Best hotels in Dubai 2023: From five-star luxury to desert vibes

Whether it’s luxury shopping, a desert adventure or checking out the latest in architecture and innovation, Dubai is definitely the United Arab Emirates city with the biggest personality and reputation.

You’ll also discover it’s a foodie’s mecca, with thousands of restaurants to choose from. And if you’re thinking of heading out there for a late spring break, you may be in time for the Dubai Food Festival, which is an extravaganza of pop-up food trucks, street artists and mystery dining tours.

Dubai may be a newbie on the block (it’s still to reach its second-century birthday) but it’s already developed its fair share of must-sees, from Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Opera District. You can catch a hop-on-hop-off double-decker Dubai Trolley, or rent a bike from one of the stations.

Host city of the 2022 World Expo, interest in the emirate is growing, and with that comes one glitzy new hotel after another at a rapid pace. Having lived in the Emirates, and stayed in many of the establishments on this shortlist, this is my pick of the places that will make your Dubai stay comfortable and, most importantly, memorable.

Neighbourhood: Downtown Dubai

With the world’s largest shopping mall a short stroll from the lobby, shopaholics will be in their element at this 220-room, five-star hotel. Not only is The Dubai Mall on the doorstep, but the hotel offers some of the best views of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest tower – and Dubai’s spectacular dancing fountain. The hotel is also just a 15-minute walk from the Dubai Opera.

The recently refurbished property is chic and luxurious, and has a dedicated spa and wellness floor, along with an extensive range of dining options, including Turkish restaurant the Galliard.