Dubai has no shortage of beautiful beach resorts, slick city-centre hotels and luxurious desert resorts, but for those who want a more homely experience while staying in the city, there are few better options than an Airbnb in Dubai. Luckily, the city has a great offering, and with most modern apartment buildings coming with gyms, pools and other leading wellness facilities, plus ample beautiful villas with private gardens, staying in one can sometimes be on par with said hotels or resorts. From chic duplex apartments to beachfront mansions, here are the best Airbnbs in Dubai to rent in 2023.

Lakehouse Luxury Villa

Swap ocean vistas for serene lakeside views at this homely and rustic-chic four-bedroom villa in Dubai’s affluent Lakes neighbourhood – part of Airbnb’s Plus edit. There’s a cosy garden with brilliant green glass, bright pink bougainvillaea and a private plunge pool – complete with a big Napoleon barbecue and outdoor seating – and Bose surround sound to enjoy the holiday spirit. Other perks include matching bicycles for a ride around the neighbourhood, daily maid service and is situated in a secure gated community – near to plenty of popular neighbourhood restaurants and cafes. This is the perfect villa in Dubai with a private pool for those wanting a more local, yet still luxe, experience.
The Lakes; from AED2,330 a night; airbnb.ae

‘Top of the world’ studio apartment

Akin to a luxury hotel room, this Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) studio apartment is a fantastic option for a city centre Airbnb in Dubai. The modern space is both minimalist and cosy in equal measure, with views onto the trendy city centre district – home to Dubai’s chicest restaurants and bars and art galleries – and a kitchenette, balcony and brand-new modern furniture and appliances. The kitchen is stocked, there’s a washer-dryer, and an Apple TV, a Nespresso machine and tablet loaded with recommendations, plus communal building facilities which include two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, jacuzzi and sauna – plus guests will have use of a parking space during their stay.
DIFC; from AED219 per night; book now

Elegant Apartment in JBR

Dubai’s JBR neighbourhood is one of the liveliest in the city, and one of the most popular with tourists – thanks to its public golden beach (with watersports and an inflatable waterpark), beach clubs and vibrant restaurants and bars. The beach itself is lined with high-rise towers home to often pricy apartments, and here is where you’ll find this fantastic Airbnb in Dubai. The three-bedroom apartment is elegant and decorated in a neutral, tasteful style, sleeping six people and offering guests a kitchen, TV with plenty of channels, washer/dryer, balcony, a soaking bathtub and access to the building’s shared swimming pool and gym. Free parking is available on the premises, but for those who don’t bring a car, the Airbnb is a short walk from JBR’s tram station – which takes you around the Marina and up to Al Sufouh.
JBR; from AED748 per night; book now

Chic villa with private pool

Dubai’s beach resorts are some of the best in the world, offering everything from modern, minimalist grown-up havens to Moorish oases and Arabian places. But for something more spacious and private, perfect for families in search of a peaceful beach holiday, opt for a beachfront Airbnb. This Palm Jumeirah villa is housed in one of the island’s exclusive private communities, coming with five – all en-suite – bathrooms, spacious living and dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen – all finished with modern, stylish furnishings. Outside, familiar will love the landscaped garden with private swimming pool, spots for outdoor dining and lounging, sun loungers, umbrellas and a barbecue, plus a children’s play area, direct beach and sea access. The villa is handily located near to Nakheel Mall – home to the fabulous Depachika Food Hall – and Atlantis, The Palm’s Aquaventure Waterpark.
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; from AED2,500 per night; book now

Botanica Villa by Luxury Explorers Collection

The Botanica Villa is easily one of the emirate’s most impressive Airbnb rentals, and perfect for holidaymakers wanting to make a statement – or even residents looking to host a special event or weekend get-together with a group. The ultra-modern, expansive estate lies in Dubai’s Spring and Meadows community, backing onto Montgomerie Golf Club and with views of the skyline. There are 8 bedrooms, a hot tub, an elevator, an expansive kitchen, a beautiful swimming pool, huge garden with outdoor seating.
The Springs; from AED30,000 per night; book now

