The ever-popular destination of Dubai has the world’s highest hotel occupancy rates, so it makes sense that new accommodations are always upcoming, with each one bigger, better, more innovative and modern, and undeniably more luxurious than the last. With so many 5-star properties in Dubai, it’s difficult for travelers to know which to choose. So, in no particular order, here are Go GlobeHopper’s 10 most outstanding 5-star properties.
Atlantis
One of the most identifiable luxury hotels in the UAE is Atlantis, which sits on the man-made Palm Island. This hotel is the sister property to Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The hotel includes the iconic Aquaventure Water Park and a massive lagoon that is home to a variety of fish and sea mammals. The hotel features 11 signature restaurants and buffets, a variety of bars, a fitness center and spa, a salon, a nightclub with live entertainment, and much more. Luxury accommodations range from the standard king and queen rooms to multi-bedroom specialty suites, including the palatial Royal Bridge Suite and signature underwater suites.
Burj Al Arab
This is an architectural wonder with the shape of a sail and has become a Dubai icon that is featured in countless photos. It’s the world’s ONLY 7-star hotel and is built atop a man-made island. It is the 4th tallest hotel in the world and includes 9 restaurants & bars, a fitness center complete with trainers, private butler service, watersports, yoga, a kid’s club, and a water park, plus helicopter service that delivers guests from the mainland to the hotel. Dream car rentals are also provided. Luxury accommodations extend from deluxe one-bedroom sky suites to 2 and 3 -bedroom family suites, to presidential and royal suites with every imaginable amenity.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Built to complement the sail design of Burj Al Arab which can be seen in the background, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel takes the shape of an ocean wave and features a whopping 20 restaurants and bars.
The hotel contains 598 rooms and suites plus 19 beachfront villas. The hotel comes with unique and interesting features such as a private beach measuring 364,000 square ft of beach and Wild Wadi Water Park. A variety of accommodations include everything from a standard room to a 3-bedroom ocean-view suite.
Rixos The Palm Dubai
This high-end all-inclusive beach resort offers the city’s most spectacular views including the skyline of the Dubai Marina and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
The opulent hotel features 316 rooms and suites tastefully decorated in hues of rich cream with gold accents and dark wood furniture in a blend of comfort and elegance. There is an endless list of property amenities that include a variety of restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a sauna, fitness classes, a salon and spa, a swim-up bar, live entertainment, onsite shopping, laundry service, and on and on. Accommodations range from deluxe rooms to an opulent penthouse suite.
Armani Hotel
The very name of this hotel stands out in the crowd. Celebrated designer Giorgio Armani is the man behind these accommodations which occupy eight floors of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Armani personally oversaw quite literally everything associated with this hotel so it’s no surprise that his high standards make this hotel positively stunning. Ultra-modern, ultra-chic with maximum sophistication, this property contains 5 restaurants and 2 lounges, a spa, retail outlets, and even some residences. Extravagant accommodations start with standard double rooms and escalate to an Armani Signature Suite.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai
The very name drips with luxury. This hotel is located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah and features a 200-meter-long private beach along with a laundry list of amenities and activities, including 6 restaurants, several lounges, 2 temperature-controlled swimming pools, and watersports.
Also found here is the Waldorf Astoria Spa, featuring a lush garden and an array of spa treatments. Six different room configurations and 5 different suite options feature stunning views and are elegantly decorated in beachy hues of ivory, cream, and sand, with soft turquoise accents. Accommodations range from a deluxe king room to a signature Waldorf Astoria Suite
TAJ Dubai
This is a world-class destination that offers a mix of Indian heritage, modern style, and chic luxury. Located downtown, the Taj is a 5-minute walk to upscale dining and shopping opportunities, including Dubai Mall, which features 1,200+ stores. If you don’t wish to walk, the hotel offers a free shuttle bus.
This hot spot offers 296 rooms and suites, many with views of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Taj Dubai boasts an impressive list of amenities, including 3 signature restaurants. 10 different room layouts feature décor all their own and encompass everything from luxury king or queen rooms to lavish specialty suites. Topping the list is the 2-bedroom presidential suite.
Jumeirah Mina A’ Salam
Completely refurbished in 2015, the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is a boutique-style hotel. It offers beachfront accommodations and an array of facilities, such as restaurants and bars, golf, tennis, watersports, a fitness center and a spa, an onsite theatre, and the Wild Wadi Waterpark. There are even luxury yachts available.
Guest rooms feature sea views with private balconies and are tastefully decorated in an Arabian theme with shades of cream and tan with gold accents. Rooms range from king rooms to 1-bedroom oceanfront suites.
Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai
This ultra-modern hotel features its own private beach, 5 outdoor pools, free wifi, and dazzling views of downtown. The property is nothing less than spectacular.
A multitude of facilities are onsite, including restaurants hosted by world-class chefs, a fitness center, an impressive spa, and a karaoke room, just to name a few. The Mall of the Emirates is a 20-minute drive from the hotel and all amusement parks are within 30 minutes. 16 floors contain 470 sleek and modern guest rooms and suites in hues of cream and gold, with incredible views of the Arabian Gulf. Several room layouts are available that extend from twin to queen rooms, to 2-bedroom suites, and to a sumptuous 4-bedroom penthouse.
Al Maha
Looking for something a little less modern and a little more Arabian desert? You can find it at Al Maha, owned by Marriott.
This hotel allows for experiences such as horseback riding, archery, falconry, and the thing that most people can clearly imagine when venturing into the Arabian desert… camel treks, all of which can be arranged with the hotel concierge. Lodging options include 1 and 2-bedroom suites, plus a presidential 3-bedroom suite with a private chef, mini bar, and a temperature-controlled 10×8 pool.