Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by Jamie Marshall
The Emirate of Dubai is the perfect amalgamation of traditional culture and modern comforts that far exceed the traveler’s expectations; incredible shopping, a thriving night life and some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels in Dubai make this city a popular tourist attraction for thousands of visitors every year.
While luxury means different things to different people, there is a distinct difference between what many hospitality experts term as ‘mass affluent’ and ‘luxurious’. Where the former usually offers everything the term ‘luxury’ brings to mind, including fine dining, exclusively designed interiors and impeccable service, the latter refers to a passion and a personal touch that cannot be standardized or mass produced. True luxury brands are not necessarily consistent or even perfect but are highly individualized, with emphasis placed on ‘the touch of hand’. Many hospitality experts, who rate luxury hotels, argue that the attitude, behavior and demeanor of hotel staff and management, in addition to expected comforts, is the key to making guests feel special and valued.
Our choices for the top luxury hotels in Dubai offer superb venues, breathtaking interiors and décor, an array of exceptional dining and shopping options, efficient service and wonderful staff that go beyond the call of duty to ensure that guests have a very memorable stay at their hotel.
Burj-Al-Arab
This sail-shaped icon of Dubai epitomizes Arabian hospitality in a modern, awe-inspiring setting. While this seven-star hotel is stunning in every aspect, it is the service and amenities that set it apart in a class of its own. Guests can avail of a helicopter ride from the airport that takes them to the helipad on the roof, perched about 200m above sea level. The hotel also offers an optional chauffer-driven Rolls-Royce for guests. All 202 luxury suites are two storied with a spiral staircase and a host of personal butlers who are both warm and discreet. In addition to the gorgeous accommodation, the Burj-Al-Arab also offers guests an array of dining options from eight world-class restaurants and bars, two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools, a spa and health club and complimentary access to the adjacent Wild Wadi water park for the duration of their stay.
Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa
Designed and developed by Giorgio Armani, the Armani Hotel is an elegant and sophisticated blend of the designer’s impeccable style in a unique setting. Located in the world’s tallest building, each element of the hotel reflects the designer’s personal taste from the immaculate stone floors to the zebrawood paneling and custom designed furnishings. The hotel has its own dedicated entrance to the tower and occupies the floors from the concourse level to Level 8 and Levels 38 and 39 of the iconic tower. The hotel features a host of signature Armani suites, eight exclusive dining options featuring cuisines from around the world, a selection of the designer’s carefully selected products from his own retail outlets and a 12,000 sqft spa that offers a variety of personalized treatments that boast the ultimate in luxury.
Atlantis, The Palm
A crowning glory, rising from the coastline of the world’s largest man-made islands, Atlantis is located on the world renowned Palm Islands, surrounded by the majestic Arabian Gulf. Popular with guest and visitors for its salt and fresh water attractions, The Atlantis offers over 1500 guest accommodations to visitors at the Royal Tower, complimented by a wide choice of over 16 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges set amidst the tropical landscapes overlooking the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf. This ultimate resort destination offers guests a variety of ocean-themed delights including Aquaventure, a water playground with exhilarating rides, The Ambassador Lagoon, a marine habitat that is home to many different species of aquatic wildlife and the Dolphin Bay, an educational and conservation center for dolphins that offers guests the opportunity to interact and learn about these fabulous creatures.
The One&Only Royal Mirage
Comprising of three distinct environments, The Palace, The Arabian Court and the Residence & Spa, the Royal Mirage boasts the ultimate in supreme luxury. It offers guests a choice of 231 rooms, of which 35 are suites, all of which face the sea with their own private balcony. Rooms are decorated in contemporary style with a splash of vibrant colors for an Arabian twist. These are set amidst gorgeous landscaped gardens with palm shaded pools, reflecting pools and fountains, all of which enhance the calm and serenity of this outstanding resort hotel. The hotel offers an impressive array of sporting activities with a fully supervised KidsClub for children up to the age of 11 years.
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Nestled in a lush palm oasis deep in the heart of Dubai’s desert landscape, this hidden resort is named after the Arabian onyx, a legend of the desert. Designed to resemble a traditional Bedouin encampment, Al Maha offers suites with understated elegance equipped with all the modern facilities and furnished with rare collections of original regional artworks and antiques. The hotel offers a range of ecological activities including guided hiking trips to view the abundant local flora and fauna, a thrilling Desert Safari ride into the more secluded parts of the Al Maha reserve and horseback riding. Children below the age of ten are not allowed at this exclusive resort hotel.
Kempinsky Hotel and Residences, Palm Jumeirah
Boasting 500m of private beach, this hotel resort is brimming with perks and services designed for the most discerning guest. Offering guests a choice of exclusive suites, penthouses and villas, the Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah also offers a host of other amenities including several European-styled bars and restaurants, a fully temperature controlled 1200m2 swimming pool, a Kids Club and a luxurious spa center where highly trained spa technicians offer a range of relaxing treatments.
The Address, Downtown Dubai
Located in the heart of bustling downtown Dubai, this 63 storey structure has magnificent views of the Burj Khalifa and the stunning Dubai Fountains. The Address also offers a variety of cuisines for the discerning palette, a fully equipped, 24-hour fitness center, the Qix Club children’s program and an indulgent infinity pool with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains. The luxurious spa facility offers several remedies to soothe away stress and discomfort by knowledgeable and well-trained staff.
These luxury hotels in Dubai offer every conceivable amenity to make the visitor’s stay a memorable one and this experience is greatly enhanced by the professionalism, courteousness and discretion of the hotel staff and management who strive to make every visitor and guest feel welcome and special.