The Best Hotels in Sharjah, UAE

This sandy, rose-tinged property is a typically grand Arabian-style beach resort edged by sparkling gulf waters. There are 349 rooms and suites, a sweeping private beach and two large pools. Hop in a taxi to Al Majaz Waterfront, a cafe-dotted curve overlooking the Khaled Lagoon, home to minigolf and Sharjah’s musical fountain displays. Back at the hotel, the Shine Spa offers excellent massages and deep-soak therapy baths.

Something about this hotel shouts “summer holiday”. Maybe it’s the palm-fringed pool and private sandy beach (with only a road in between), the light-flooded modern rooms with sea views or the hotel’s sea-lapped barbecue restaurant La Bamba. Whatever it is, you’ll be in a good spot to relax in the sunshine. Top local attractions, such as Sharjah Aquarium, are close by, and the fact the hotel is dry makes it ideal for family-friendly, wholesome fun.

The rooftop pool here offers clear views over the Corniche and Al Qasba, a tranquil canal connecting two waterfront areas with a collection of restaurants on either side. A boat trip along this stretch of water is a must, if only to spot the Eye of the Emirates, Sharjah’s giant Ferris wheel. The hotel offers five-star luxury with theatrical flair (full-size white horse lamp noted) and lashings of authentic Arabian hospitality.

There’s nothing over-the-top or bling about Golden Sands, but that’s just fine. People return here for its reliably high standards and great value for money. The rooms and apartments are ample in space and modern comforts. The staff are warm and friendly, and the kids’ club is bright, well managed and handy for families. You’re also close to the Sahara Centre, Sharjah’s biggest shopping complex, and plenty of popular local restaurants.

This four-star hotel scrubs up very well. The rooms are plush and full of character, with lots of Arabian design details. There’s an outdoor pool flanked by sunbeds, and a decent spa. For dinner, opt for the Lagoon, a stylish à la carte restaurant with views of Khalid Lagoon (it’s in the name) that serves a mix of international cuisine. The signature dish is nasi goreng (fried rice), which is the Indonesian head chef’s favourite dish from childhood.

The views of Sharjah’s city skyline you get at 72 Hotel are undeniably good, and it’s five-star service all the way, delivered by well-versed staff. The rooms are stylishly designed and surprisingly big, with a spa-worthy rainfall shower, but no bath. The free parking, 24-hour reception area and concierge are useful additions. What would a Sharjah hotel be without a spa, a health club and a swanky indoor pool? Here, you get all three.

With much of the UAE blanketed in desert, staying next to a lush, green park adds a novelty factor. The four-star Golden Tulip, with its comfortable rooms and modern facilities, sits near to Khalid Lagoon and Al Majaz Park. This means you are close to wide lawns, fountains and crowd-pleasing waterfront eateries, from TGI Fridays to UAE street-food chain Zaroob. If you prefer more privacy, the hotel has 24-hour in-room dining. It’s also exactly 20 minutes by car to Sharjah and Dubai International Airport.

Coastal vibes shine throughout this family-friendly, resort-style hotel – from the coral-print rugs in the rooms to the serene palm-fringed outdoor pool. Even the private beach has high-speed wifi access for those sea-facing Instagram posts. Casa Samak delivers upscale-casual seafood with sweeping sea views. Why not push the boat out by ordering the whole grilled lobster thermidor served with greens? The hotel also has a kids’ club and babysitting services.