Dubai's Most Glamorous Hotels, According To Travelers

Move over Monte Carlo, New York City, and Paris. When it comes to extravagance, no city does it better than Dubai. However, it wasn't always that way for the once-quaint fishing village in the United Arab Emirates. In the 1960s, the city discovered oil, which allowed companies, tourism, and real estate to explode. Since then, Dubai has become one of the most glamorous destinations on the planet. It's also home to the biggest mall and the tallest building on Earth, has 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, and a culture so luxurious that even the police drive Lamborghinis.

Millions of people visit Dubai every year to get a taste of the city's lavish lifestyle, and millions more add it to their itineraries annually. But before you go, be cautious of the clothing you pack on a trip to Dubai. It's only fitting that the city's hotels have upped the ante to keep its wealthiest visitors happy. Dubai is filled with glamorous hotels ranging from the world's only 7-star resort, one with the biggest waterpark on the planet, to another with the largest jellyfish aquariums. Explore rounded up the glitziest of them, selecting which hotels had the highest ratings, the most reviews, the most over-the-top amenities, and the most unique features.

If you've ever seen a photo of Dubai, you've probably seen the outline of Burj Al Arab, which sits on its own man-made island. It looms over the city, a bridge away from Jumeirah Beach and reachable by a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce or helicopter. But the sail-like façade of the hotel just tells a small part of Burj Al Arab's glamorous story. 

Every single one of its more than 200 suites is its own residence, complete with a staircase, Rolex clock, Hermès toiletries, one-of-a-kind views from floor-to-ceiling windows, and endless gold tones. Plus, guests can summon a butler with a gold iPad. But if you can't tear yourself away from the ultra-luxe accommodation, you'll miss out. The acclaimed hotel, which is the only and first seven-star hotel, has seven restaurants. They range from one with a Michelin star to another with built-in shark and eel aquarium-sized tanks that give guests a rose bouquet at the end of a meal. The latter also features a lounge for afternoon tea on the highest floor.

More than 7,000 guests have reviewed Burj Al Arab on Tripadvisor, earning the storied hotel 4.5 stars. "What impressed me most was how the property managed to feel both grand and intimate at the same time," one past guest wrote on Tripadvisor. "The service was consistently excellent without being overbearing, and the attention to detail was evident everywhere — from the perfectly maintained common areas to the thoughtful touches in the rooms."

The name of One&Only The Palm says it all. Situated on a private peninsula, a stay here is a way to feel like the one and only in Dubai while surrounded by palm trees, colorful gardens, and romantic gazebos on Dubai's secluded Palm Jumeirah. Its Moorish-Andalusian-style rooms are bathed in white, cream, and gold tones, as well as dark woods and glass. The terraces offer garden views or stunning sights of a private pool next to the beach.

Guests can book a personal pool cabana, which is a home in itself as it includes air conditioning, an outdoor living space, a bathroom with a shower, and a TV. For a different sort of swim, enjoy your room's marble bathroom with a freestanding tub or rain shower. A respite also awaits in One&Only The Palm's Guerlain Spa, which has nine spa suites, each with its own bathroom, as the first presented by the namesake skincare brand in the country. Even the onsite nail salon is high-end since it's run by celebrity pedicurist and podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez.

The hotel has a stunning 5 stars on Tripadvisor from nearly 2,000 past guests. "If you are looking for luxury there is no better place than [One&Only The Palm,]" described one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The food at all three restaurants is world-class; the pool and all amenities are second to none, including the spa area and gym facilities."

At Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, you'll find opulence from the moment you walk into the lobby. Guests are ushered inside by two rows of trees embellished with bronze coating and leaf-shaped bulbs. Follow the trees outside to the beach, one of the hotel's best amenities. Located on a private beach on the Arabian Gulf, guests can book one of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira's five private cabanas to enjoy any of its pools. They can also take beach gym classes or simply relish sea views from their room's balcony or terrace. 

Inside the 250-plus rooms, guests can enjoy a tranquil marble bathroom with a rain shower and Natura Bissé toiletries. The elegant cream-colored accommodations with pops of teal and mother-of-pearl inlaid black lacquer chairs are beyond stunning. The hotel's eight dining experiences match that quality, especially its flagship Portuguese eatery piloted by Chef Jose Avillez, who runs other Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is another Dubai hotel that has earned a seemingly impossible 5 stars on Tripadvisor from more than 1,000 reviews. One former guest described their stay on Tripadvisor with the headline "Best hotel in the Middle East." They wrote, "From the moment we arrived at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, everything was absolutely incredible. The service levels were impeccable — every staff member went above and beyond to ensure our stay was flawless."

