Dubai: hotels and highlights

Heather from our marketing team gives her take on the city of gold and what makes each area worth a stay.

I’ve just returned from Dubai and wanted to share how the city’s different areas stack up – and which might suit you best. If you’ve never been, Dubai can feel a bit like a maze, so here’s how to get your bearings, from neighbourhood highlights to a few small tips to make the most of your visit.

Downtown Dubai

This is the beating heart of the city, with the Burj Khalifa dominating the skyline. This area is all about big-name attractions, shopping, dining and city views. You’re not by the beach here, but if you want a city break with heat and a pool, right in the centre of the action, you will love it. It’s also easy to zip around on the metro.

Who it’s best for: Couples or travellers who want shopping, dining and skyline views. It’s also ideal for a short stopover, with easy access to the airport.

Hotel picks
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – one of the tallest hotels in the world, with spacious rooms and a great choice of restaurants. Highlight: twinkling city views from the speakeasy-style bar, the Vault.
Conrad Dubai – Grand, modern hotel, right by the World Trade Centre metro stop. Highlight: the leafy pool deck – like a mini resort in the middle of the city.

Top tip: For the best view of the Dubai Fountain show, book a table at a restaurant overlooking the lake – Joe’s Café Dubai and Tribes Restaurant are both great options.

JBR – The Walk

I always recommend this area to anyone visiting Dubai. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Downtown and is essentially one long promenade lined with restaurants, food stalls, pop-up markets and shops, all running alongside a lively public beach that really comes to life after dark. If you like being able to step straight out of your hotel for a wander, this is the place for you. To reach other parts of Dubai, taxis are usually the easiest option, although the roads can be busy during peak times.

Who it’s best for: Couples, families or groups who want the action right on their doorstep.

Hotel pick
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort – one of the originals on this stretch, with a big garden leading straight onto the beach. Highlight: direct beach access with great views of Ain Dubai.

Top tip: Kids will love it here. There’s so much going on, from innovative play areas and funfair stalls to an inflatable waterpark right on the beach.

Bluewaters Island

One of Dubai’s newer hotspots, Bluewaters Island has quickly become a favourite for its calm, upscale vibe. One of the biggest perks is how easy it is to reach; there’s no traffic bottleneck when driving on or off the island, which is rare for Dubai. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants, plus front-row views of Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel and seriously cool to see from below. It’s also just a ten-minute walk across the Bluewaters Pedestrian Bridge (a go-to sunset spot) to land right on The Walk at JBR.

Who it suits: Couples or families who appreciate good design, great service and a setting that feels both connected and exclusive. It’s also home to one of the nicest beaches I saw, with soft sand and calm waves rolling in.

Hotel picks
Banyan Tree Dubai – super zen with dark, moody tones and a pool scene dotted with pink sunbeds and umbrellas. Highlight: the Banyan Tree Spa, which people cross the city for.
Delano Dubai – the younger, lighter sister with a bit more energy and Miami glam. Highlight: Glossy guest rooms with mod cons like Dyson hairdryers and a full cocktail set-up.

Top tip: If you’re on the dine-around plan, you can eat in the restaurants at both hotels.

Dubai Marina

Set around a man-made marina framed by glassy skyscrapers, Dubai Marina feels like a city within a city. There’s a water bus that hops between the two main areas: the Marina Promenade, a seven-kilometre path lined with palm trees and yachts, and the Marina Mall, where you’ll find the entrance to XLine Dubai Marina, the world’s longest urban zipline. The dining scene here is top-notch, from relaxed dinner cruises to Pier 7, a seven-level dining hub where restaurants serve everything from sushi to steak.

Who it suits: Couples, friends or solo travellers who want a central base with restaurants, nightlife and the beach all within easy reach.

Hotel pick
Millennium Place Marina Dubai – a great value option with a contemporary look and a fab location for getting out and about, set between the marina and JBR. Highlight: Ikigai restaurant, with Instagrammable decor and unlimited sushi-and-sips nights.

Top tip: The metro is right outside. It’s easy to use, with only two lines so it’s not confusing, and fares start from around 70p up to £1.70 depending on the zones.

The Palm

Palm Jumeirah really does deliver the wow factor. The views of the city are spectacular from every angle and each resort has its own private beach. You are out on the fronds, so it can take a little longer to reach downtown (taxis are the best option, around 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic), but most people barely leave their resort bubble.

Who it suits: Couples, families or groups who want to tick off the ultimate Dubai beach resort experience.

Hotel picks
NH Collection Dubai The Palm – one of the newer, great-value options with chic décor and a rooftop infinity pool showing off incredible Palm views. Highlight: the modern interiors and the amazing scent throughout the hotel (the lifts smelled like pineapple).
W Dubai – The Palm – bold, arty and full of energy, with top restaurants like Akira Back and Olivino. Highlight: rooftop cocktails at the adults-only SoBe lounge.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort – a taste of Southeast Asia in Dubai, with overwater villas and a slower pace. Highlight: lagoon access rooms with 24-hour pool entry.

Top tip: If you want a taste of Atlantis The Royal without paying sky-high prices, book a moonlight session at the famous Cloud 22 infinity pool. A single bed is around £50pp, but of course you can upgrade for extra perks.

Final tips from Heather

Best time to go
I travelled in October, which was a brilliant time to visit – it was deliciously hot but not scorching. October to March is generally the sweet spot; sultry days, cooler nights and ideal sightseeing weather.

Make it a twin-centre
Why stop at Dubai? Turn your trip into a two-stop Arabian adventure by pairing city thrills with a few days in the lesser-known emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It’s just over an hour’s drive away and known for great-value beach hotels, dramatic desert scenery and a slower pace.

What to wear in Dubai
Dubai is relaxed but respectful when it comes to dress. Beachwear is fine at resorts, but light, modest clothing works best in malls and restaurants. Bring something smart for evening dining and don’t forget an extra layer for air-conditioned malls and taxis.

This feature was created on 26th November 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.