Need to find a hotel in Dubai? We’re covering four of the best choices across this incredible desert oasis.
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What’s the average cost of a hotel in Dubai? And is Dubai an expensive city to visit?
The average Dubai hotel room costs less than $200 per night at a four-star hotel and around $500 per night at a five-star. But if you’re looking for the best hotel in Dubai, you can expect to pay significantly more, depending on the season and if there are any major events going on (like soccer games or major concerts).
As for how expensive the city is, Dubai’s affluent reputation is fairly spot on. That said, if there’s anything Dubai doesn’t lack, it’s options — so whether you’re visiting Dubai on a budget or planning a luxurious vacation to Dubai, the city Dubides (...like abides. We were trying to be — never mind).
4 of the best hotels in Dubai, UAE
Read on for four of the best Dubai hotels, with deets on the perks you'll snag when you book with Fora.
Want personalized recommendations instead? Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at a hotel in Dubai that fits your budget and travel preferences.
1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: possibly the most iconic hotel in Dubai
Image courtesy of Burj Al Arab
Just off Dubai’s ritzy, scenic shoreline, you’ll find the spectacular Burj Al Arab rising up out of the sea like the sails of a yacht. The Burj Al Arab isn’t just an architectural marvel, though. This world-class, all-suite hotel promises uncompromising luxury and a wealth of experiences and fine-dining options that source inspiration and ingredients from all over the world.
Expect nothing short of exceptional service, amenities and accommodations here. But even if you end up staying elsewhere, the Burj Al Arab is worth checking out from the shore (it’s also kind of hard to miss — and check out our guide to Dubai for more sights and highlights).
One more thing to note: the Burj Al Arab is more of a self-contained resort and it's not necessarily the best choice if you want to visit nearby attractions.
Fora Perks at Burj Al Arab:
$75 food / beverage or spa credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check–in/out whenever possible.
2 & 3. Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal Dubai: two of the best luxury hotels in Dubai for adventurous travelers
Image courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm
Not to be outdone by the Burj Al Arab, the twin Atlantis resorts on The Palm — one of Dubai’s many ritzy manmade islands — both offer exceptionally luxurious accommodations and an incredible variety of restaurants, attractions and bespoke opportunities to relax and unwind.
Between the two, there are nearly 20 eateries spanning casual options to gourmet restaurants from world-renowned chefs like Gordan Ramsey and Nobu Matsuhisa. There’s also the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure, a bowling alley-slash-arcade, concert venues and more.
As for the lodgings themselves, Atlantis offers everything from surprisingly luxurious standard guestrooms to suites with aquarium windows — as in, you can wake up from your ultra-plush bed to see rays, sharks and tropical fish swimming just outside.
Not sure which Dubai hotel best fits your travel style? Book and plan your trip with Fora and we’ll give you all the intel you need to make a decision.
Fora Perks at Atlantis The Royal Dubai:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check–in/out whenever possible.
4. ME Dubai by Melia: the most unique hotel in Dubai
Image courtesy of ME Dubai by Melia
The fact that ME Dubai — designed by renowned designer Zaha Hadid — manages to stand out as a striking sight in a city known for its incredible, bleeding-edge architecture and design is a truly impressive feat. The façade is far from the only aspect of this hotel that wows, though.
With an interior that looks and feels closer to something out of a near-future sci-fi flick (in a super-cool, ultra-luxurious way — not an over-the-top or silly kind of way), ME Dubai is easily the most unique hotel in Dubai, and a real contender for the global iteration of that title. Likewise, the rooms and suites are stunning, featuring a minimalist design that reveals a meticulous attention to detail and elite amenities.
The trade-off for staying at ME Dubai is that it doesn’t offer the same grandeur in terms of on-sight activities, but its location certainly caters to explorers. There’s no massive waterpark or aquarium (there is an elite spa, fitness center and swimming pool), but many of Dubai’s coolest sights, like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountains and the Dubai Mall are notably more accessible.
(Need ideas for things to do in Dubai? Check out our guide, or if you’re spending a few days in the city, see our 5-day Dubai itinerary.)
Fora Perks at ME Dubai:
$25 food / beverage credit.
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.
Want to VIP your stay at a top hotel in Dubai? Connect with Fora
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Not sold on Dubai as the site of your next vacation? Maybe these guides have the right inspiration:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Ashly Petropulos, an expert on travel to Dubai, UAE.