Looking for a taste of Italy in Dubai with a Middle Eastern sensibility? Bulgari Resort Dubai offers an opulence that buyers of the Italian jewelry brand have come to expect with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean touches, all upon a private island called Jumeira Bay. With a beachfront locale, one of the hotel's most impressive features is its personal Mediterranean-style yacht club (the first ever founded by the brand). There's also a harbor with over a dozen private cabanas and Italian restaurants. But try not to be too enamored by its views, and make sure you also visit Bulgari Resort Dubai's other restaurants and bars, which have long lists of accolades. Two of the hotel's restaurants have Michelin stars, while one of its bars is highly regarded.

Bulgari-worthy features continue inside the hotel's rooms with handmade Italian furniture, marble bathrooms, private balconies, minibars inspired by antique trunks, and cashmere blankets. Meanwhile, the hotel's villas have butlers, private pools, and terraces. Or, to take that luxurious relaxation even further, visit the Bulgari Spa, which has a pool with gold tiles inspired by ancient Roman baths. Bulgari Resort Dubai has earned 4.5 stars garnered from over 500 reviews on Tripadvisor. One past guest wrote on Tripadvisor, "One of the most beautiful properties I've visited in Dubai. Impeccable landscaping and perfect service. Beautiful surroundings, very enjoyable place to visit. Highly recommended."

Four Seasons is known for its luxurious accommodations, and its outpost at Jumeirah Beach boasts just the same — but with a delightful mix of the old and new. While the hotel's exterior is reminiscent of an Arabian palace, indoors is modern. It features a minimalist elegance with muted tones that allow the views to do the talking. The scenery is plenty, as the hotel rests on a beach, yet it is near Dubai's business and entertainment districts. 

Due to the high temperature of the city's beaches, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers a climate-controlled indoor pool. You'll also find personal day villas at the outdoor pools — these have air conditioning, terraces, indoor and outdoor showers, private bathrooms, and TVs. Inside your room, you'll enjoy spa features like private balconies with daybeds and deep soaking tubs on marble bathroom floors. No matter your chosen accommodation, you'll have plenty of space; even the smallest rooms are over 750 square feet.

The grand, 237-room hotel has earned 4.5 stars through more than 1,600 reviews on Tripadvisor, with happy customers by the dozen. One user on Tripadvisor wrote, "Fabulous as always. Formidable staff, great amenities, and location. Private beach and that personal touch to your stay is second to none! I will keep returning here. Great location as well as access to some of the city's best restaurants."

We've all been on an all-inclusive vacation that left us taking our wallets out too often. But at Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites, all-inclusive is the real deal. The hotel packages include unlimited dining, nearly 200 beverage options, entertainment, daily minibar and maxibar services, spa usage, and fun for kids, making the hotel the sole true all-inclusive beach resort on its island. And, unlike many other Dubai hotels, this one is ideal for families, too. 

Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites has kids-only buffets at two restaurants and a chef specializing in baby food. It also offers a long lineup of programs and activities for every age, from toddlers to juniors, like pizza-making classes, kids' yoga classes, and an amphitheater just for young viewers. But you don't have to be a kid to enjoy its 316 rooms. They all have terraces or balconies with stunning views, while some feature rainfall showers in marble bathrooms, parquet flooring, and free snacks and drinks.

Even though Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites has more than 10,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, they're overwhelmingly positive, as the hotel has garnered 5 stars on the site. One past guest wrote on Tripadvisor, "Our family stayed at Rixos The Palm Dubai for two unforgettable weeks, and it was hands down one of the best vacations we've ever had. From the moment we arrived, everything was seamless, luxurious, and family-friendly."

It's all about location at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The hotel features a private beach, yet it's just a short walk away from nearby bars and restaurants. Its setting also makes it easy to reach mainland Dubai and some of its star attractions. This is an anomaly for Dubai, where taxi travel is the norm. But with a stay here, you won't want to leave. The hotel's understated rooms feature thoughtful upgrades like Lavazza coffee machines, glass water bottles, rain showers, and beautiful views. 

At Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah's pool — which is one of the longest pools in Dubai — guests can head to the swim-up bar for a drink or fare, served quickly and kindly. However, that's just one of the many ways to dine at this resort. The hotel has 10 restaurants and bars, ranging from a Southern-style barbecue joint to a rooftop bar offering Asian fusion eats. You can also elevate your meal with a romantic dinner on the beach, served under a linen-laced gazebo flanked by lanterns.

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is another Dubai hotel with a wow-worthy 5 stars on Tripadvisor, gathered from over 2,000 reviews. One former guest wrote on Tripadvisor, "It takes a lot to impress me (I've been told I am difficult to please!) but I have to say the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah never failed to provide a five-star holiday experience across all areas of its hospitality."

