Best Beach Hotels in Dubai

Billing itself as the “world’s most luxurious hotel,” Burj Al Arab is a destination unto itself. Situated just off the coast of Dubai on an independent island, visitors can access the grounds by attending high tea in the afternoon or dining in one of seven restaurants. Almost every aspect of the property is meant to evoke extreme decadence, from the butler assigned to each of the 60 floors to the 24k-gold iPads in two-story suites. The hotel sits in shallow turquoise waters and is ringed on the gulf side by a private beach.

Fairmont The Palm is a swanky palatial landmark located on the trunk of Dubai's exclusive Palm Jumeirah archipelago with easy access to the mainland and a seriously impressive private beach -- complete with daybeds, lounge chairs, and kayaks. All the first-class facilities you'd expect are present and correct, including four swimming pools and an excellent spa. While all rooms have balconies, only higher category rooms guarantee sea and city views, and some look out over a busy road.

The Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is an upscale, Thai-style hotel located on the secluded east crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai's two artificial palm-shaped archipelagos. Arranged around several lagoon pools and extending to a white sand beach, the Anantara is certainly one of Dubai's prettier resorts, and it caters well to both romancing couples and families with kids. Over-water villas are particularly impressive, though all of the rooms come with excellent amenities.

Part of the Jumeirah chain, this gigantic waterfront resort is oriented toward families on vacation and offers a plethora of activities to keep guests of all ages occupied. Situated in a large glass building shaped like a wave, 617 guest rooms offer modern features like iPod docking stations and wide-screen interactive LCD TVs. This upscale property offers a private beach, four pools, a separate building with fitness and entertainment centers, a kids’ club, a bar at the end of the adjacent marina with sweeping views of Dubai, and a host of leisure activities. With more than a dozen dining and bar options available as well as a spa, guests may choose not to leave the premises, though downtown Dubai is only a 15-minute cab ride away.

The 294-room Al Qasr is a seriously upscale, Arabian palace-style hotel with stunning interiors set in the exclusive Madinat Jumeirah resort in central Dubai. Comprising of lovely canal-like waterways and manicured tropical gardens that lead to a mile-long beach, the grounds are particularly impressive, as is the almost innumerable selection of facilities (a rock climbing wall, spa, playground for kids, and fitness center  among them). While rooms suitably reflect the hotel's deluxe pedigree, the vastness of the resort can mean sluggish service and dining get very expensive.

Dar al Masyaf is a destination unto itself. This exclusive hotel is part of Madinat Jumeirah, a massive, one-of-a-kind beachside resort home to over 40 restaurants and bars, three outdoor pools, several miles of waterways and jogging trails, a traditional shopping center, a turtle sanctuary, and a theater. Rooms are large and luxurious, with top-notch amenities and large balconies offering serene views. With an impressive array of on-site activities (rock climbing, fitness classes, a swimming academy, water sports, live shows.. you name it) and a beautiful private beach, only those looking to explore Dubai’s attractions will feel the need to venture out.

The 389-room Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort is one of Dubai's older upscale chain hotels and is set in the heart of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residence. It's one of the most affordable beachfront luxury hotels in Dubai, and standout facilities include a first-class Italian restaurant, large swimming pool with swim-up bar, and pristine white-sand beach with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Rooms with furnished balconies are pleasant if a little generic, and nearby construction certainly spoils the view from many.

This 220-room Meridien hotel is an upmarket, family-friendly resort set on Dubai's largest private white-sand beach. As well as a choice of pools, guests also have access to a wide range of beach and water-based activities -- including a playground for the kids, tennis court, beach volleyball court, and more. Rooms are nicely modernized and most open to furnished balconies with sea views, though noise from the famous on-site beach bar can be an issue late at night. While some will love the beach party vibe, those looking for a more serene break might be better suited elsewhere.

This upscale resort is made up of 33 low-rise villas containing 195 rooms. It has a private beach, which is surrounded by the hotel's myriad of restaurants, bars, and night clubs. The on-site spa offers an extensive list of treatments, and there's also a modern fitness center and tennis courts. Guests can choose from three pools surrounded by lush greenery, including a kids' pool. Guest rooms are spacious, with elegant, contemporary decor, though they feel a bit bland decorated in generic neutral hues. But the spaces offer plush, comfortable bedding and an array of modern comforts like large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi.

The Sheraton is a small family-friendly resort located on the southernmost part of famous Jumeirah Beach. It features an impressive array of on-site activities, including a PADI-certified diving center; a great kids’ club with activities; several restaurants and bars; a large pool; manicured grounds; and a wonderful fitness center. Rooms -- while spacious and featuring solid amenities -- are a little bland, and few have balconies. Many, however, feature striking sea or The Walk views. Overall, the resort may not be as luxurious as advertised, but it offers a comprehensive list of great amenities, and a more laid-back vibe than other hotels in the area.