Travelling to Dubai or planning a trip to Dubai soon?
Dubai is one of the most lavish and fashionable city to the man. People go to Dubai to embark on shopping sprees and party throughout the night.
If you have witnessed the Dubai snaps of the last couple of years, then you might have seen the landscape photo of the tallest freestanding structure Burj Khalifa and its surrounding area.
Downtown Dubai is the new heart of this city and is the most luxurious and sought-after residences in this area. This city offers plenty of places to enjoy with your loved ones.
If you're looking for where to stay in Dubai, you might delight in knowing that the hotels in downtown Dubai are superb and never fail to awe travellers on their visits.
If you intend to find luxurious hotels in Dubai or even aim to stay in the most expensive hotel in Dubai, then read on as this article will answer some of your commonly asked questions about Dubai, along with some of the best hotels in Dubai that you can't help but want to stay in!
Before we go on, let's first familiarise ourselves with some facts about Dubai and what Dubai is known for.
Do they speak English in Dubai, UAE?
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, and can be commonly heard by the natives of the UAE, also known as Emiratis.
Since around 75% of Dubai's population are expatriates, English is still the most spoken language in Dubai.
Being such a cosmopolitan country, you can sometimes hear other languages being spoken such as Hindi, Urdu and Filipino.
Is it expensive to vacation in Dubai, UAE?
The average price of a one-night hotel stay in Dubai is around USD300.
Main dishes USD11 to USD28. Even then, it's even possible to get meals for under USD5 in Dubai if you're not fussy.
Beer cost anywhere between USD9 & USD14 a pint, while normal milkshakes cost around USD7.
Service charge is included in most things like meals, though tipping of up to 10% is not uncommon.
Dubai's public transportation can be rather affordable, with tickets ranging from the USD1 for standard pre-paid tickets to USD4 “gold class” tickets
If you're coming as a tourist, Dubai is tax-free for you. Now you see why it's such a popular shopping destination?
Is Dubai a city?
Dubai is a city belonging to the country United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE is made up of 7 city/states, Dubai being one of them. In some ways, they are almost like separate countries. These 7 emirates are:
- Abu Dhabi
- Ajman
- Dubai
- Fujairah
- Ras al-Khaimah
- Sharjah
- Umm al-Quwain
The capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi.
Best time to travel to Dubai, UAE
Being in the middle of the desert, Dubai only really has one season. It is either hot or really, really hot. One thing's for sure, the heat never dissipates. It's ideal if you're looking for an eternal summertime or tanning and soaking in vitamin D. That said, the summer season of Dubai can be rather unbearable, making the winter season of Dubai more popular for tourists.
November to April: This is Dubai's equivalent of winter, which is the best time to visit Dubai. The weather is almost pleasant for both indoor and outdoor activities, making it a popular choice for those looking to bask on the beach in the sunshine.
Dubai Shopping Festival also occurs during the early months of the year in January and February, making Dubai jam-packed with people. It is also a popular season for flower-lovers, with the Miracle Garden at its peak flourishing period
As Dubai's peak season, this naturally means higher hotel rates and airfares
April to October: Dubai's summer temperatures can hit over 40ºC. Summer months in Dubai can be unbearably hot and humid, making it almost impossible to explore the outdoors.Still, all malls, stores and indoor places are air-conditioned, so enjoying the Dubai's indoor attractions is never a problem.
This is the period to visit Dubai for the budget conscious, as hotels and tour prices will be slashed.
10 Best Hotels in Dubai, UAE
If you're looking for where to stay in Dubai, you'll want to read on.
We feature some of the most beautiful city escapes, fantastic hotels and luxury homes that are located at just a few minutes' drive away from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and the Dubai Mall.
1. Palace Downtown Dubai
This romantic city destination located in Souk Al Bahar is a gem in the heart of Downtown and has set its niche with its superior location and unique design.
Palace Downtown Hotel offers aromatic retreats with a room featuring the stunning views of Dubai Fountain and the marvellous Burj Khalifa. This hotel allows you to select from various fully equipped, tastefully decorated, modern conference halls and meeting venues in Downtown Dubai.
Arabian tradition and classic themes meet at the Palace Hotel, and its luxurious suites and rooms feature captivating ideas with an array of beverage and food options from all over the world. The hotel offers the highest service standard and is famous for its individualistic architecture.
2. Manzil Downtown
Manzil Downtown located in the Manzil Residential District will put you right in the middle of everything by allowing you to see how locals live. The relaxed atmosphere, buzzing nightlife, scenic views of the area and the morning songs sessions will provide you with a fantastic view and you will imagine yourself as the part of the city.
