Dubai is home to many of the world’s most impressive hotels, which can make the dazzling city seem like an intimidating place to visit if you happen to be the owner of a well-worn backpack instead of a well-worn, unlimited American Express card. But a wise traveler knows that, just like other alluring cities in the world, Dubai also has a shoulder season that can make your vacation much more affordable. The season, which is influenced by the country’s geography, starts in late spring and continues through the summer when temperatures can soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Here, eight Dubai hotels that you can stay in for $100 or less a night (and don’t worry, they all have air conditioning!).
Rates are priced for June.
Located on the city’s largest white sand beach (and home to one of the coolest beach bars in Dubai), Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Spa offers a family-friendly atmosphere while still managing to maintain its grandeur. In addition to 220 rooms, a tennis and volleyball court, fitness center, swim-up bar, and two pools for kids, guests will also enjoy the many upscale restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and beaches in the vibrant Dubai Marina neighborhood. As for kid-friendly activities, the hotel has an extensive water sports program, which includes access to sailboats, kayaks, paddle boards, scuba gear, and more.
Located on the outskirts of downtown Dubai, Four Points by Sheraton gives travelers the familiar comfort of a world-class brand and the undeniable perks of a great location. For lunch, guests can dine at one of three hotel restaurants or take a walk down Al Mankhool Road to find a cheap shawarma before catching the complimentary shuttle service to many popular attractions in town.
When one isn’t racing through the desert dunes on a safari, indulging in a Champagne brunch, or getting lost in the mega malls that are scattered across the city, they’re welcome to lounge by the rooftop pool or exercise in the modern fitness center. For only $56 per night, the classic king room comes with all of the amenities of the Sheraton brand, making this four-star hotel’s price tag one of the best in town.
Located in the heart of the Old Dubai, the XVA Art Hotel is perfectly positioned for guests who came to experience the country’s authentic culture. Formerly a large residential mansion, the stunning 19th-century building now houses an awe-inspiring art gallery and boutique hotel, which celebrates local, Arabian artists. XVA’s 13 rooms weren’t designed as a place to simply stash your things and shut your eyes, though. Instead of TVs, the rooms are adorned with local art and statement pieces that are meant to be enjoyed without distraction. The hotel also offers a popular vegetarian restaurant, rooftop oasis perfect for unwinding after a long day, and movies in the main courtyard every evening.
One of the hotel’s most notable features is that it’s just a four-minute walk from the Dubai Museum, where visitors can explore the U.A.E.’s past and present history. From there, you can hop on a dhow boat for a quick cruise across Dubai Creek or spend the day overwhelming your senses in the silk and gold souks.
Of all the areas to stay in when you visit Dubai, the exciting Sheikh Zayed Road, where Millennium Plaza Hotel is located, is a must. From the room window, marvel at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, as well as the glowing lights that race along the ten-lane highway below.
The hotel, which marks the skyline at a whopping 63 stories, is a true reflection of the city’s go big or go home ego. It features 398 spacious rooms and a large rooftop pool. For those traveling for business, there are ten modern conference and meeting rooms. The hotel’s location also places guests within walking distance to the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai Mall, Dubai World Trade Centre, and a central SkyTrain station.
Just a few skyscrapers away, the Crowne Plaza Hotel provides guests with the same perks of a central location, but with more rooms than the Millennium Plaza Hotel. The building is only 23 stories tall, but offers a diverse selection of rooms (568 to be exact), from the standard and executive suites to the three-bedroom apartments. Here, the amenities leave little to be desired.
Guests won’t tire of dining at any of the 13 international on-site restaurants, cafes, and bars (one of the best clubs in town, Zinc, is conveniently located on the first level). But that’s not all. With a relaxing outdoor pool, sauna and spa, and fitness center, the hotel is well-suited for those traveling for business and pleasure. If you’re looking to host an event, conference, or wedding, the space has you covered with 15 meeting rooms, an enormous ballroom, and banquet hall.
For those who came for the impressive shopping malls, BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana is conveniently located inside the high-end BurJuman shopping center. Shop till you drop, cool off in the swimming pool, or dine at the hotel’s restaurant, The Gallery. The upscale, contemporary hotel houses 148 rooms. Guests can choose to stay in either a classic, deluxe, or premium suite, three-bedroom townhouse, or four-bedroom penthouse. Strategically situated half-way between the airport and downtown, the hotel is a solid option for travelers who may not have a long layover.
We make our way back to Sheikh Zayed Road. The second Four Points by Sheraton hotel on our list is another steal for budget travelers (it’s offering a classic king room for $88 per night as part of a summer special). This well-known hotel features 384 rooms that come with their own balconies, plus a rooftop terrace and 43rd floor bar that’s perfect for late-night cocktails and sweeping views of the city. The bar, aptly named Level 43, fills up fast with Dubai expats. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s Moroccan or Italian restaurants, complimentary airport shuttles, and free WiFi.
With a combination of residential apartments and high-end hotels, the Dubai Marina is another top area to stay in. Located close to the busy JBR Walk and Persian Gulf, guests wont have to go far from the Ramada Plaza Jumeriah Beach Residence to experience some of the finest restaurants or enjoy a swim in the ocean. With the business traveler in mind, the hotel, which has 356 studios, apartments, and suites, also features a modern meeting space on the 35th floor. This includes an open terrace, two small boardrooms and one large conference room, AV equipment, free WiFi, and much more.
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