The very best hotels in Dubai for those on a tighter budget – from five-star beach resorts to slick city centre hideaways
Near+Far
Dubai isn’t all pricy ultra-luxury resorts, there are plenty of stylish, premium, and even five-star accommodations available for those on a tighter budget. Here are the nicest cheap hotels in Dubai to book for 2024 – currently under $190 a night.
The nicest cheap hotels in Dubai right now
New: Shada Hotel
Opening in March this year, Shada Hotel made its Dubai debut in SHADA Jumeirah Garden, bringing its twenty years of experience in building community-centric hotels to the UAE. Known for its properties in Jeddah’s Downtown and Alshati districts, the brand offers affordable, yet stylish, young and vibrant spaces designed to attract locals and young travellers. In Dubai’, the property embraces Emirati heritage, think calligraphy art, patterned cushions, and rattan lamps, with all the modern amenities like great wi-fi, coffee machines in each room, plus there’s a cafe from loved Emirati brand Mirzam. Rooms are incredibly spacious, with entry level coming in at 35 square metres, and guests can choose from king and twin rooms up to one-bedroom suites. Plus, there’s a gym, pool, rooftop lounge and cinema.
Jumeirah Garden City, shadahotels.com, @shadahotel
JA The Resort
For those looking for a five-star beach escape, without a five-star budget, look no further then JA The Resort – one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Located in the south of Dubai, near the in-development Palm Jebal Ali, JA The Resort has been welcoming guests since 1981, and features some of the largest grounds in the UAE. This resort has everything you need: an 800-metre beach, multiple swimming pools, acres of gardens, a nine-hole golf-course, 25 restaurants and bars and 40 activities on offer. There’s so much, you won’t nee to leave – perfect for family escapes. Its location outside of the city means there’s more peace and less traffic, too. There are three accommodation types on offer: JA Beach Hotel – the original heritage hotel featuring at the heart of the resort featuring 235 rooms – a beachfront hideaway with 212 villas and suites – and the Palm Tree Court an JA Lake View Hotel – an action-packed lifestlye hub overlooking the golf course with 348 rooms and three swimming pools. All guests have full access to all resort facilites across its three properties – making this one of the most delightful cheap hotels in Dubai.
Jebel Ali; jaresortshotels.com
Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
Don’t be put off by the illustrious name: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre is one of the best-value luxury hotels in Dubai. Located Occupying floors 18 to 55 of Dubai International Financial Centre’s Burj Daman, this stylish city hotel is just 10-minutes from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and The Museum of the Future, and offers all the amenities and comforts of the Waldorf Astoria Brand, at a fraction of the cost of its prestigious beach resorts. Rooms are elegant, minimalist and modern with skyline views, there’s a wonderful spa with de-stress and sleep-focused treatments from Neom, a groomed rooftop swimming pool and some great restaurants – like signature steakhouse Bull & Bear (inspired by the renowned original in Waldorf Astoria New York).
DIFC; hilton.com
Anantara Downtown Dubai
Another big name brand steeped in luxury is Anantara, and while its sister UAE hotels have higher room rates, its newer city centre location, Anantara Downtown Dubai, is one of the chicest cheap hotels in Dubai. The soaring property sits on the canal and offers waterside views and dining, plus a fantastic location in the heart of Business Bay with great accessibility to Downtown, the coast and southern neighbourhoods. Rooms are modern with a cream and wood colour palette and big picture windows offering twinkling city views. There’s the Anantara Spa, an outdoor pool with plenty of loungers and some great restaurants – including Anantara’s famous Dining by Design to really treat yourself.
Business Bay; anantara.com
Palazzo Versace
When it comes to opulent and extravagant hotels in Dubai, few hit the mark like Palazzo Versace does. So it’s always a surprise to see that, while completely decadent and over the top, the hotel is actually one of the most affordable priced five-star offerings in the city. Sitting on the banks of the Creek, this stand-out property – designed in partnership with the Italian fashion house – is pure escapism, with gilded interiors, marble, Italian furniture and the signature Medusa head at every turn. The main pool is a party haven for the city’s pretty young things, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time sipping cocktails under the palm trees and making the most of one of its many events and dining offers: like pyjama parties, spa day deals, sundowner packages and more. This is one of the best cheap hotels in Dubai for singles, couples and friends looking for a glamorous good time.
