
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, Dubai Marina
Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
(5 stars)Stay in a skyscraper overlooking Dubai Marina, where large windows and balconies provide stunning views – not least from the bedrooms on the upper floors. Guests enjoy access to the private beach at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa and have many options when it comes to dining; South American food at Toro Toro, British cuisine at the brightly accented Rhodes W1, Eastern flavours and funky chilled beats at the Buddha-Bar and the Siddharta Lounge, international dishes from the show kitchen at Sloane’s or Leaves, alfresco Italian food at Bellavista and Michelin-starred Plates at Indego by Vineet.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
Al Wathba Desert Resort
(5 stars)Deep in the desert near Mshayrif is where you’ll find serene tranquillity with wellness at the heart of its mission for your next stay in the UAE, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. The boutique resort boasts 99 guest rooms and villas which feature classical nods, including traditional artwork and Arabesque accessories, pairing perfectly with their dining experiences where you can enjoy homemade recipes, inspired by the Arabian Gulf and Lebanon. From private balconies and comfortable twin beds to impressive villas with their very own plunge pool, comfort is at the click of a finger. And for those days where you want to explore your surroundings, the Al Wathba Resort offer various desert and lifestyle activities to bring that little bit of excitement to your stay, including camel rides, archery, horseback riding and desert walks
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
W Dubai – The Palm
(5 stars)This luxury beach hotel is located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah and offers guests a contemporary accommodation choice. The design is bold and playful, and so is the ambience. There are 349 guest rooms and suites which have been designed not just as a place for guests to rest their heads but to immerse themselves in the wonderful and vibrant world of W. Tough workouts and exercise classes, including aerial yoga, can be taken at the Fitness Centre followed by a relaxing treatment at the Spa or guests can make a splash at the outdoor heated pools. Dining at W Dubai – The Palm can be as glamorous or as relaxed as guests choose; live entertainment, delicious beverages, and a vibrant menu, can be found at the casual adult-only WET Deck whilst the two signature restaurants serve a more sophisticated vibe. The kids club is open 7 days a week for guests aged 4-12 years old.
Sharjah Emirate, Ajman, Sharjah
Pullman Sharjah
(5 stars)This uber-trendy hotel places you at the heart of the cultural action in the Al Taawun area of town. The rooms here have an urban-chic style, with plenty of mod cons, such as wireless Bose music players, huge TVs, dining areas (even in the standard category of rooms) and Roger & Gallet bath products. Coffee is served in the lobby bar, while the Al Khan restaurant has live cooking stations and an adventurous menu served day and night, as well as frequent all-you-can-eat seafood banquets. Fresh juices and snacks can be enjoyed by the infinity pool by day and guests have access to the spa and fitness centre.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai
Address Beach Dubai
(5 stars)Located in the bustling The Beach within Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Address Beach Resort provides a family-friendly beachfront view with luxurious rooms, suites and residences in Dubai. The beachfront resort is not only home to the world’s tallest infinity rooftop pool with stunning views, it also offers guests an abundance of activities including family and adult-only swimming pools, 24/7 fitness centre with personal trainers, direct access to beachfront activities and water sports, and a first-class spa and wellness centre. With its superb selection of restaurants, ranging from light-bites by the pool to delicious Asian-fusion dishes served in the outdoor oasis of ZETA Seventy-Seven, there is something for every taste and occasion.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Dubai Creek Harbour
Address Creek Harbour
(5 stars)Address Grand Creek Harbour is a 5-star hotel overlooking Dubai Creek and the city’s glittering skyline. The hotel offers 223 rooms and suites, each featuring sophisticated interiors, private balconies, and panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and the waterfront promenade. Guests can dine at The Restaurant, offering global dishes in a residential-style setting, Luma Pool Lounge for Mediterranean bites with skyline views, and The Patisserie for artisanal desserts and coffee.
