Dubai has grown from a minor desert city to one of the most important metropolis in the world in just a few decades. Even these days, the city still grows at an incredible rate and new neighborhoods emerge out of the desert. And other, formally unimportant areas of Dubai grow into modern areas. If you plan a trip to the UAE, you may ask yourself where to stay in Dubai. Due to the size of the city, your travel preferences greatly influence the best area to stay in Dubai for you.
There are many areas in Dubai for tourists but each one caters to a different target group. And you don’t want to end up in the wrong area that is completely out of your budget or off the beach if you actually plan to spend your days under the hot sun. We created a recommendation engine that will tell you the best area to stay in Dubai in 2020 based on your preferences.
Are you visiting Dubai only for a short time? Read our Dubai one day itinerary to find out the must-visit spots in Dubai here.
Just answer the five multiple-choice questions about your travel style and your expectations from your trip to Dubai. Our recommendation engine will tell you the best area to stay in Dubai for you. We also picked out a few hotel recommendations in Dubai in 2020 for every budget and each area. We will not store any answers that you are selecting in the tool and we will not ask an e-mail address for you. If you prefer to skip the recommendation tool, scroll down or click here to jump down to the overview of the best tourist areas in Dubai in 2020.
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Overview of the best areas to stay in Dubai 2020
– Dubai Marina – The best area to stay in Dubai for beach lovers and nightlife
– Jumeirah Beach – the best area in Dubai for a family beach holiday
– Al Barsha – A great and cheaper alternative to Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach
– Downtown Dubai – The best area to stay in Dubai for tourists
– Bur Dubai – Where to stay in Dubai on a budget
– Deira – Where to stay in Dubai on a layover
– The Palm Jumeirah – The best area to stay in Dubai for a luxury holiday
Map of the best areas to stay in Dubai
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is the perfect area in Dubai for you if you plan a beach holiday and want to experience Dubai’s nightlife.
Dubai Marina is the westernmost touristic area in Dubai. The new and modern neighborhood consists of a range of high-rise buildings around a beautiful artificial creek. Dubai Marina is close to the beach and therefore ideal if you are planning a beach holiday in Dubai. Since many international expats in Dubai call Marina their home, it is also the best area in Dubai if you want to go out in the evening and experience the nightlife in Dubai.
Dubai Marina is located around 30km from Dubai Downtown and many of the sights and activities. If you plan a lot of sightseeing, you may be better off staying somewhere closer to Downtown Dubai. However, Dubai Marina is connected to the Dubai Metro and taxi rides to the city center are quite affordable.
Where to stay in Dubai Marina
Mid-Range – Millennium Place Dubai Marina
The Millennium Place Dubai Marina is located just a 5-minute walk from Marina Mall and 10 minutes from the beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence. The metro station is also just a short walk away. It is therefore the perfect hotel for all those who want to spend some time at the beach but also want to explore the city center by public transport. In addition, the location in the heart of Dubai Marina makes this a great place to experience Dubai’s nightlife.
In addition to the great location, the hotel offers some amazing views over the Marina area from most rooms as well as from their pool. Rates per room start at 90 USD. Check the prices for your dates here on booking.com
Mid-Range – Rove Dubai Marina
The Rove Dubai Marina is located on the eastern part of Dubai Marina. The beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence is only a short 5-10-minute walk away. Ideal for beach lovers. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to Marina Mall and the metro station every two hours throughout the day. There are several good restaurants close by and the nightlife area of Dubai is also just a quick walk down the creek. Rates per room start at 80 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Upscale – Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments
The Grosvenor House is one of the top 5 star hotels in Dubai Marina. The two iconic towers in the west of the Marina offers some of the most incredible views over the area. Make sure to check out the incredible views from Bar 44 inside the hotel, one of the best rooftop bars in Dubai.
