The Burj Al Arab, which means the Tower of Arabia, is one of the world's only seven-star hotels. The hotel that houses the Burj al-Arab is so exceptional that experts agree that it deserves more than five stars. Erected by British architect Tom Wright in 1999, this skyscraper is built on an artificial island that gives it the appearance of rising out of the water at a height of over 320 metres.
Dubai never ceases to impress us with its buildings. From the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, to its artificial islands, including The Palm archipelago in the shape of palm trees, to its incredible open-air spectacles such as the Dubai Fountains, a trip to the city of the United Arab Emirates is a sight to behold. And when you return to your hotel in the evening, the show goes on, as the city's hotels compete to offer tourists the most grandiose experience possible. This starts with the architecture, but also with the decoration and services. From hotels straight out of a tale from the Arabian Nights to establishments designed by the greatest haute couture fashion designers, Dubai knows how to make a stay unforgettable. Here is our selection of the 10 most impressive hotels in the city.
- 1 - Burj Al Arab, the world's only 7-star hotel
- 2 - Atlantis, The Palm, the most enchanting
- 3 - W Dubai, everyday well-being
- 4 - Raffle Dubai, a glass pyramid
- 5 - Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, the most Moroccan of them all
- 6 - Address Sky View, the Burj Khalifa's rival
- 7 - One&Only Royal Mirage, a palace with the longest private beach
- 8 - Palace Downtown, straight out of the Arabian Nights
- 9 - Palazzo Versace Dubai, the height of haute couture
- 10 - Armani Hotel Dubai: sleep in the world's tallest tower
1 - Burj Al Arab, the world's only 7-star hotel
Its sail-shaped structure has been designed so that its shadow does not cover the beach. A fortiori, the excessiveness is even expressed in the price of the rooms. While the hotel has hundreds of diplomatic, presidential and royal suites, the 'cheapest' night costs a modest €1,200.
It has two swimming pools and a spa with hammam, jacuzzi and saunas. There areseveral restaurants, bars and lounges where you can enjoy a drink or a cup of tea, and the SkyView bar offers a breathtaking view of Dubai. Guided tours of the Burj-al-Arab have recently been introduced.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah 7*
The epitome of luxury, it is the only hotel in the world to be considered a 7-star hotel, built on its own artificial island in Jumeirah.2 - Atlantis, The Palm, the most enchanting
Located on the palm-shaped island of The Palm, the Atlantis hotel appears like a mirage in the distance, and as soon as night falls, it becomes a fairytale. Its sandy-beige, oriental-style architecture sets the tone. As you enter the hotel, you'll be impressed by the central pool, home to a 10-metre-high sculpture.
The hotel's extensive facilities include a number of shops and Michelin-starred restaurants. The hotel caters for young and old alike, with an aquarium and the world's largest water park. And to top it all off, you can even swim with the dolphins!
The rooms are decorated in a modern, navy style and all have a balcony. King-size beds, family rooms or deluxe suites, the choice is yours. You'll have a seating area and all the facilities you need in your room.
Atlantis, The Palm 5* / Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm is a landmark in Dubai. An ideal hotel that will leave couples and families with unforgettable memories.3 - W Dubai, everyday well-being
The Palm Island never ceases to amaze us with its luxury hotels. This time, it's the W Dubai that catches our eye. Built on the edge of the beach, its design with staircase terraces gives it the air of a cruise ship. The hotel has 350 rooms, and will open in 2019. From the "fabulous room with sea view" to the "marvellous suite with jacuzzi", tourists can only feel lucky to have set foot in this establishment.
In terms of services, the hotel also focuses on the well-being of its guests, with a spa offering 10 treatment rooms, a wellness area for couples, a hammam and a sauna. Outside, there are several wave pools to cool off in.
W Dubai - The Palm 5*
Built right on the beach, its design with staircase terraces gives it the air of a cruise ship.4 - Raffle Dubai, a glass pyramid
The Raffle Dubai opened in 2005 but continues to impress with its design. Its all-glass façade is built in the shape of a pyramid. And this sets the tone for the spirit and atmosphere inside, as the Egyptian theme is firmly anchored in the walls of the hotel and in the services - the spa, for example, offers an Egyptian Gold treatment with gold leaf.
In the rooms, the architectural and decorative elements perfectly create the Egyptian atmosphere. Each room has a balcony and can accommodate more than two people. Rooms located on the Downtown Dubai axis offer a breathtaking view of the skyline and its skyscrapers.
A swimming pool, gym, saunas and hammams allow guests to relax and enjoy the hotel, which is located not far from the Wafi shopping centre, itself built as a tribute to Egypt. Finally, seven restaurants offer a wide choice of international dishes.
Raffle Dubai 5*
Egypt is firmly rooted in the hotel's walls and services, with the spa offering an Egyptian Gold treatment with gold leaf.5 - Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, the most Moroccan of them all
Located in the Discovery Gardens district, not far from the port of Dubai, the name of the Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai hotel pays tribute to the Arab explorer Ibn Battûta. The hotel's 4 restaurants offer a range of international culinary delights to highlight the explorer's journey.
