Best Hotels in Dubaï

There are cities you visit, and then there’s Dubai, a desert where skyscrapers kiss the sky, and five-star hotels feel like cinematic sets. In a place that redefines extravagance every second, here’s our handpicked list of 10 hotels that aren’t just luxurious, they’re iconic. Bold in design, rich in character, and effortlessly photogenic, think of them as the kind of places where you can make all your dreams come true.

Before diving into the hotels, here are few things to know before you land :

• Best Time to visit for golden light, breezy evenings and open-air brunches : November to March is the season. Temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C by day, and the evenings are perfect. Avoid the peak of summer (June to August) unless you’re planning to live inside a spa…  it can reach 45°C with high humidity.

• Visa on arrival if you hold a Swiss, EU, UK, or US passport (among others) : you’ll benefit from a free visa on arrival, valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. No application, no stress just a passport with at least 6 months of validity.

• Ramadan tip : While traveling during Ramadan offers a more spiritual, serene version of Dubai, note that restaurants and bars may operate under restricted hours. But the nights? They’re full of festive energy and cultural charm.

• Dress with elegance, not excess : Swimwear is for the beach, and most public spaces prefer a refined, modest silhouette. Think flowing dresses, linen shirts, and covered shoulders when in doubt.

• The sun is serious : SPF isn’t optional. Even in winter, the light is golden and intense. Hydration, wide hats, and early morning explorations are your best friends.

• No public affection or loud confrontation : Discretion is style.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

Just an hour away from Dubai’s skyline and skyscrapers, Bab Al Shams unfolds like a mirage in the desert : timeless, golden and serene.

This luxury resort blends authenticity with refined comfort, offering private villas with pools, atmospheric courtyards, and textured interiors that reflect Arabian heritage. From camel rides at sunrise to desert safaris under the stars, every experience is rooted in the rhythm of the dunes. It’s not just a stay, it’s an immersion into the poetry of the desert, wrapped in elegance and silence.

The Lana – Dorchester Collection

Set against the skyline of Business Bay, The Lana is a new icon of “quiet luxury”. With interiors imagined by Gilles & Boissier and the signature flair of Dorchester elegance, it’s a space that feels both elevated and deeply personal. The suites are airy, the light is golden, and the service reads your mind. Add rooftop dining by Michelin-starred chefs and views that stretch over Burj Khalifa.

Bulgari Resort Dubai

Tucked on a private island shaped like a seahorse, Bulgari Resort Dubai is where Mediterranean grace meets Arabian horizon. Every space, from its marble-lined spa to its terracotta-toned villas, evokes a quiet Italian aesthetic. It’s not the loudest luxury in Dubai but it might be the most exquisite.

One&Only The Palm

Accessible only by boat or private drive, One&Only The Palm feels like a hidden estate : hushed, romantic, and bathed in golden light.

Andalusian arches frame shaded courtyards, lush gardens spill into mirror-still pools, and the rooms blend French elegance with Middle Eastern warmth. It’s a place for slow mornings, handwritten notes on breakfast trays, and late-night conversations under jasmine trees. 

​​​​​Jumeirah Al Naseem

Located beside the iconic Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Al Naseem brings together coastal elegance and subtle tradition. The interiors are sun-washed and breezy, inspired by the movement of the sea, with soft linens, curved lines, and Arabesque accents. Palm-lined walkways lead to secret coves and al fresco dining, while turtles nest nearby in the resort’s lagoon. It’s a fresh take on beachfront luxury rooted in nature, culture, and understated charm.

ME Dubai by Zaha Hadid

More sculpture than structure, ME Dubai is the only hotel in the world fully designed, inside and out, by the late Zaha Hadid. Entering the lobby feels like stepping inside a living form : curved walls, flowing lines, and a futuristic palette that blurs architecture and emotion.

Each room is a sensory journey : part gallery, part spaceship, part dream. For those who worship design, this isn’t just a stay. It’s an experience.

W Dubai – The Palm

Colorful, energetic, and always a little irreverent, W Dubai – The Palm is where the city’s wild side checks in. Neon accents meet plush textures, pool parties blend into rooftop sunsets, and the soundtrack is always just right. It’s the kind of place where mornings start late, and nights never quite end. Bold but polished, playful but luxurious, it’s a hotel made for those who don’t follow the rules, they write them.