Crowne Plaza Dubai

Make no mistake – this is a huge hotel. It may have been eclipsed in sheer size by neighbouring behemoths, but the 560 rooms and 12 restaurants inside the Crowne Plaza put it on the map as one of the largest properties in the city. The grand lobby area, which is reached via steep and skinny escalators, has aged well on the whole, although the once-swish decor is looking a little tired. Standard rooms are on the small side, while the itsy-bitsy bathrooms are dated. The views, however, are as good as any in Dubai. It’s the range of facilities that keep business and leisure tourists alike loyal to the Crowne Plaza. Both the health club and pool are spacious and casual, and the club floor features an executive lounge allowing VIP visitors to eat away from the chattering masses. The central location means you should only ever be about 15 minutes from any attraction or landmark, be it a Creek crossing to the souks and airport or a quick blast up the highway to the Marina and beach areas.

The essentials
• Metro stations are walking distance away and have made the central location even more accessible.

• The Dubai World Trade Centre is almost directly opposite making this a good option for attendees of the many conferences and events in this part of town.

• Zinc nightclub and Trader Vic’s bar are busy most nights of the week. Head to these spots for lively partying or slip into Oscar’s Vine Society for more subdued entertainment.

• The Crowne Plaza is part of the Sheikh Zayed road strip of super-tall hotels and office blocks. Step out of the back of the hotel and you’re just a short walk from the Satwa district. This low-rise neighbourhood is home to interesting dining and shopping facilities and offers a stark contrast to the glossed façade of Dubai.

Details
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: 04 331 1111
Travel: Sheikh Zayed Road
No. of Rooms: 568
No. of Floors: 23
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

Burj Al Arab

Welcome to the only seven-star hotel in the world. Okay, it’s officially a five-star hotel, but if there ever was a seven-star rating, the Burj Al Arab or ‘Tower of the Arabs’ would probably get it. The lobby is bright with a gold and mosaic theme, and while it’s usually an area no one lingers in for too long, you’ll find more than a few tourists snapping away. You’ll be picked up in a Rolls Royce from the airport, so you feel like a celebrity. The most basic room here is their one-bedroom single suite that’s a (measly?) 170 square metres, with its own living room, lounge area, bathroom with a Jacuzzi, bar counter and decor that’s more grandiose than minimalistic. Staff and service are exceptional and restaurants that feature Michelin-starred chefs serve up some of the finest (and most expensive) meals in Dubai. Try the wagyu burger at the hotel’s beach restaurant – Majlis Al Bahar – or pay a visit to the rainbow-coloured spa and fitness club right at the top. Memorable.

The essentials
• There’s an outside pool as well as a private beach, but it’s the Assawan Spa and health club that’ll take your breath away. Guests can enjoy a range of watersports through Jumeirah Beach Hotel, only a few minutes in a golf buggy. Sightseeing and shopping trips can also be easily arranged.

• There are several top restaurants and bars here including Al Mahara that offers the finest seafood, Al Iwan that’s flanked by the world’s tallest atrium, Far East Asian flavours at Junsui , the beachside al fresco restaurant Majlis Al Bahar and more.

• Known for its selection of rare whiskies and range of premium Cuban cigars, Juna Lounge is an ideal post-dinner venue, but make sure you visit the Skyview Bar that’s suspended 200 metres above sea level.

• One of the world's most famous outdoor bars, 360, is on your doorstep. It sits out at sea, accessible by a long pier.

• Wild Wadi waterpark is right beside the Burj Al Arab and home to the Jumeirah Sceirah slide that’ll hurtle you at speeds of 80km per hour from a height of 33 metres, while ‘Tantrum Alley’ will send you off from Sceirah’s height in a tube through three ‘tornadoes’.

Details
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: 04 301 7777
Travel: Jumeirah Beach Road
No. of Rooms: 202
No. of Floors: 27
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

For a touch of old-style Arabia, without losing any modern comforts, desert resort Bab Al Shams is one of a kind. It means ‘gateway to the sun’ and the reasoning is obvious, especially if you visit in summer. Be warned, lower rates mean higher temperatures where the desert can hit the top 40s in July and August, making most outdoor adventures impossible. For the rest of the year, camel riding, early morning yoga, nature walks or simply flopping by the infinity pool with a cocktail are all worthy pursuits here and each room or suite overlooks either the rolling dunes or the resort’s landscaped gardens. This isn't a stay for party-loving people, it's all leisurely meals and even more leisurely lounging. For those who haven’t had a taste of Arabic culture, the al fresco restaurants with ‘traditional’ belly dancing, henna painting and live music are fun. For those with a more intimate knowledge of the area, they can seem a touch touristy.