There are several types of room on offer, some of which can accommodate up to 6 people and are all decorated in a modern Moroccan style. Moroccan craftsmanship can also be seen in the hotel's public areas, with mosaics and lanterns, as in the lobby, for example. The lobby impresses with its high ceilings. There is a spa and two swimming pools, and the rooftop pool offers a panoramic view of the city. Expect to pay at least €139 per night.
Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubaï 5*
A spa and two swimming pools delight guests, while the rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the city.6 - Address Sky View, the Burj Khalifa's rival
This hotel is made up of two twin towers linked by a platform 219 metres high. The double and family rooms are very spacious, with a seating area and a balcony offering a view of the skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai and, for some, a view of the Burj Khalifa. In terms of services, a gym, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool on the 54th floor are very popular with guests, offering a breathtaking view of the city's skyscrapers.
The architecture of this all-glass building makes for an unforgettable experience. Surprises and sensations await tourists who book at this hotel. They will have access to a platform, called Sky Views Observatory, located on the 53rd floor, offering a panoramic view of the city and the Burj Khalifa.
To get up there, a glass lift offers a breathtaking view of Downtown Dubai, with the sensation of gliding through the air as you ascend to the 53rd floor. But the highlight of the visit is the spectacular Sky Glass Slide. Built on the outside of the building, this slide is also made entirely of glass and allows you to descend one floor. Inside, the style is sober and uncluttered.
Address Sky View 5*
Surprises and sensations await tourists who book at this hotel.7 - One&Only Royal Mirage, a palace with the longest private beach
This sumptuous palace is one of the oldest in the new city of Dubai. It has undoubtedly inspired many other resorts with its modern oriental architecture and wide open spaces. Set in 25 hectares of flower-filled gardens, the hotel also boasts a long swimming pool overlooking the beach. The beach itself is the hotel's main attraction, stretching for 1.5 km and offering guests the chance to take advantage of this private space to relax, enjoy a drink at the beach bar or dine with their feet in the sand.
The rooms are also very spacious. Decorated in a refined oriental style, they have balconies and some even a patio and terrace. Expect to pay at least €500 per night.
Children are also welcome at this hotel, with all kinds of activities available at the Kid's Club, including golf, giant chess or even water sports such as kayaking or sailing. The spa is one of the services most appreciated by travellers for its top-of-the-range products.
One&Only Royal Mirage
This sumptuous palace boasts the longest private beach in the world.8 - Palace Downtown, straight out of the Arabian Nights
Entering the Palace Downtown is a little like living in a fairytale from the Arabian Nights. Its typical architecture stems from the fact that the hotel is housed in a traditional palace. Inside, the rooms and communal areas are decorated in an oriental style.
Ideally located in Downtown Dubai, the hotel overlooks the Burj Khalifa lake and the fountains that can be enjoyed from the palace's terraces.
The hotel's four restaurants offer cuisine with flavours from around the world, from Middle Eastern dishes to Argentinean delicacies and Thai cuisine, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The huge swimming pool, lined with palm trees and deckchairs, faces the hotel and its oriental architecture, so this spot is sure to delight Instagram photo enthusiasts. A spa, gym and personal coaching service are also available.
Palace Downtown
Entering the Palace Downtown is a bit like living in a fairytale from the Arabian Nights.9 - Palazzo Versace Dubai, the height of haute couture
This 5-star hotel immerses its guests in the world of Donatella Versace, the Italian haute-couture fashion designer. The hotel was built under her direction. With excess as the watchword, the designers spared no architectural expense to make this hotel the image of the brand. From the floors to the furniture and fabrics, Versace motifs are omnipresent.
The double rooms are very spacious, with a minimum surface area of 50 m². With a balcony overlooking the creek, a mini bar and Versace toiletries, comfort and luxury are one and the same. Outside, a swimming pool adorned with mosaics and lined with palm trees is accessible all day long. There are 8 bars and restaurants where you can dine or have a drink while admiring the hotel's Italian style.
A total of 120,000 m of fabric, 40,000 m² of marble and 12,000 pieces of furniture were used. Built in the spirit of a 16th-century Italian palace, the rooms feature high ceilings, white columns and marble floors. As you enter the lobby, you'll discover a 3-tonne hand-blown crystal chandelier. An impressive sight.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
This 5-star hotel immerses guests in the world of Donatella Versace, the Italian haute-couture fashion designer.10 - Armani Hotel Dubai: sleep in the world's tallest tower
Located in the Burj Khalifa, the Armani Hotel Dubai 's architecture and decor combine the elegance and sobriety that characterise the brand. The rooms and suites can accommodate 2 or 3 people and occupy 11 floors of the Burj Khalifa tower. The floors are decorated with Japanese tatami mats and some have Giorgio Armani fittings, while others, such as the suite overlooking the Dubai fountains, have been personally designed by the designer.
A spa and swimming pool offer guests the chance to relax at the hotel, while the Armani Privé club invites guests to one of Dubai's most popular evening events. When it comes to gastronomy, there is plenty to choose from, with 7 restaurants offering dishes from all over the world in keeping with the refined lines of the brand.