Best Areas to Stay in Dubai
Burj Khalifa Area
Perfect for seeing Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, with easy access to Dubai Mall—great for families and sightseers.
- Sofitel Dubai Downtown: Price from US$344. 10-minute walk to Burj Khalifa and Emaar Square, 0.5 mi from Dubai Fountain. Family-friendly with a kids’ club, playground, and babysitting (surcharge). Has 2 outdoor pools, a spa, gym, and 5 restaurants (serves international food). Rooms have minibars, espresso makers, and free Wi-Fi; free parking and complimentary beach shuttle included.
- Rove Downtown: Price from US$188. 10-minute walk to Dubai Aquarium, 12 minutes to Dubai Mall. Good for business travelers—has a business center, 4 meeting rooms, and 24-hour gym. Features an outdoor pool, arcade, and restaurant. Continental breakfast (fee) available; rooms have LED TVs, free Wi-Fi, and laptop-compatible safes. Free self-parking offered.
Dubai Airport Area
Ideal for early/late flights, with free airport shuttles and easy access to terminals—convenient for transit or short stays.
- Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Royal Club Conference Centre: Price from US$189. 3-minute drive to Dubai International Airport, with free shuttle to Terminals 1/3. Also has free shuttles to Dubai Festival City and Deira City Center malls. Has 5 outdoor pools, a spa, gym, and 18 restaurants (including Cantonese and Japanese spots). Rooms have minibars, private patios, and free Wi-Fi; free parking available.
- Loft Dubai Airport (Aloft Dubai Airport): Price from US$124. Minutes from Dubai International Airport, with free shuttle to Terminals 1/3 (fixed schedules). Trendy 4-star hotel with a free outdoor pool, gym, and billiards room. Has W XYZ bar (serves cocktails) and a restaurant. Rooms have signature beds, walk-in showers, and Bliss Spa toiletries; easy access to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
Downtown Dubai
Central spot near iconic landmarks, shopping, and dining—great for experiencing Dubai’s vibrant city life.
- Vida Downtown (Hotel Boulevard): Price from US$228. In the heart of Downtown Dubai, close to souks and entertainment hubs. Has an outdoor pool, modern gym, and restaurant (serves international and local food). Rooms have city views and thoughtful amenities; free Wi-Fi, private parking, and guest laundry available. Perfect for exploring Dubai’s top spots.
- Manzil Downtown Dubai (The Heritage Hotel): Price from US$257. Near Burj Khalifa, with views of the tower from some rooms. Blends modern style with Arabian charm—has an outdoor pool, gym, and al fresco patio (great for meals). 197 rooms with free Wi-Fi; free parking and currency exchange offered. Close to world-class shopping and cultural attractions.
Credit: Unsplash, Darcey Beau
Getting to & Around Dubai
If you’re flying into Dubai, there are two big airports you’ll probably use: Dubai International Airport (DXB)—the busier, more central one—and the newer Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) down in Dubai South. Which one you pick just depends on your airline or where you’re heading. If you want a hotel with easy airport shuttles (so you don’t have to worry about getting to the city right away), these two work well:
Hotel Name | Price Start From | Distance from Airport (DXB/DWC) | Shuttle Service Info |
Premier Inn Dubai Airport | US$138 | 1 mile from DXB | Free shuttle service available; 24-hour café. |
Aloft Dubai South | US$86 | 2 miles from DWC | Shuttle service available on request; modern amenities. |
Getting around Dubai isn’t hard—there are lots of easy ways. The Dubai Metro (it has red and green lines) hits most big spots, like Downtown or Dubai Marina. It’s air-conditioned and cheap. If you want more flexibility, apps like Uber or Careem work here, and regular taxis are easy to find too. For short trips, you can rent bikes or e-scooters, especially in areas like Jumeirah Beach Residence where it’s easy to walk. And if you want a fun, cheap ride, take the Water Bus (abra) across Dubai Creek—it’s a nice way to see the water.
Credit: Unsplash, Christoph Schulz
Find More Dubai Hotels to Match Your Style
Family-Friendly Fun
Water park, kids’ club + beach access—tons of child perks. Free parking + 10 restaurants → Atlantis The Palm Dubai (Price from US$665)
Gourmet & Beach Luxury
Top 15 gourmet hotel in Dubai, private beach + pool. Free parking → The St. Regis Dubai The Palm (Price from US$490)
Superb Beach Views
All rooms have Arabian Gulf views, on The Walk promenade. Near shops/restaurants → Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach (Price from US$291)
Dubai Hotels Booking Tips
- Peak season? Book 2-3 months early. Nov-Mar (cool weather) and Christmas/New Year get pricey—Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan-Feb) also fills rooms fast.
- Long stays? Try serviced apartments. Jumeirah Lakes Towers has ones with kitchens—cuts food costs.
- Check for park packages. Some hotels bundle Aquaventure Waterpark tickets—cheaper than buying separately.
- Trip.com helps save. New users get 8% off first booking. See more Trip.com promo codes to get more deals.