The essentials
• Bab Al Shams has a number of restaurants which include a pizzeria with traditional firewood kiln and two rooftop terraces where you can enjoy a drink under the stars.

• Indulge in Arabic cuisine at the fairytale-like Al Hadheerah, offering freshly made kebabs, delicious mezze and fantastic grills.

• Kids will be well looked after at the hotel’s kids’ club while you relax in one of the many infinity pools or hit the health club.

• Pamper yourself in the rather over-the-top spa. Arabic hospitality at its best.

• Don’t expect bustling nightlife, the resort is around 30 minutes drive from central Dubai.

Details
Location: Dubailand, Dubai
Tel: 04 809 6100
Travel: Next to Endurance Village
No. of Rooms: 113
No. of Floors: 2
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

Atlantis The Palm

The Asateer tent offers a traditional iftar with six buffet menus. Dhs175 per person (iftar); from Dhs165 per person (suhoor set menu – minimum 20 people) Timings: 6.30pm-8pm (iftar); 9.30pm-2.30am (suhoor) (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday)

As soon as you enter Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah, you’ll realise you’ve arrived some place very special. There’s a colourful 3,000-piece glass sculpture in the lobby and the hotel has a unique, nautical-themed decor. While there’s a chance anything built around a theme can go horribly wrong, Atlantis gets it right. The hotel is almost a city in itself – sure, there are pools, tennis courts, a spa and health club, but what makes Atlantis stand out is the fact that it has so much more, including its own waterpark, dive centre, a dolphin education centre as well as The Lost Chambers – a tribute to Atlantis and home to 65,000 marine animals – a nightclub exclusively for teenagers and its own helicopter service. There are over 1,000 rooms and more than 100 suites, but if you can, book one of the Imperial Club rooms. These include access to the Club Lounge, which is worth the cost as there’s a great selection of free food and drinks. Seventeen fine restaurants, bars and lounges offering a great selection of cuisines will be vying for your culinary satisfaction otherwise.

The essentials
• Atlantis offers over 1.4 kilometres of beach access, so you can enjoy a range of activities from volleyball to football. There’s also two swimming pools, the ShuiQi spa and fitness centre, floodlit tennis courts, boutique stores and a kids’ club with amazing activities.

• Atlantis is home to Aquaventure waterpark, that features the highest waterslide in the Middle East, Dolphin Bay where you can get up- close and personal with everyone’s favourite sea creatures and the Atlantis Dive Centre.

• There are 17 restaurants, bars and lounges, including Time Out’s best steakhouse winner Seafire, seafood restaurant Ossiano, the first Nobu in the Middle East (also Highly Commended in the awards), Rostang by French chef Michel Rostang and Ronda Locatelli by celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli. Every flavour preference is also catered for in casual dining options, such as Saffron, but you can also enjoy poolside snacks at The Edge or al fresco meals at Nasimi Beach. After dark, Nasimi Beach is where you need to be for cocktails, beanbags, shisha and the hottest music nights in Dubai during the winter months.

• For a fantastic view of the Palm Jumeirah from the mainland, head to beach bar Jetty Lounge at the One&Only Royal Mirage, only a ten minute cab ride away.

• Every Tuesday night, ladies get free champagne under the stars.

Details
Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: 04 426 0000
Travel: Atlantis, Palm
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

Armani Hotel Dubai

You’ll find Giorgio Armani’s first hotel in the world’s tallest tower – the Burj Khalifa. It’s all dark and broody, aka ‘minimalistic’. It looks rather slick and exudes a very masculine feel, with smooth stone and mahogany dominating Armani’s decor. While there is no beachside access, you’ll find a decent enough pool by the spa, which offers ‘designer healing’. The Armani/Hashi restaurant is a standout and offers guests an eclectic selection of Japanese cuisine, while Armani/Peck brings a 125-year-old Italian deli's delights to Dubai. There are 160 guest rooms and suites to choose from, but you’ll be partial to the ones that offer views of the Dubai Fountain and across Downtown Dubai. Every Armani guest is assigned a 'lifestyle manager' – a butler of sorts, and we can see why – service here can be rather hit and miss. You’ll hardly ever see other people here, which gives it a celebrity hideaway feel… although this is also reflected in the price.

The essentials
• The Armani/Spa takes up 12,000 square feet and offers customised treatments. There’s also the Italian sweet shop Armani/Dolci, floral arrangements available through Armani/Fiori and fashion accessories store Armani/Galleria at the hotel.