Al Jadaff; palazzoversace.ae
Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Located on Dubai’s most popular beach and leisure destination, Palm Jumeirah, Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a eternally popular spot for holidaymakers and stayationers looking for a five-star beach resort without emptying their purses. One of the best value luxury escapes in the city, the hotel sits right on the beach, and has one of the largest swimming pools in the city overlooking the ocean. Interiors are a little dated, but gilded and charming, almost Art Deco, and guests can check into one of 279 rooms and suites or 285 apartments – the latter perfect for long stays with kitchenettes. Guests have the incredible offering of Palm West Beach on their doorsteps – the city’s best beach clubs, beach restaurants and more – but there’s also plenty in the resort itself: elegant Dukes Bar for cocktails and nightcaps, an indoor swimming pool and wellness centre, British pub-style restaurant and Ula – a boho beach restaurant and club by Solutions Leisure.
Palm Jumeirah; barcelo.com
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai
Widely regarded as one of the city’s best business hotels – thanks to its location in the heart of DIFC and within walking distance to Trade Center and more, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai often gets overlooked when it comes to leisure stays in the city – and as a result. The property itself is modern, gleaming and incredibly well-appointed, featuring fabulous skyline views, stylish public spaces and has direct access to Dubai Metro – just a few stops from Dubai Mall. The entry level rooms are an impressive 44 square metres, some of the largest in the city, and all have marble bathtubs for soaking. Jumeriah’s signature Talise Spa offers both express and languid treatments and the hotel is home to the J Club – which provides complimentary group fitness classes for members and guests, alongside a wellness studio with fitness equiptiment, sauna and steam. Make sure to book into La Cantine du Faubourg – one of the best restaurants in the city – for a Parisian breakfast or seductive evening and grab something sweet at bright pink patisserie, Madeleine et Marcel.
Emirates Towers, Financial Centre; jumeirah.com
Fairmont The Palm
Located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, with its own stretch of golden beach, ocean views, 10 restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, and some of the most spacious rooms on Palm Jumeirah, it’s no wonder families and sun-seekers flock to Fairmont The Palm. The hotel is one of the city’s most popular and trusted beach resorts, and while under the moniker of the luxurious Fairmont brand, historically is one of the best cheap hotels in Dubai when it comes to five-star beach escape. The resort is sprawling, with its Arabesque lobby – scented with beautiful oudy rose – gardens, beachfront, fitness and wellness centre and 391 rooms and suites. In recent years, the hotel has become more affordable, thanks to its slightly dated design and the rise in more shiny Palm Jumeirah neighbours, but it still retains its charm and is a failsafe and delightful place to stay. Entry-level rooms are an incredibly generous 48 square metres, and all come with balconies, and there are all the five-star facilities you could want, from a huge gym to the spa, sunloungers, poolside service, room service, concierge – you name it. Plus one of Dubai’s best restaurants (and one of our editor’s all-time favourites).
Palm Jumeirah; fairmont.com
25hours Hotel Dubai One Central
German-born 25hours Hotels is one of the most under-the-radar brands right now, quietly opening some of the coolest hotels in Europe – in destinations like Berlin, Florence and Copenhagen. Going against the grain, the brand opened its first hotel outside of Europe in 2021 in the up-and-coming One Central district, overlooking the Museum of the Future and acting not only as a beacon of the area’s new era, but as a sign of a new, progressive Dubai. The cheeky Euro-cool concept shines through in the 434-room hotel – pushing boundaries with the first mixed-gender sauna in the Middle East and ‘let’s spend the night together’ emblazoned on pillows. Aimed at a young, creative crowd, room rates are more approachable than others of this calibre, making it always alive with energy and a great buzz. The hotel itself is madcap, creative and a feast for the eyes – a ‘fountain of tales’ in the lobby, an ‘analogue circus’ of nostalgic tech and beautiful rooftop pool with views of the museum. Rooftop bar Monkey Bar is a huge hit with the city’s cool crew, while other outlets include German Ernst Biergarten and modern Indian Tandoor Tina.
Trade Centre; 25hours-hotels.com
