5 Iconic Must-Stay Luxury Hotels In Dubai

Year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts and beautiful beaches are just some of the attractions of opulent Dubai. Add to that a plethora of shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community and you’ve got a near-perfect vacation experience. Of course, there’s accommodation in Dubai to suit different budgets but if you find yourself in possession of a winning lottery ticket, you might want to book into one of our luxury hotels. Then again, while in Dubai, you could just call in for a look around.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab Is A Luxury 5 Stars Hotel

Burj Al Arab Like a gigantic billowing sail that reaches more than 1,000 ft into the air, at first it might be hard to believe that the Burj Al Arab is a hotel. Without doubt, it’s a glittering spectacle from the first moment you see it. Then when night falls on Dubai, you are privy to a spectacular light show that moves across the sail-shaped structures. Inside, there’s even more to impress. Luxurious two-floor suites are typical, while The Royal Suite is the most opulent among them with its four-poster canopy bed that rotates on a pedestal. A marble and gold staircase leads up to the next floor. There’s a reception desk on each floor of the hotel and if you need anything, ask one of the army of butlers who are ready to assist you with anything. Unsurprisingly, Burj Al Arab is a five-star hotel, although some award it seven. However, this is somewhat of a myth – it does not market itself as such and does not have this official rating.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Hotel, by Anantara

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

A mirage rising from the desert is how to describe the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. A retreat in the Empty Quarter of the Liwa Desert, its rooms are luxury personified with intricate mosaics and jewel-encrusted fittings. While you can see the desert from every room, the deluxe terrace rooms provide the best views and with their expansive balconies that overlook the sandy landscape.

Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La in Dubai

Ever so slightly more restrained than our first two hotels, the Shangri-La is a refined experience. It’s located in the heart of Dubai, surrounded by commerce, entertainment and nose-bleed inspiring skyscrapers. Cantonese delicacies are served at Shang Palace, the hotel’s main restaurant, while contemporary Moroccan cuisine is available at Marrakech. Al Qasr Al Qasr is part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex which boasts a beautiful sandy beach and an abundance of high and low-octane activities. Al Qasr translates to ‘the palace’ and its overall design conjures up the image of an important Sheikh’s summer home. Two-hundred and ninety-two guest rooms are decorated with Arabic flair and sophistication. Each leads out on to private patios with many providing serene views of the ocean.

Bab Al Shams

Bab Al Shams

Just outside of Dubai, Bab Al Shams is perfect for anyone who wants access to the citybut does not want to be right, smack bang in the centre of it. This is certainly smaller than the other hotels we’ve looked at with ‘just’ 113 rooms, nevertheless, the amenities are vast and, as you’d imagine, luxurious. There are eight bars and restaurants as well as three swimming pools and a spa. Normal bedrooms provide either a view of the desert or beautifully landscaped gardens, while each larger suite also has its own sun terrace. Its signature restaurant, Al Hadheerah, is an experience in itself and looks like a scene from The Arabian Nights. Belly dancers, live music and sometimes falcon displays parade through the diners as in an Arabian dream sequence.

Have you visited any of these hotels? What were the good points and the bad points? Discuss below in the comments box.