Wellness seekers will find tranquillity at The Spa at Address, while the state-of-the-art fitness centre and infinity pool cater to active lifestyles. The hotel also features a Club Lounge offering a personalised service and additional benefits for members. The Address Grand Creek Harbour is ideally located for exploring Dubai’s vibrant landmarks, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Design District, and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
(5 stars)The all-inclusive resort is a top choice for a luxurious family holiday. Located on pristine white sands next to the Arabian Gulf, there is an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities; from tennis, paddleboarding, personal training sessions and so much more – guaranteed to entertain all ages. There are seven different room types, five suite types, and two villa types to choose from, all of which are generously proportioned and stylishly appointed. The resort has seven restaurants, offering a truly international selection of cuisines and an ambiance suited to every occasion – with one restaurant reserved exclusively for villa-only residents. The hotel has four bars to enjoy a sociable drink; for an elegant experience, guests can quench their thirst at the lobby bar or a more relaxed vibe the swim-up pool bar is a perfect choice. And for the ultimate in relaxation guests can relax or rejuvenate at the wellness spa; Anjana is the largest spa on Saadiyat Island and guests are spoilt by the myriad of luxury treatments available.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Business Bay
ME Dubai by Meliá
(5 stars)Located in striking Opus building in the cultural heart of Dubai, the ME Dubai is a cosmopolitan hotel designed to be more than just a hotel, connecting guests with a combination of art, cuisine, fashion and music. Designed by Zaha Hadid, ME Dubai offers architecture and design lovers something to marvel at with a spectacle of a façade and intricate masterpieces that adorn the interiors. The minimalistic style flows through the rooms and suites – many of which boast Instagrammable views across the city. From a contemporary expression of Japanese Robatayaki cuisine in Roka to gin and tonics and gastro bites in Botanica or a flavour of South America in Deseo to a world-class selection of delicacies in The Atrium by Zaha Hadid there is something for every international gourmand. The span and wellness centre is a haven for relaxation, whilst energetic guests can make use of the rooftop pool or ultra-modern Technogym Biocircuit gym.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Royal Central Hotel The Palm
(5 stars)Enjoy exclusive beach access at this funky 207-bedroom hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows proffering direct views of the Arabian Gulf and The Palm, an internationally recognised landmark. Guests can dine at its Royal Grill, Choi (a Pan Asian-themed venue), on Latino street food by the infinity pool at the cabana-lined Hush Beach and all day in the fine La Maison restaurant. Speciality coffees are served at Barista’s Corner, there’s the Tal Spa for a touch of pampering and you can try an array of water sports just steps from your suite. Royal Central Hotel is a 5-star family-friendly resort.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
Bab AlQasr Hotel
(5 stars)True opulence awaits you inside the Bab Al Qasr hotel with its lobby filled with palms and plush seating in shades of cream and red. Beautiful views abound outside the window of each luxurious room designed for the ultimate in rest and relaxation. The hotel features an exclusive collection of restaurants and a distinct Moroccan influence in both dining and decor. Relax and rejuvenate in the hotel’s spa or lounge poolside and soak up the sun. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a hair salon, and can organise tours and excursions.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Business Bay
Pullman Dubai Downtown
(5 stars)Swim among the skyscrapers and soak in the outdoor jacuzzi, at the Pullman’s glass-walled pool terrace. The hotel, set on the banks of Dubai Creek, occupies 19 floors. Its highest rooms offer panoramic views of the canal and skyline, all provide a calming, neutral decorative palette, with suites adding pantries, living and dining spaces. It has six places to eat including the Brothaus Bakery – Bistro, The Backyard (a street-art-inspired garden terrace), the Swim & Tonic pool bar and lounge and the airy Bayside Restaurant & Terrace. There’s also a spa, a gym, a squash court and a pool for kids.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Business Ba
Al Habtoor Palace, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
(5 stars)Al Habtoor Palace is situated in the heart of Al Habtoor City on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal. This stunning 5-star hotel is an ode to the great palaces and hotels of Europe and presents 182 guest rooms and 52 suites. Each room is elegant and stylishly designed with a tailored butler service for some accommodation options. Dining is a refined affair with a choice of eight different venues; including the award-winning World Cut Steakhouse, exquisite Afternoon tea lounges, champagne lounge and sports bar. The Silk Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, along with steam and sauna facilities and a 24-hour fitness centre is onsite for the more active guests along with indoor tennis courts at the adjacent sporting facilities. A rooftop pool and private beach are also available for guests’ leisure. A stay here offers sumptuous experiences with tailored services and meticulous attention to detail – the ideal place to stay for sophisticated global travellers.
