The outstanding, five-pearl Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel sits on Al Maryah Island, separated from Abu Dhabi's main downtown area by a bridge spanning a narrow strip of water. Despite the slight isolation from the rest of the city, this stylish tower is one of the top luxury hotels in the United Arab Emirates, with great views and excellent dining options. There's an outdoor pool, but the posh spa, wine cellar, and shisha lounge leave little for families with kids, making this a better option for romance or business. The 189 modern rooms are decked out in rich natural wood, with huge flat-screens and enviable bathrooms that have soaking tubs along with big rainfall showers. Featuring a private beach, the equally impressive Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, is one of its few rivals.
The outstanding, five-pearl Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel sits on Al Maryah Island, separated from Abu Dhabi's main downtown area by a bridge spanning a narrow strip of water. Despite the slight isolation from the rest of the city, this stylish tower is one of the top luxury hotels in the United Arab Emirates, with great views and excellent dining options. There's an outdoor pool, but the posh spa, wine cellar, and shisha lounge leave little for families with kids, making this a better option for romance or business. The 189 modern rooms are decked out in rich natural wood, with huge flat-screens and enviable bathrooms that have soaking tubs along with big rainfall showers. Featuring a private beach, the equally impressive Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, is one of its few rivals.
The upper-middle-range Marina Byblos Hotel is a contemporary, if underwhelming, property with a great location close to Dubai Marina Mall, the beach, and metro station. The 184 rooms are comfy and mostly contemporary, equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. Some have views of the city or marina. Unfortunately, in-room Wi-Fi requires a fee. A rooftop pool and bar are highlights, plus there are a French restaurant, English-style pub, coffee shop, and nightclub on the ground floor. Many guests have complained of noise from the music disrupting sleep. A small fitness center and simple spa with treatments rooms and a sauna are also available. Although rates are attractive, better values can be found in the area, such as at the more modern Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, JBR Dubai, which offers kitchenettes in most rooms.
The upper-middle-range Marina Byblos Hotel is a contemporary, if underwhelming, property with a great location close to Dubai Marina Mall, the beach, and metro station. The 184 rooms are comfy and mostly contemporary, equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. Some have views of the city or marina. Unfortunately, in-room Wi-Fi requires a fee. A rooftop pool and bar are highlights, plus there are a French restaurant, English-style pub, coffee shop, and nightclub on the ground floor. Many guests have complained of noise from the music disrupting sleep. A small fitness center and simple spa with treatments rooms and a sauna are also available. Although rates are attractive, better values can be found in the area, such as at the more modern Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, JBR Dubai, which offers kitchenettes in most rooms.
Hands down, the best features of this three-and-a-half-pearl property in Bur Dubai are its 119 contemporary rooms: all of which are outfitted with the requisite modern conveniences. They're stylishly appointed, affordably priced, and, better yet, big. Otherwise, though, there’s little to lure travelers here. The neighborhood, while in walking distance of evocative “Old Dubai” sites, is downmarket, and the hotel itself is rather anonymous looking. Similarly, its amenities -- including a rooftop pool, workout room, spa, and multiple eateries -- might seem impressive enough in some destinations, but they don’t hit the high bar set by Dubai’s famously glitzy hotels. Ditto for the Raintree Rolla’s level of service, which can be negatively impacted by tour groups. But Dubai offers plenty of other options at this pearl level to consider, such as the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort or Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa.
Hands down, the best features of this three-and-a-half-pearl property in Bur Dubai are its 119 contemporary rooms: all of which are outfitted with the requisite modern conveniences. They're stylishly appointed, affordably priced, and, better yet, big. Otherwise, though, there’s little to lure travelers here. The neighborhood, while in walking distance of evocative “Old Dubai” sites, is downmarket, and the hotel itself is rather anonymous looking. Similarly, its amenities -- including a rooftop pool, workout room, spa, and multiple eateries -- might seem impressive enough in some destinations, but they don’t hit the high bar set by Dubai’s famously glitzy hotels. Ditto for the Raintree Rolla’s level of service, which can be negatively impacted by tour groups. But Dubai offers plenty of other options at this pearl level to consider, such as the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort or Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa.