Palm Jumeirah Villa

Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s most desirable neighbourhood and home to some of the city’s biggest and most luxurious villas – usually housing its most affluent residents. Luckily, lots of these villas are available for private rental making up a large chunk of some of the most fabulous Airbnbs in Dubai, including this spacious and modern six-bedroom rental with its own private pool. The open-plan layout is great for groups, and guests will appreciate the neutral colour palette, garden and beautiful sea views, plus the safety and exclusivity of a private road.
Palm Jumeirah; from AED6,250 a night; book now

Urban Sanctuary Duplex in Jumeirah Lakes Towers

With soaring, 17-foot high floor-to-ceiling windows and an enviable JLT location, this duplex apartment is one of the best offerings for an Airbnb in Dubai. The one-bedroom, two-bathroom space boasts an open-plan, bright and breezy layout, with a balcony – offering lakes views – a kitchen and shared outdoor pool, sauna, barbecue area and a gym. There’s plenty of natural light, and the fully-equipped kitchen has a smart breakfast bar, washing machine, all the needed applicant and cooking essentials, plus, for coffee addicts, a Nespresso machine, French press and grinder. In the living space, travellers can enjoy cosy nights with a projector television and Play Station 4 with a selection of games. For those travelling with pets, or UAE residents looking for a change of scenery, pets are allowed in this Airbnb in Dubai, and guests will appreciate the Airbnb’s position near some of the city’s best cafes and coffee shops, parks and Dubai Marina Mall and JBR’s The Beach.
JLT; from AED644 per night; book now

Sunshine Villa

Tucked away from Dubai’s glitzier and most bustling neighbourhoods is the peaceful Al Barsha district. Alongside Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah, it’s one of the city’s hubs for expansive luxury villas, and this ‘Sunshine Villa’ is a fantastic option for groups looking to hide away, relax and enjoy the Dubai sunshine. There are four bedrooms (plus a maid’s room for the live-in housekeepers), a private pool, terrace with barbecue and outdoor seating and lots of security cameras for a secure stay. What’s more, the villa host offers babysitting services for parents to head out and enjoy a child-free evening in Dubai, and it’s also possible to schedule cleaning services.
Palm Jumeirah; from AED2,495, book now

‘Boutique’ apartment in Downtown Dubai

For keen shoppers and those who want to enjoy a modern base in Downtown Dubai, this Airbnb in Dubai is perfect for a short, or long, stay in the city. Just a short walk from Dubai Mall, the one-bedroom apartment lies near Dubai’s top attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and Souk Al Bahar (home of Time Out Market), and is surrounded by great cafés and restaurants – all an easy stroll away. The apartment itself is neutral, sleek and contemporary, with a fully-fitted kitchen, balcony with cosy outdoor seating and an uncluttered urban master bedroom with a king-sized bed. In the bathroom, guests will appreciate the bathtub, while the building also offers a shared gym and swimming pool. What’s more, this Airbnb in Dubai has squash and badminton courts, a children’s play area, billiards room and business centre, rivalling some Dubai hotels for an all-encompassing stay.
Downtown Dubai; from AED317 a night; book now

Beachfront Palm Jumeirah Villa

This five-bedroom villa on Palm Jumeirah boasts one of the city’s dreamiest locations, looking out across the turquoise Arabian Gulf onto the famous fronds. Elegant and sleek, with slight touches of Dubai glam such as fine artwork, jewel tones and gold touches, the Airbnb in Dubai has high ceilings, a private pool, balconies, terraces and a fully-stocked kitchen. The master bedroom is swathed in warm amber beige and has a plush king-sized bed with expansive wardrobe space and ensuite bathroom, while the other bedrooms also come with en-suites – including the maid’s room.
Palm Jumeirah; from AED3,000 per night; book now