Atlantic The Royal knew how to make an entrance when it debuted its 43-story hotel with six glass towers and a sky bridge — which cost $1.4 billion and took 8 years to build. During its opening, Beyonce performed, Jose Andrés taught a culinary masterclass, Kendall Jenner conducted tequila tastings, and Moët Chandon poured at the ready. Since then, Atlantic The Royal has shown it knows how to offer glamour the second guests walk through the door. 

Its lobby might as well be a modern art museum, filled with waterfalls lined with glass and fire, one of the planet's biggest jellyfish aquariums, and a 5.5-ton sculpture made of steel. The opulence continues from there, as three of Atlantic The Royal's restaurants are Michelin-starred, while another eight have menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. Even the breakfast buffet includes an oyster bar, Asian noodle stations, Neapolitan breakfast pizza, and a chocolate fountain. But don't head there immediately after a stint at the onsite waterpark, the largest on Earth.

With more than 1,000 reviews, Atlantic The Royal has earned 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor. One previous guest wrote on Tripadvisor, "It is not without reason that Atlantis the Royal is one of the best hotels in the world. In my opinion, at least in Dubai, Atlantis the Royal is the best hotel. We have been to Dubai many times and stayed in many different hotels, but never as luxurious as The Royal."

Want to live like Arabian royalty? The décor of Jumeirah Al Qasr is inspired by the stories of the Arabian Nights. It hits the mark with its opulent beachfront palace, a guests-only beach that offers a mile of shoreline, one of the largest pools in the area, and more than 40 restaurants and bars. But before you go, here are the strict alcohol rules tourists need to know before visiting Dubai. Those regal vibes continue in the hotel's 294 guestrooms, featuring carved wood furniture, latticework, ornate drapes, personal furnished terraces, and stunning views. Adorned in extravagant blue and orange tones, detailed columns and plenty of gold notes surround the beds.

Jumeirah Al Qasr has earned 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor through nearly 5,500 reviews, with Tripadvisor users writing comments such as, "Our 3rd time to return to Jumeirah after six years and wow, what an experience, it's hard to put it into words! They go above and beyond from the moment you enter the hotel. The service, staff ... are the best we have experienced — there is nowhere quite like it. 5 stars and above." Ready to book your stay? Here's the best time of year to visit Dubai. 

While most of the hotels on this list serve upscale vibes by the shore, Melia Desert Palm offers a country ambiance in Dubai through its nearly 160-acre polo estate, 400 Arabian thoroughbreds, and two riding schools far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dubai. With a mix of Arabian and Latin cultures and an equestrian ambiance, it's a country-chic destination filled with stallion statues and endless greenery protected by daunting stone walls. 

Be sure to take a guided buggy tour to see the entirety of the property in all its glory, which includes rare white peacocks and award-winning polo ponies. But don't worry — you can still escape from the stifling Arab heat at Melia Desert Palm, thanks to the hotel's long infinity pool as well as private pools for well-paying guests.

The resort has earned 5 stars through more than 1,700 reviews on Tripadvisor, and guests just can't stop raving about it. One former visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "We are staying at Melia Desert Palm for two weeks and the experience is amazing! The service is on the highest level; the facilities are excellent." To find more outdoor fun right outside of the city, check out this scenic mountain escape just minutes from Dubai.

Even if you're not staying at the Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel, you'll know it's a masterpiece. Featuring a unique, eye-catching facade design full of glass and contrasting lines that's a culmination of both modern and traditional styles, it's a sight for sore eyes inspired by the essence of Dubai. Step inside, and the glitz only continues. The hotel features eight dining experiences, including a restaurant run by 11 Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui and an airy hotspot on the top of the building. Even the most basic rooms are bathed in serene, minimalist tones and feature high ceilings, private balconies, killer views, and stone parquet flooring.

The Lana has netted 4.5 stars from more than 400 reviews on Google. "I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Lana Dubai, and it was an incredible experience," one past guest wrote on Google. "From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with outstanding hospitality. The atmosphere of the hotel is breathtaking, with elegant decor and stunning views that truly make you feel like you're in a luxurious paradise." Here's what you need to be aware of as a tourist visiting Dubai. 

In a city as lavish as Dubai, it isn't easy to round up which hotels are truly fit for royalty — or those with especially deep pockets. But Explore did the not-so-dirty work for you by researching which resorts offered the most extravagant features and amenities, like the longest pool in the city, trees covered in bronze, and butlers summoned by gold iPads. 

We also made our choices based on which hotels had the most and best reviews. All these resorts have at least hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews — with the least earning 4.5 stars; some have even earned the legendary 5 stars. Need to cut down on your vacation bill after spending all your money at Dubai's best hotels? Visit these affordable destinations in Dubai.