The top 5 hotels in Dubai

Such is the wealth of excellent hotels in Dubai it was not particularly easy to select just five for special praise. After all, every traveller has their own personal tastes and requirements from a hotel with different facilities fulfilling different needs accordingly. That said I have tried to remain as objective and balanced as possible – so here’s my recommendations as follows: Burj al Arab An obvious choice you might think. As the most expensive hotel to stay at in Dubai the Burj al Arab should really take pride of place in any top 5 list – and there’s no way I could feasibly leave it out. Situated on its own island everything about the Burj screams excess and originality. It might not be to everyone’s tastes but you cannot help but be impressed by anywhere that offers a lead-in room type quite like the Deluxe Suites here. You might pay an awful lot, but you get a lot for it. Signature purples and gold’s are prevalent throughout, marble bathrooms, velvet chaise longues, your own drinks bar, soaring views over the Persian Gulf. This hotel is a rare breed and one where you should definitely believe the hype. Atlantis, the Palm Billed as the world’s most expensive hotel to build, it’s not hard to see why when you see the sheer scope of this luxury family orientated resort favoured by celebrities and stars of the stage and screen. Aquaventure and the Lost Chambers are a giant waterpark and aquatic wonderland respectively whilst Dolphin Bay lends the opportunity to swim with the marine inhabitants. The resort is simply huge with a myriad of pools, restaurants, sports facilities and spa – making it hugely appealing for visitors of all ages and an absolute dream come true for children. One&Only Royal Mirage I adored this resort when I first visited, and on every further visit I’ve been fortunate enough to make. It offers a completely different vibe to Atlantis and the focus here is much more on providing a luxurious experience to those who appreciate the finer things in life. Guest rooms are evocatively reminiscent of Arabian Nights and split between three distinct resort wings of The Palace, Arabian Court and the Residences. The Beach Bar and Grill is a gorgeous setting for a candlelit meal with your loved one. Think twinkling fountains, soft piano music and outstanding service and you’re halfway to appreciating the appeal. Madinat Jumeirah This is just a gorgeous place to stay. Like One&Only it is split into three resort wings of equally alluring proposition. Whether you choose Al Qasr, Mina a Salam or the romantic Arabian Summerhouses of Dar al Masyaf you’ll be charmed by the ambience and swagger of this luxury beachfront resort. Use the chauffeured authentic Abra boat to navigate between restaurants and resort wings utilising all that the resort has to offer in terms of facilities and leisure pursuits. Make sure you call by the spa for a treatment and remember that the kids can use an outstanding club for younger guests at the (also very nice) Jumeirah Beach Hotel located just a little further along the beach. Kempinski Hotel & Residences Managed by the same group as Abu Dhabi’s epic Emirates Palace, this sparkling addition to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is opulent, sleek and palatial where superior One Bedroom Suites are the lead-in room type and the outstanding Brunello Italian palazzo restaurant is a dining delight. A 500m private beach, 1200 sqm freeform swimming pool and outstanding luxury spa are other highlights in a resort that offers a compelling package to discerning clientele as well as a prestigious enclave for honeymoon couples seeking somewhere extra special for their one time nuptial celebrations. Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.