Are you going to travel to this Emirati city and want to know which are the best areas to stay in Dubai? It is very important that you do a good analysis of the different neighborhoods of the city, since it is huge and your experience in it can vary greatly depending on the location of your accommodation.
To give you an idea of the size of this city, the distance between the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina, two of the must-see places in Dubai , is 23 km. Or, even further, the distance between Deira, one of the main districts, and Dubai Marina is 35 km.
Because the distances are so vast, Dubai is not a great place for walking. So it’s important to make sure your hotel is close to a metro stop, unless you’re travelling by car.
It is also essential that you choose the area of your accommodation based on the activities you would like to do during your stay: see all the tourist attractions, go shopping, party, go to the beach, etc. Likewise, the perfect location for you will depend on whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family with children.
Lastly, something very important to keep in mind is your budget. While it is true that the city of luxury does not have many budget options, it is still possible to find cheap hotels in Dubai, at least compared to other hotels in the city. On the contrary, if you are looking for luxury and comfort, you will have plenty of options.
Best areas to stay in Dubai
There are a wide variety of neighborhoods in which to base yourself to explore this city. As I don’t want to make the task of finding accommodation in Dubai even more complicated for you, I have selected what I consider to be the 5 best areas.
1. Downtown, the best option to stay in Dubai
Whether you’re staying in Downtown or not, I’m sure you’ll pass through this area during your visit to the city, as it’s home to the famous Burj Khalifa. You’ll also find the Dubai Mall, the most popular shopping mall in the city, and the Dubai Fountain, where various water, light and music shows take place every night.
Staying in this part of the city will allow you to have plenty of things to do just a few metres from your hotel. The Dubai Mall, apart from housing many shops and restaurants (don’t forget to visit the Time Out Market), has other attractions such as an ice rink, numerous cinemas, a virtual reality room, a trampoline park for children, a digital art exhibition, etc.
As for hotels, some of Dubai’s most luxurious accommodations are located here, but in recent years, more affordable options have also appeared to suit all budgets.
If you’re going to be getting around the city by public transport, it’s essential that your hotel is close to a metro stop. In this case, you won’t have any problems, as the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Although the city does not have a centre as such, this area, as its name suggests, is quite central. This, and its good connection to the rest of the city by public transport, makes it an ideal area to stay in Dubai if you are interested in seeing most of the tourist attractions.
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Best hotels in Downtown Dubai
- Address Sky View . If money is no object, don’t hesitate, stay at this hotel. Its rooftop pool with views of the Burj Khalifa will make you never want to leave. It also has a bar, restaurant, gym, sauna, sun terrace, etc.
- Sofitel Downtown . Hotel located just 2 minutes walk from the Dubai Mall metro stop, making it one of the best hotels in Dubai if you want to do some sightseeing and get around the city very easily. It has bars, restaurants and even a bakery. It also has a gym and an outdoor pool with spectacular views.
- Ramada Downtown . Considering the location, it’s not bad value for money. Plus, since it’s an aparthotel, you’ll have a kitchen so you can have breakfast or prepare a meal. They have apartments for up to 12 people, making it a great option if you’re traveling with a large group of people.
2. La Marina, for an unforgettable holiday in Dubai
If your intention in Dubai is to relax on the beach, enjoy incredible sunsets, practice water sports, take long walks and be surrounded by a friendly atmosphere, Dubai Marina is the best option.
This is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city. Here you will find a long beach of golden sand and clear water, a good variety of bars and restaurants, a huge port and the Dubai Marina Mall, another of the main shopping centers in the area.
On the other hand, it is one of the best places in the city to walk. As I already mentioned, this city is not very pedestrian-friendly. However, the Marina has two long promenades where you can give free rein to your legs: Promenade and The Walk.
Due to the large number of things to do to have a good time, this residential neighbourhood is ideal for any type of traveller. Above all, it is a favourite destination for couples and groups of friends.
Despite being located near the southern end, Dubai Marina is well connected to the rest of the city by metro. If you plan to stay here, it is advisable to book your hotel as soon as possible, as the best deals go fast.
Best hotels to stay in Dubai Marina
- Millennium Place . A 4-star hotel located in the Marina. Its highlight is the swimming pool with views of the skyscrapers. It also has a fitness centre, restaurant, bar and free private parking. It is a great option if you are travelling as a couple.
- Crowne Plaza . Hotel located just 10 minutes walk from one of the best beaches and one minute from Dubai Marina Mall. It has rooms for up to 5 people, which is ideal for families or groups of friends. The hotel has 5 restaurants, an outdoor pool, a gym and a bar.
- Sonder at JBR The Walk . If you want a good dose of luxury on your trip with family or friends, this may be one of the best hotels in Dubai for you. They only offer suites for 4 to 10 people. It is located right in front of the beach. It also has a huge swimming pool with sun loungers and parasols where you will have a wonderful time.
4. The Palm Jumeirah, where to stay in Dubai if you are looking for luxury
If you want to taste luxury and immerse yourself in the eccentricities of Dubai, I can think of no better place than The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, to set up base. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in Dubai and many of the most expensive and luxurious hotels. One of them is the famous Atlantis The Palm hotel .