3. Armani Hotel Dubai
The Armani Hotel is housed in one of the tallest building of the world in Burj Khalifa, unsurprisingly also the most expensive hotel in Dubai.
This is an ideal location as it overlooks the Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai and is only at a few minutes' walk to Dubai Opera and Dubai Mall. This luxury hotel offers its guest some of the most impressive views of the world and has a home-away-from-home experience.
Armani hotel boasts a stunning view of the city along with easy access to the best restaurants, shops and stunning attractions of the town. The warm, Italian style service lounges, Armani good and deluxe spa delight the guests.
4. Vida Downtown
Vida Downton situated in the Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is an excellent business and luxury hotel of the city which offers some of the fantastic dining options and the best view in the area.
This boutique lifestyle hotel in downtown Dubai is a hub for modern mindset guests and travellers to connect and enjoy a wonderful time under the Vida brand. It offers a retreat-like ambiance which is ideal for sophisticated simplicity seekers.
This hotel is where majestic style meets the interactivity and it creates a stimulating environment for people who desire the frills of modern luxury travels.
5. Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
This 5-star hotel 2.2 km away from the Dubai Zoo offers 302 luxurious rooms with WiFi, satellite TV channel, personal safe and excellent facilities.
Travellers can witness the beautiful view of the sea from the rooms that have stylish furniture and parquet floor. A wide variety of coffee, cocktail, contemporary dishes and refreshment is offered to guests.
There is a pool for children and on-site fitness facilities which include a fitness center, a gym, and weight training.
6. DAMAC Maison Royale The Distinction
DAMAC Maison is the most exclusive and appealing hotel in downtown Dubai and radiates an enticing mix of luxury and elegance offering a comfortable area in the city's centre. Stellar services, luxurious furnishing, and world-class amenities invite tourists from all over the world to this amazing place.
The hotel apartment stands at 195m in height and offers top-end luxury sector of the city.
The luxurious suites offer deluxe rooms with one- to four-bedroom arrangements and penthouses.
DAMAC hotel provides excellent guest services delivered by professionals within one of the most industrious neighbourhoods in the world.
The tower is lavished with high-quality amenities and includes a spa which has a jacuzzi, a sauna, a lush swimming pool and a high-tech gymnasium.
The Maison lounge provides a wide range of international cuisines which is cooked by world-class chefs and features a dining experience to be savoured.
7. Address Dubai Mall
Address Dubai Mall offer sophisticated luxury across the impressive strip from one to three-bedroom residences and penthouses.
They provide convenient access to exceptional dining experiences, a modern fitness centre, and an award-winning spa.
Guests of this Dubai luxurious hotel can enjoy a dedicated entrance to the largest entertainment and retail destination of the world – the Dubai Mall.
8. Grosvenor House a Luxury Collection Hotel Dubai
Grosvenor Hotel offers a spa and resort which include two outdoor pools and a private beach.
The hotel has a dozen restaurants, bars, and award-winning chefs that operate within it.
There are trading Middle Eastern treatments, hot tub, sauna, a fitness centre, outdoor, and spa. You can also use their free Wi-Fi access in each of the 749 spacious guest rooms of the hotel, and every bedroom has a balcony that faces the marina.
9. Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is located at an arm's distance from the Dubai International Airport and overlooks the Dubai Creek and stunning skyline of the city. If you're looking for a hotel near the airport, this is for you.
This hotel offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of Dubai and allows you to experience the vibrant and warm colours of the city.
Here you will get a chance to enjoy a unique blend of beauty and nature, warm hospitality, exotic cuisines and state-of-the-art amenities.
You can relax in the outdoor pools or have fun with the complimentary unlimited access to Wild Wadi Park. There are even tennis courts, squash courts, an aviation club and a gym.
10. Raffles Dubai
This pyramid-shaped hotel surrounded by private gardens is a destination in itself and offers the best bars and restaurants in town.
Raffles Dubai is an exceptional hotel which has a friendly staff team that will make you fall in love with its spacious feeling of the place, and public areas. This perfect place has the most modern amenities with gracious services and allows you to have a beautiful and peaceful time in comfortable lounges and rooms.
Flights to Dubai, UAE
Depending on where you fly from, there are many flights that go to Dubai:
The guests of luxury hotels have a right to expect a high standard of impressive dining options, as well as exciting services. Dubai features some of the most stunning works of modern architecture.
Whether you are here for 2 days or a week, there are many luxury 5-star hotels in Downtown Dubai that allow you to enjoy your Dubai trip easily and make your journey an unforgettable one.
This is making me want to book my tickets to Dubai now and have a mesmerising vacation in these luxury hotels in this city of gold!
