and infinity pool.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Downtown Dubai
Address Downtown
Address Downtown in Dubai is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, directly opposite the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. This contemporary property, part of the Address Hotels + Resorts, blends modern elegance with high-end amenities. It features 196 rooms and suites with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Fountain, and offers amenities such as an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and multiple dining options. Its prime location provides easy access to major attractions and shopping destinations, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.
Sharjah Emirate, Ajman
Fairmont Ajman
Just half an hour away from Dubai, the Fairmont Ajman offers guests the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Lying on the Arabian Gulf, the Fairmont’s 252 rooms and suites are just moments away from the gulf’s refreshing warm waters. The rooms are chic and spacious, with the addition of dark wood furniture and panelling rendering them cosy and inviting. The Fairmont Ajman is home to a remarkable infinity pool, white sand beach, fitness centre and the magnificent Al Zorah Golf Club. All of these world-class amenities make the Fairmont one of Ajman’s top resorts. The Fairmont is home to four restaurants and two bars. The Gioia restaurant offers exquisite Italian food whilst the Kiyi offers guests the chance to explore delicious Turkish cuisine and hospitality. Therefore, the Fairmont truly caters for every taste and every occasion.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai
The St. Regis Downtown
Located along the Dubai water canal and just a short walk from the world’s largest shopping mall is the St. Regis Downtown. As to be expected in Dubai the spacious rooms and suites are lavishly appointed and overlook local landmarks – with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can expect the highest standards of guest care with the signature St. Regis Butler Service providing round-the-clock anticipatory service. There is an excellent choice of bars and restaurants to suit a range of tastes and guests can take sanctuary from the bustling vibe of Dubai in the hotel’s infinity swimming pool or with a treatment at the spa. Stay here and discover Downtown luxury at its best.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Luxury is always at its best at the Ritz-Carlton and the Abu Dhabi location is no exception. Beautiful lush greenery welcomes you in and lovely visions of the Al Maqta Creek and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will delight your love of nature and architecture. Inside you’ll find plush bedding and delightfully decorated rooms that are a traveller’s dream, whether you’re there for business or pleasure. The hotel boasts an indoor waterpark, an exclusive spa, and a wonderful mixture of cuisines at the hotel’s eight restaurants that serve up everything from steak to noodles and everything in between.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
The Waldorf Astoria Dubai hotel is an astonishing destination and is located on the Palm Jumeirah. It offers luxurious rooms, a remarkable private beach, and distinctive signature restaurants. The hotel offers a mix of dining experiences in its amazing 6 restaurants. Serving Arabian dishes as well as Southeast Asian tastes, the Waldorf Astoria makes sure you’re completely satisfied. Make sure you visit the Serafina Bar where you can enjoy a cocktail and enjoy live entertainment in the evenings.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Zabeel
Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
Set within the iconic Burj Daman building and rising above the city skyline, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre is home to 275 rooms and suites. This five-star retreat channels the glamour of the 1960s with Art Deco-inspired interiors, curated artwork, and panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.
Dine at Bull & Bear, a contemporary steakhouse inspired by Wall Street legends, enjoy Mediterranean flavours at St. Trop rooftop lounge, or savour classic cocktails at Peacock Alley. The spa provides a serene urban sanctuary complemented by a modern fitness centre and rooftop pool overlooking the city. Just moments from DIFC’s high-end galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants, the hotel combines business convenience with leisure indulgence, making it a favourite among guests seeking refined elegance and world-class service in the heart of Dubai.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Business Bay
Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel
The latest addition to the Aujan Group Holding portfolio is the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel. It has 252 guest rooms and suites, with views of the city, the pool or Burj Khalifa. An entire floor is given over to wellness, with a spa offering Thai-inspired treatments, a gym and a swimming pool, plus there’s a tree-lined outdoor pool. Its Nine7one offers indoor and poolside dining; Kimura-Ya serves Izakaya-style menus by Chef Kohei Kobayashi, and the Punjab Grill provides Indian dishes. The rooftop is home to La Mezcaleria, serving international plates and cocktails, with live DJs. The Lobby Lounge and Bar is the place for relaxed drinks and snacks.
United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah
The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, is the first property for the luxury brand, IHG Hotels & Resorts in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Located on the sparkling shoreline of Hayat Island, just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, the five-star haven brings the InterContinental life to the Arabian Peninsula, combining idyllic island-style living with the warm hospitality of authentic Arabia. The resort comprises 351 sea-view rooms, suites and private pool villas – all of which are elegantly appointed and offer guests the latest technology and in-room services. Guests can enjoy six different dining options all of which boast a varied menu and offering; ranging from a trendy New York inspired hang-out to the terrace for al-fresco dining. With a superb selection of day-time activities, state-of-the art health club, spa and a children’s club, guests of every age can tailor a holiday to keep them as active or as relaxed as they wish. Club InterContinental guests receive elevated privileges which includes a dedicated check-in area and access to the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge with its own pool, as well as lavish à la carte breakfasts, afternoon teas and a range of evening cocktails crafted by the on-site mixologist.
The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
SAVE FOR LATERAbu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
True to its name, this island resort is a beautiful blend of city living and waterside relaxation. The seductive Arabian Gulf outside the doors of the hotel offers an escape from the everyday and the golf club gives you a reason to enjoy the great outdoors. Located Saadiyat Cultural District, the hotel is minutes from a wildlife refuge and downtown Abu Dhabi. There are three decadent pools to enjoy in addition to the sand and surf. Dining is eclectic, a selection of international cuisines. For a true respite, the St. Regis will always deliver.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Bur Dubai
Palazzo Versace Dubai
The Palazzo Versace is located in the centre of the Culture Village and is an 8-minute walk from Downtown Dubai. The hotel’s interior design is custom-made by the House of Versace. The 215 hotel rooms and suites, as well as the 169 residences, have tailor-made Italian furnishing. The hotel offers excellent fine dining in its 8 restaurants with al-fresco terraces and 3 spectacular pools featuring mosaic tiles. For a bit of fun, The Palazzo Versace offers complimentary access to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa’s pools and beach.