• For food, head to the Armani/Lobby cafe and Armani/Lounge for light snacks, Mediterranean flavours at Armani/Mediterraneo or Italian cuisine at Armani/Ristorante, which serves up handmade and hand-rolled pastas.

• After sunset, there’s only one place to be – Armani/Privé, the hotel’s club where a stylish crowd dances alongside a giant screen projecting the latest catwalk shows.

• Make the most of the Downtown location and visit Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar malls.

• As the hotel is in Burj Khalifa, make sure you check out the observation deck on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest tower. If you buy tickets in advance online , they’ll be much cheaper than if you want to go on the day without a booking.

Details
Location: Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Tel: 04 888 3888
Travel: Al Doha Street

No. of Rooms: 160
No. of Floors: 11
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

Amwaj Rotana

There are several beachfront hotels along the trendy district of Jumeirah Beach Residence, ranging from the Ritz Carlton to the older Hilton and Sheraton, all of which are found along The Walk, Dubai’s cafe-laden oceanfront promenade. The Amwaj Rotana, while lacking its own private beach, still manages to compete through its enviable laid-back approach and impressive facilities. The rooms boast some of the best sea views in Dubai, stretching from the Marina entrance to the mighty Burj Al Arab, and the restaurants – Italian, Rosso, in particular – are worthy of a visit, regardless of whether you’re a guest or not. It’s worth noting that The Walk’s notorious weekend traffic – the sound of revving Ferraris, in particular – can be incredibly noisy come the weekend, especially if you are located on the lower floors. The slow lifts might also drive you to distraction, but Amwaj is still one of the best value for money options in the Marina.

The essentials
• Work out in the fully-equipped gym and fitness centre or swim laps in the temperature-controlled outdoor pool.

• Try Italian at Rosso or international eats in Horizon. Ladies get two free drinks every single night of the week at the former.

• Whatever you do, don’t miss out on dining at Benihana, offering steaks, seafood and sushi on the menu.

• The Atrium lobby lounge cafe and Sundeck pool bar are good for light snacks and drinks.

• Amwaj Rotana is near to Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall and Jumeirah Beach.

Details
Location: Dubai Marina, Dubai
Tel: 04 428 2000
Travel: The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
No. of Rooms: 301
No. of Floors: 25
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah

Al Qasr means 'The Palace' and is designed to reflect a Sheikh’s summer residence. It’s grand, but still elegant – there are palm trees, beautiful rugs and furniture, and elaborate flower arrangements in the lobby. The rooms are spacious and they all come with a private balcony, but you'll pay extra for a view of the sea, which is well worth it. You’ll be impressed by the breakfast buffet choice and quality, but it pales in comparison to their spectacular (and legendary) Friday brunch (it made the Highly Commended list for Time Out’s Best Brunch). More stand-out restaurants and lounges include Pierchic – set on its own pier – also highly commended in Time Out’s Best Romantic category, and Pai Thai, only accessible by abra which won Best South-East Asian. Service here is friendly, helpful and attentive, especially by the beach where they bring you towels, complimentary fruit and even frozen cucumber slices for your eyes. With views of the sea and Burj Al Arab, you can easily sunbathe away the hours here. The hotel is linked by waterways to the other restaurants and attractions in the Madinat Jumeirah resort, so you’ll never run out of things to do.

The essentials
• As it’s part of Madinat Jumeirah, there are facilities scattered around the complex. There’s an outdoor pool, while Talise Spa is known for its range of wellbeing treatments. The Quay Healthclub is also on hand for guests who want to stay fit and there’s a 25-metre indoor lap pool that’s popular during summer.

• Watersports can be arranged on the large beach and little ones are well taken care of at the Sinbad’s Kids' Club.

• There are nine restaurants and lounges in the hotel itself, including Arboretum for international fare, Al Hambra for delicious Spanish, MJ’s Steakhouse and Magnolia for fine dining vegetarian. After dinner, enjoy drinks at Al Fayrooz lobby lounge which has a live pianist or head to Koubba bar for a more casual al fresco experience.

• Guests at the hotel get free entrance to Wild Wadi, Dubai's famous waterpark situated just up the road at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

• The Madinat Jumeirah also houses one of Dubai's superclubs – Trilogy, which reopened last year after a long break. Come here for house, electro, drum 'n' bass and R & B.

Details
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: 04 366 8888
Travel: Jumeirah Beach
No. of Rooms: 292
No. of Floors: 8
Hotel Rating: 5 star

Просмотреть увеличенную карту