{"id":2043,"date":"2021-09-06T00:00:58","date_gmt":"2021-09-05T14:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/where-to-stay-dubai\/"},"modified":"2024-12-13T10:53:35","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T23:53:35","slug":"where-to-stay-dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/where-to-stay-dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Stay & Play in Dubai"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The sprawling, desert-fringed metropolis of Dubai truly is a city like no other, and at every turn you can expect to find a beguiling mix of old and new \u2013 with no shortage of ways to enthrall even the most seasoned of travellers.<\/em> <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From an enormous palm tree-shaped island, gravity-defying skyscrapers and trendy eateries to high-end shopping precincts, colourful souks and some of the world\u2019s most luxurious hotels, this enchanting destination offers up just about everything you could imagine, and within each neighbourhood, there\u2019s a story to uncover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever your travel style calls for, here\u2019s our roundup of where to stay in this dazzling, high-octane emirate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning a trip to Dubai?\u00a0<\/strong>Check out our collection of\u00a0incredible escapes<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Downtown Dubai: Best for sightseeing and shopping  <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

For those craving the feeling of being in the centre of the action, Downtown Dubai is where you need to be. Arguably one of Dubai\u2019s most iconic neighbourhoods, the pedestrian-friendly design of the area makes exploring a breeze. The immaculate promenades will lead you to the Dubai Opera, the Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Mall and the impossible-to-miss Burj Khalifa \u2013 the tallest building in the world. At night, position yourself at the edge of the Dubai Fountain to catch a show of dancing fountains and lights perfectly timed to music, or take a seat at one of the surrounding restaurants overlooking the fountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t regret a stay in the midst of Dubai\u2019s bustling centre. Among our top picks include Armani Hotel Dubai, The Palace Downtown, Address Dubai Mall or Sofitel Dubai Downtown.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palm Jumeirah: Ultimate luxury <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Ariel
Ariel view of Palm Jumeirah. Image by Delpixel via Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For a stay complete with serious \u2018wow-factor\u2019, you can\u2019t look past the man-made archipelago Palm Jumeirah. This engineering marvel is perfectly shaped in the exact way the name suggests \u2013 like a palm tree \u2013 and is home to some of the best on-trend eateries and vibrant beach clubs, and some of the glitziest, five-star hotels and resorts. If you\u2019re lucky enough to score a window seat on the flight over, you might get a chance to see The Palm from above, or if you\u2019re feeling brave, try skydiving for unrivalled vistas of this island marvel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a luxe stay, take a look at the One&Only The Palm, W Dubai \u2013 The Palm, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Fairmont The Palm and Atlantis, The Palm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jumeirah Beach Residence & Dubai Marina: Unrivalled nightlife & world-class restaurants  <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Affectionally known as \u2018JBR\u2019 to locals, Jumeriah Beach Residence is a burgeoning waterfront community in Dubai that has plenty going for it. Just behind JBR lies Dubai Marina \u2013 a waterfront haven (approximately 20-minutes from Downtown Dubai) where some of the world\u2019s tallest and most architecturally intriguing residential towers dominate the skyline.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locals and travellers flock to \u2018The Beach\u2019 opposite JBR, an expansive beachfront boulevard teeming with things to see and do. Jump on a jet ski and race across the gleaming waters, go parasailing to see it all from above or ride a camel along the beach. Be sure to soak up the atmosphere from one of the beach clubs abuzz with activity including Bla Bla Beach Club, Azure Beach, or Andreea\u2019s, and keep an eye out for live music and performances hosted throughout the year. Then, head to the marina precinct studded with top-rated dining and nightlife, luxury shopping boutiques and more. For a seriously luxe experience, consider hiring a yacht for the day and leave the marina behind as you cruise into the Arabian Gulf\u2019s shimmering waters.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To place yourself in the heart of it all, consider a stay at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, JA Ocean View Hotel or Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old Dubai: A touch of ancient charm & history  <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Step back in time and enter the bustling neighbourhoods of Bur Dubai, Karama, Satwa and Deira. Collectively these areas make up the area known as Old Dubai \u2014 where traces of the city\u2019s roots as a trading hub for everything from spices and gold to coffee still lingers with an alluring sense of marvel and intrigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside Dubai Creek is where the unmissable action within Bur Dubai and Deria can be found, and for just AED2 (approximately A$1), you can shuttle between these areas on an Abra \u2013 a traditional, motorised wooden vessel. Weave through the narrow laneways to reach the many spectacular souks where independent jewellers, spice merchants and local artisans can be found selling their wares or spend time getting lost in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to see the XVA Art Gallery and Al Fahidi Fort (originally constructed in 1787), which is now home to the Dubai Museum. When hunger strikes, the vibrant Meena Bazaar shopping area is somewhere foodies can dive into a plate of spice-laden curry or a fragrant rice dish at of the many hole-in-the-wall style eateries. Later, listen as the call to prayer fills the air for an atmospheric experience.