Best Luxury Hotels in Dubai

Dubai in itself is an opulent, posh destination, so it naturally has some seriously luxe properties. Regal guest rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and lavish spas are a common feature at the five-pearl hotels we visited in Dubai, but we compared them all to see which are the best of the best. Whether looking for a desert stay or beachfront property, these 10 hotels pack a punch with their services and amenities, making our list for best luxury hotels in Dubai.

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1

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

Murqquab, United Arab Emirates

With gorgeous Bedouin-style architecture in a desert oasis, Al Maha sets the bar for Dubai luxury. With 42 standalone, intimate suites featuring top-notch amenities and services; a heated infinity pool; an upscale spa; and fine dining on-site, the property is arguably one-of-a-kind. It may not be ideal for those looking to explore the sights in central Dubai, but Al Maha offers a unique experience for couples and families with older children (kids under 10 are not allowed).

2

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Earning our second spot is Dar al Masyaf, 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.

3

Raffles Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The 252-room luxurious five-pearl Raffles Dubai rises out of lush gardens and grounds in an impressive glass-and-stone pyramid structure. Spacious, light-filled interiors are sumptuous yet understated, tastefully displaying a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian design influences. Huge rooms and suites are cloaked in luxurious fabrics and materials with handcrafted decorative details, modern technology, lavish bathrooms, private terraces, and personal butlers on call 24/7. Guests won't get bored with the luxe features -- seven restaurants and bars, a gorgeous pool with swim-up bar, and expansive spa facilities in the gardens.

4

Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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 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). The rooms have luxury touches including good down duvets, plump pillows, and his-and-hers bathrobes, while marble-topped bathrooms have soaking tubs, separate walk-in showers, and luxury bath products.

5

Park Hyatt Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Although far from the beach, The Park Hyatt is an exclusive, sprawling property adjacent to one of Dubai’s top golf courses. Everything here is top-notch, from the spa to the pool area to the restaurants and the services. Its 225 rooms are all stylish and spacious, with elegant Mediterranean decor sprinkled with Moorish details, and upscale bathrooms featuring deep standalone tubs. Private yachts, free valet parking, and cooking classes are luxe services available.

6

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Billing itself as the “world’s most luxurious hotel,” Burj Al Arab provides an opulent experience for luxury seekers. 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. Some guests have felt the phenomenally expensive prices to be unjustified for the food and the service, which can occasionally be disorganized, though most are happy to shell out for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

7

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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 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.

8

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Huge, sophisticated and luxurious, the Shangri-La is one of Dubai’s top hotels. Its 302 rooms -- featuring stylish masculine design, upscale amenities, and panoramic sea or Burj Khalifa views -- are some of the most high-end in town. With eight quality restaurants; a luxurious spa with views; a fabulous fitness center; squash and tennis courts; and an outdoor pool complete with a swim-up bar, there is little guests can’t do on-site. Plus, location in central Dubai, a few blocks from the metro, makes it easy for guests to explore the city.

9

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The InterContinental Dubai Festival City is a high-end, luxury chain hotel that's impressive in scale, sophistication, and facilities. The location overlooking Dubai Creek with direct access to Festival City will be ideal for some, but tourists wanting to be near the beach and the main attractions might find it inconvenient. However, Michelin-starred dining, a luxurious spa, and chic, spacious rooms makes this hotel a strong contender for anyone looking for a seriously upscale stay near the airport.

10

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a luxury chain hotel attached to a shopping center of the same name and with direct access to the adjoining indoor ski slopes. The property has high-end features throughout, from immaculate marble bathrooms to the twin infinity pools and a plushly decadent cigar lounge. It certainly wouldn't be the first option for beach-loving families with kids, however for the shopaholic skier with an eye for luxury -- and the bank balance to afford it -- it's a great choice.