The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah stands out for its private beach and stunning cascading layout. Two infinity pools, six dining options, a spa, gym, and hot breakfast buffet, add to the luxury appeal as well. The 282 rooms and Villas are lovely with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies, though not all units have ocean or beach views. Villas often have the added perk of private plunge pools. Still, guests must get around by golf shuttles and it’s constantly busy here, resulting in overcrowding, long queues, and occasional unresponsive service. For something quieter and more adult-focused, consider the Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel which has free in-room Wi-Fi and outdoor activities like horseback riding.
The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah stands out for its private beach and stunning cascading layout. Two infinity pools, six dining options, a spa, gym, and hot breakfast buffet, add to the luxury appeal as well. The 282 rooms and Villas are lovely with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies, though not all units have ocean or beach views. Villas often have the added perk of private plunge pools. Still, guests must get around by golf shuttles and it’s constantly busy here, resulting in overcrowding, long queues, and occasional unresponsive service. For something quieter and more adult-focused, consider the Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel which has free in-room Wi-Fi and outdoor activities like horseback riding.
The DAMAC Maison Mall Street is a sleek, luxury property ideally located for both shopping and sightseeing as it’s just a stone’s throw from the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. However, the area around the hotel is still being built, and many guests have complained of noise issues and limited walking access due to the construction. Still, the 355 suites spread over 43 floors are elegant and outfitted with kitchens and dining tables; the bedrooms are a bit cramped, though. On-site features include an outdoor pool and hot tub, spa with treatment rooms and a sauna, and a Saudi restaurant. Guests who are after a similar level of glitz without the building work might want to check out the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
The DAMAC Maison Mall Street is a sleek, luxury property ideally located for both shopping and sightseeing as it’s just a stone’s throw from the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. However, the area around the hotel is still being built, and many guests have complained of noise issues and limited walking access due to the construction. Still, the 355 suites spread over 43 floors are elegant and outfitted with kitchens and dining tables; the bedrooms are a bit cramped, though. On-site features include an outdoor pool and hot tub, spa with treatment rooms and a sauna, and a Saudi restaurant. Guests who are after a similar level of glitz without the building work might want to check out the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
Typical of this luxury chain, the five-pearl Taj Dubai is a beautifully polished property infused with Indian touches. Its still-developing location between Business Bay and Downtown (20-minute walk) won't suit everyone, but it means superb views of the Burj Khalifa and easy access to the Dubai Mall. The 296 rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows with striking vistas and sparkling marble bathrooms, though flat-screen TVs have limited channels and full-speed Wi-Fi comes at a cost. Dining is excellent, especially the breakfast that includes plenty of Indian dishes, and there's ample outdoor space for eating alfresco. Leisure facilities consist of an outdoor pool (which can be shaded) and deluxe spa with modern gym, but there's little for children. Families with kids might be better off at the nearby DAMAC Maison Dubai Mall Street, which has a playground and suites with kitchens.
Typical of this luxury chain, the five-pearl Taj Dubai is a beautifully polished property infused with Indian touches. Its still-developing location between Business Bay and Downtown (20-minute walk) won't suit everyone, but it means superb views of the Burj Khalifa and easy access to the Dubai Mall. The 296 rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows with striking vistas and sparkling marble bathrooms, though flat-screen TVs have limited channels and full-speed Wi-Fi comes at a cost. Dining is excellent, especially the breakfast that includes plenty of Indian dishes, and there's ample outdoor space for eating alfresco. Leisure facilities consist of an outdoor pool (which can be shaded) and deluxe spa with modern gym, but there's little for children. Families with kids might be better off at the nearby DAMAC Maison Dubai Mall Street, which has a playground and suites with kitchens.
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is a 31-story, 276-room luxury hotel set in the bustling downtown Corniche District. A 2014 renovation brought plenty of polish to the property, particularly in the numerous and excellent eateries, which include the city's only revolving lounge. Refreshed rooms are bright and contemporary, some with stunning views, though others are awaiting a revamp, as is the outdoor pool area. Overall, it's a solid central hotel with few surprises and plenty of perks. However, travelers may prefer the larger pool at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, but the rates there are higher.
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is a 31-story, 276-room luxury hotel set in the bustling downtown Corniche District. A 2014 renovation brought plenty of polish to the property, particularly in the numerous and excellent eateries, which include the city's only revolving lounge. Refreshed rooms are bright and contemporary, some with stunning views, though others are awaiting a revamp, as is the outdoor pool area. Overall, it's a solid central hotel with few surprises and plenty of perks. However, travelers may prefer the larger pool at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, but the rates there are higher.