The beach is just a short 10-minute walk away and a taxi ride into town or to the airport takes no longer than 30 minutes. Rates start at 220 USD per room. Check the prices for your dates here.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is the ideal area in Dubai for families and beach lovers who are looking for some real relaxation.
The area of Jumeirah Beach in the West of Dubai stretches several miles along the coast of Dubai. Jumeirah Beach offers a wide range of hotels for every budget. One of the most iconic hotels in Jumeirah Beach is the famous Burj al Arab Hotel, world’s most expensive hotel. A night there is deinitely one of the most luxurious travel experiences in the world. But you can also find many affordable high-quality hotels here.
Where to stay in Jumeirah Beach
Mid-Range – JA Ocean View Hotel
The JA Ocean View Hotel is a five star hotel located in the eastern part of Jumeirah Beach, at the beachfront of Dubai Marina. In addition to direct beach access, the hotel also offers a large swimming pool. All rooms of this hotel with impeccable reviews offer scenic views over the ocean. Prices for a double room start at 120 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Park Regis Boutique Hotel
The Park Regis Boutique Hotel is located just a few steps from the Jumeirah Public Beach. The proximity to the beach makes this a great affordable familiy hotel in Jumeirah Beach. The Park Regis is located in the western part of the Jumeirah Beach area. Families will especially like to proximity to the famous Wild Wadi Waterpark which is just a short walk away. Prices for a family room start at 140 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Upscale – Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels for families in Dubai. It is located right by the sea and even has its own private beach. This family-friendly hotel in Jumeirah Beach offers several children’s play areas and a kid friendly pool. All guests staying at the hotel even receive free access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark nearby. Prices start at 270 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
High-end luxury – Burj al Arab, world’s best hotel
The Burj al Arab is one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world. The sail-shaped seven star hotel will make any wish come true for you. Prices per night start at 1,200 USD per room.
Al Barsha
The Al Barsha area has been modernized in 2019 and is now a great and cheaper alternative to Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach.
The neighborhood of Al Barsha is located west of Dubai Downtown, just off the beach behind Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach. The Al Barsha neighborhood has been greatly transformed in 2019 and is now a high-quality alternative to Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach. While you will not have the luxury of a two minute walk to the beach from Al Barsha, hotel prices are lower than in the neighboring areas and the beach is just a short and cheap taxi ride away.
Due to the great metro connection, you can also reach Downtown Dubai by public transport.
Where to stay in Al Barsha
Budget – Hampton By Hilton Dubai Al Barsha
The Hampton By Hilton Dubai Al Barsha offers an incredible value for money in a great location. It is located right by the Sharaf DG metro station from where you can go straight to the Marina and Jumeirah Beach or to Downtown Dubai. Prices including breakfast start at 65 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Flora Al Barsha Hotel
The Flora al Barsha Hotel is located right next to the Mall of the Emirates. From the metro station at the mall, you can also move on to the other areas of Dubai. This well-rated four star hotel is conveniently located between the Jumeirah Beach area and Downtown Dubai. It is therefore ideal, if you want to explore both parts of Dubai without spending a fortune on an upscale hotel experience. Prices in the high-season start at 110 USD per room. Check the rates for your dates here.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is the area in which most of the iconic skyscrapers are located. It is the perfect area for you if your trip to Dubai is all about exploring and sightseeing.
In Downtown Dubai, you are staying right in the heart of Dubai. Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world is right as your doorsteps. Just like the Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main highway that is lined with beautiful high-rise buildings on both sides – many of the hotels.
You should stay in Downtown Dubai if you want to be active during your time in Dubai and explore all the main sights. It is also the best area in Dubai for families that are not only looking for a beach holiday.
Where to stay in Downtown Dubai 2020?
Mid-Range – Damac Maison Distinction
What could feel more like a relaxing holiday in Dubai than having a refreshing dip into the swimming pool while overlooking the impressive Burj Dubai and the rest of Downtown Dubai’s skyline? At the Damac Maison Distinction, you can fulfil that dream. Prices per room start at 120 USD in the high-season. Check the prices for your dates here.
