From beach resorts to budget chains, Dubai has no shortage of places to stay. With several scattered throughout the city, boutique hotels provide exciting and underrated stays, offering everything from tailor-made experiences and bespoke artwork, to incredible views at affordable prices. Here are some of the emirate’s most memorable.
There’s certainly no hotel in Dubai that is more boutique than the XVA Gallery Art Hotel and Café. This spot puts together three of the best things about travel: unique art, a comfortable stay and delicious food. The venue is located in Bastakiya, part of Dubai’s historical district and the oldest residential quarter in the city. This is the ideal place for art and history lovers.
For those seeking to experience Dubai’s trendier side, VIDA Downtown is one of the chicest boutiques in the city. Alongside its exquisitely designed rooms and minimalist lounge area, the hotel has a vast swimming pool and a restaurant that specialises in delicious brunch options. For serious shoppers, VIDA Downtown is ideally located a stone’s throw from the Burj Khalifa and the world-famous Dubai Mall.
Situated just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Desert Palm Dubai is the perfect boutique retreat for a secluded getaway. This resort is part of an expansive estate, meaning that the Palm Suites overlook stunning scenery including polo fields and stables housing over 300 horses. This is the ideal spot for wellness, too: the hotel houses its own boutique gym, Stables Fitness, a chic facility offering everything from open gym to group classes.
Luxury interiors meet quirky design at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel. This hotel’s elegant rooms are subtly decorated with camels: from interpretive artwork to bespoke sculptures of the desert creatures. But a stay at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel isn’t just about eccentric design – wellness is key too. The hotel has its own spa and two celebrity chefs, and guests even have their own in-house Navigator to assist them with daily itineraries.
The Rove Hotel Downtown is located right across the street from two of Dubai’s main attractions, the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, making it a fantastic place for tourists who want to stay in one of the busiest spots in town. This small boutique hotel has a big personality, from artsy decorations to trendy food and beverage options. Fittingly located on Happiness Street, this hotel is as affordable as it is convenient.
This four-star hotel in Deira is a fascinating blend of old and new. Located in Deira, the heart of old Dubai, the HUES Boutique Hotel is a shimmering modern structure that stands out in this traditional surrounding. The hotel has a fun and colourful design, with LED lights lining the terrace and colourful artwork in most of the bedrooms. It’s ideal for those looking to experience the history of Dubai’s Old Quarter with a modern touch.
Zabeel House is a unique collection of hotels scattered across in Dubai, each located in an unusual neighbourhood and offering travellers a boutique, relaxed experience. One of the most exciting of the bunch is Zabeel House Al Seef. Situated right by Dubai Creek, this hotel affords views of one of Dubai’s oldest quarters from the comfort of modern and stylish rooms.