The upper-middle-range Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments is located a five-minute walk from the Mall of the Emirates, which also has a metro station. The area offers a practical base for exploring Dubai, though it's an 18-minute drive from the Burj Khalifa. The 215 spacious and modern apartments have kitchens, equipped with full-size appliances, microwaves, and even washing machines, plus there are living areas with sofas and flat-screen TVs. Excellent on-site features include a heated rooftop pool and sun terrace with great views of the city, as well as an elegant spa, well-outfitted gym, and restaurant serving a varied breakfast buffet. Although this is one of the best options in the area, guests may want to check Jannah Marina Bay Suites to get closer to the water.
The upper-middle-range Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments is located a five-minute walk from the Mall of the Emirates, which also has a metro station. The area offers a practical base for exploring Dubai, though it's an 18-minute drive from the Burj Khalifa. The 215 spacious and modern apartments have kitchens, equipped with full-size appliances, microwaves, and even washing machines, plus there are living areas with sofas and flat-screen TVs. Excellent on-site features include a heated rooftop pool and sun terrace with great views of the city, as well as an elegant spa, well-outfitted gym, and restaurant serving a varied breakfast buffet. Although this is one of the best options in the area, guests may want to check Jannah Marina Bay Suites to get closer to the water.
The upper-middle-range Fortune Grand Hotel stands out among competitors for its extensive range of entertainment and dining facilities, which include two nightclubs, two bars, and six restaurants, many opened into the night (or even 24-hours), with international cuisine, live entertainment, DJs, or dancing. There's also a rooftop pool and whirlpool, a small gym and sauna, and an on-site hair salon. The hotel's 97 rooms are clean and comfortable but feel decidedly average, with basic beige decor, small bathrooms, and standard amenities like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The location in Old Dubai's Deira neighborhood isn't glitzy, but it's close to the airport and can be convenient for business travelers. The biggest complaint here is noise, with late-night music a distraction even with hotel-issued earplugs. A quieter option could be the nearby Montreal Hotel, which also has a little more polish.
The upper-middle-range Fortune Grand Hotel stands out among competitors for its extensive range of entertainment and dining facilities, which include two nightclubs, two bars, and six restaurants, many opened into the night (or even 24-hours), with international cuisine, live entertainment, DJs, or dancing. There's also a rooftop pool and whirlpool, a small gym and sauna, and an on-site hair salon. The hotel's 97 rooms are clean and comfortable but feel decidedly average, with basic beige decor, small bathrooms, and standard amenities like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The location in Old Dubai's Deira neighborhood isn't glitzy, but it's close to the airport and can be convenient for business travelers. The biggest complaint here is noise, with late-night music a distraction even with hotel-issued earplugs. A quieter option could be the nearby Montreal Hotel, which also has a little more polish.
The mid-range Pearl Marina Hotel Apartments is an affordable and contemporary property in the southernmost part of Dubai Marina. Attracting both business and leisure travelers, it's within walking distance of the beach, mall, and train station. The 85 apartment-style rooms are modern, albeit chain-like, and feature tables, kitchenettes or kitchens with stoves and microwaves, and desks. All rooms except Studios have washing machines. A small, kidney-shaped pool has loungers and lovely views of the water, plus there's a cafe serving breakfast, snacks, and beverages until early evening. A small fitness center has a handful of cardio machines and strength-training equipment, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. It might be worth it to compare prices with the comparable Jannah Marine Bay Suites. It's worth considering Roda Amwaj Suites, which is right by the beach and has more amenities.
The mid-range Pearl Marina Hotel Apartments is an affordable and contemporary property in the southernmost part of Dubai Marina. Attracting both business and leisure travelers, it's within walking distance of the beach, mall, and train station. The 85 apartment-style rooms are modern, albeit chain-like, and feature tables, kitchenettes or kitchens with stoves and microwaves, and desks. All rooms except Studios have washing machines. A small, kidney-shaped pool has loungers and lovely views of the water, plus there's a cafe serving breakfast, snacks, and beverages until early evening. A small fitness center has a handful of cardio machines and strength-training equipment, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. It might be worth it to compare prices with the comparable Jannah Marine Bay Suites. It's worth considering Roda Amwaj Suites, which is right by the beach and has more amenities.