Upscale – Sofitel Dubai Downtown
The Sofitel Dubai Downtown is located right next to the Burj Khalifa metro station. The Sofitel will be your perfect base to explore all the sights of Dubai. In the evening, you can take a short walk to the fountain show in front of Burj Khalifa. Prices for this luxurious five star hotel start at 280 USD in the high-season. Check the prices for your dates here.
Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is the best area to stay in Dubai if you are on a budget. It is one of the few older, more traditional areas of Dubai.
Bur Dubai is conveniently located between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Downtown. Since most buildings in here are a bit older than in the newer areas, you can find some great budget hotels in the area.
In addition to the proximity to the airport, the Dubai Gold Souq and Dubai Creek will just be a short walk from your hotel. If you plan to visit other cities in the United Arab Emirates like Abu Dhabi or Al Ain by public transport, most busses will conveniently start at Al Ghubaiba bus station in Bur Dubai.
Where to stay in Bur Dubai in 2020?
Budget – Capital O 167 Moon Valley Hotel Apartment
This well-rated apartment is a great budget accomodation option for your stay in Dubai. The location of the hotel right next to Burjuman Metro Station enables you to explore Dubai with the cheap public transport. Dubai Creek and the Gold Souq in Deira is also in walking distance. The price for the apartment starts at 50 USD per night. Check the rate for your dates here.
Deira
Deira is the best area to stay in Dubai close to the airport. Dubai International Airport is just a 15-minute taxi or metro ride away from most hotels in Deira.
Therefore, staying in Deira is ideal, if you are in Dubai on a stopover or just a short layover between flights. The area of Deira itself is more traditional than Downtown, Marina or Jumeirah. This means, that you can find some great Dubai budget hotels in Deira.
However, there are also several upscale or luxury hotels in Deira by Dubai Creek as well as nice restaurants.
Where to stay in Deira
Budget – OYO 314 24 Gold Hotel
This is one of the best budget hotel options in Dubai. It is located in the heart of the Dubai Gold Souq. You can also find several cheap eateries close to the hotel and the Al Ras Metro Station is about 10 minutes’ walk away. Prices for a double room with air conditioning start at 35 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District
If you have an early morning flight or if you want to explore Dubai on a short stopover, the Hyatt Place in Deira is a great mid-range hotel option. It offers a convenient metro access and is well-rated among travelers. Prices per room start at 90 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
The Palm Jumeirah
The Palm is an artificial palm-shaped island located close to Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach. The Palm is the best area to stay in Dubai if you are planning a luxury holiday.
While staying in a five star hotel in the Palm Jumeirah certainly has its price, it is also a unique place to spend your holiday. How many people can say that they’ve spent a night on an artificial island in the shape of a palm?
The best hotels at the Palm Jumeirah
Upscale – Royal Central Hotel The Palm
The Royal Central is located on the outer ring of the Jumeirah Palm and is a great option if you want to fulfil your dream of staying in a luxury five-star hotel at the Palm Jumeirah without breaking your bank. Prices per room start at 250 USD. Check the prices for your dates here.
Luxury – Atlantis The Palm
The Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah is definitely the most iconic hotel on the palm. The hotel offers a private beach, several restaurants, play areas for children, shopping occations and much more. Prices per room start at 350 USD. Check the rates for your dates here.
Map of the best areas to stay in Dubai
Below, you can find all tourist areas of Dubai on a map. You can click on the color coded areas and see the name of the neighborhood.
From east to west, it shows the following areas: Dubai Marina (red), The Palm Jumeirah (black), Jumeirah Beach (yellow), Downtown Dubai (blue), Bur Dubai (brown), Deira (green)
We hope we have been able to help you find the perfect area to stay in Dubai in 2020. If you are also planning a trip to Abu Dhabi after Dubai, check out this guide on how to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Have you traveled to Dubai before and have any hotel recommendations you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comment section below.
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