Hotels in Dubai

Staying in Dubai

Dubai is a city you choose by zone. It stretches along the Gulf in one long strip, and distances matter: the neighbourhood of your hotel sets the rhythm of your trip. On one side, the beaches of the Marina, JBR, Jumeirah and the Palm; in the middle, Downtown and Business Bay, around the great tower and the malls; on the other, the old city of Deira and Bur Dubai on either side of the Creek. The metro links the main zones, taxis are everywhere, and the international airport is served by both.

For a Moroccan traveller, Dubai is an easy destination: direct flights from Casablanca, halal food everywhere, Arabic understood in the street and English as the working language of hotels. The pleasant season runs from autumn to spring; it is also the busiest, especially during school holidays and religious festivals. Summer is very hot and humid: life then moves between the pool, air-conditioned malls and evening outings, and hotels often have more availability. Whether you come for the beach, the attractions or the shopping, the zone to favour is not the same.

Where to stay in Dubai

• Marina and JBR

  The liveliest seafront: hotel towers along a promenade, restaurants, and a beach within walking distance of many properties. Ideal if your days alternate between sea and pool; traffic is heavy in the late afternoon.

• Downtown and Business Bay

  The heart of the attractions: the great tower, the neighbouring mall and the fountains. Upscale and business hotels in Downtown, newer addresses and apart-hotels in Business Bay, with no beach on site.

• Deira and Bur Dubai

  The old city around the Creek: gold and spice souks, abra crossings, family restaurants. Simpler, more affordable hotels, close to the airport and well served by the metro.

• Jumeirah and the Palm

  Self-contained resorts with a private beach, large pools and kids' clubs. Days are spent on site; every outing means a taxi, or the monorail on the Palm.

Good to know before you book

• 'Sea view' does not mean 'direct beach access': check whether the beach is private, public, or reached by shuttle or through a partner beach club.
• A metro station within walking distance changes everything: it saves taxis and makes Marina–Downtown–airport trips simple, even in the heat.
• With children, ask for a family room or a suite with a kitchenette, and check that breakfast is included: hotel meals quickly add up.

Questions about Dubai

Frequently asked questions