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for accommodation, luxury and ancient opulence go hand in hand, with many hotels in the area conveniently situated within close reach of Dubai International Airport, including Raffles Dubai, Park Hyatt Dubai or Palazzo Versace Dubai.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jumeriah: Family friendly fun & beachside adventures  <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Ariel
Enjoy time exploring the Jumeirah neighbourhood. Image by Creative Family via Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This desirable seafront district southwest of central Dubai stretches across three areas \u2013 Jumeriah 1, Jumeriah 2 and Jumeriah 3 \u2013 with each offering the ultimate in luxury while conveniently located just a short distance from Downtown Dubai. Catch the action at the buzzing Kite Beach where families can enjoy beach football, beach volleyball, tennis and kitesurfing, or hang by the newly unveiled skatepark and kids’ play facilities. Grab a table at one of the modern restaurants, make a splash at the world-renowned waterparks and marvel at one of Dubai’s cultural icons, the famous Jumeirah Mosque constructed in 1975.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our pick of where to stay? Try the Four Seasons Resort or the world-famous Burj Al Arab \u2013 an architectural marvel that juts out from the beach on a standalone man-man island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the city: Seeing Dubai through a different lens <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Two
Experience a desert escape. Image by pheolixDE via Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Escape the energetic streets of Dubai for the dramatic, fiery-red sand dunes that fringe that city to connect with Dubai\u2019s unique heritage and the Bedouin people, the oldest inhabitants of the Arabian desert. Choose to indulge with a luxe stay at one of the five-star resorts within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for an unparalleled experience. Thrill-seekers can embark on a heart-racing desert dune safari where 4WD vehicles tear up and down the steep dunes. Slow down with a camel ride or visit a traditional Bedouin village in Al Marmoon Desert where you might sample freshly brewed Arabic coffee, watch a cooking demonstration to connect with the culture.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For an escape you\u2019ll remember forever, take a look at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort or Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubai is waiting for you… Take a look at our collection of incredible escapes.<\/a>  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The sprawling, desert-fringed metropolis of Dubai truly is a city like no other, and at every turn you can expect to find a beguiling mix of old and new \u2013 with no shortage of ways to enthrall even the most seasoned of travellers.   From an enormous palm tree-shaped island, gravity-defying skyscrapers and trendy eateries to high-end […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":230,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[6],"location":[],"customertype":[],"class_list":["post-2043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dubai","tag-city-break"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dubai-skyline-at-sunset-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"lux_id":2043,"lux_link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/where-to-stay-dubai\/","lux_title":"Where to Stay & Play in Dubai","lux_excerpt":"The sprawling, desert-fringed metropolis of Dubai truly is a city like no other, and at every turn\u00a0you can expect to find a beguiling mix of old and new \u2013 with no shortage of ways to enthrall even the most seasoned of travellers.\u00a0\u00a0 From an enormous palm tree-shaped island, gravity-defying skyscrapers and trendy eateries to high-end [\u2026]","lux_excerpt_trimmed":"The sprawling, desert-fringed metropolis of Dubai truly is a city like no other, and at every turn\u00a0you can expect to find a beguiling mix of old and new \u2013 with","lux_image_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dubai-skyline-at-sunset-scaled.jpg","lux_image_url_medium":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dubai-skyline-at-sunset-scaled-350x234.jpg","lux_image_url_large":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dubai-skyline-at-sunset-scaled-1024x683.jpg","lux_image_url_square":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dubai-skyline-at-sunset-scaled-500x500.jpg","lux_categories":[{"label":"Dubai","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/dubai\/"}],"lux_tags":[{"label":"City Break","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/city-break\/"}],"lux_locations":[],"lux_customer_types":[],"lux_read_time":"7 min read","lux_read_time_minutes":7,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2043\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2043"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=2043"},{"taxonomy":"customertype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customertype?post=2043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}