25hours hotels are all about bold interiors, buzzy restaurants and partying into the early hours. The Dubai outpost hosts regular all-night raves in its courtyard, while the rooms have everything you need for a bit of R&R. That said, the hotel has lots of co-working spaces and a library filled with thousands of books for guests who want a more relaxed stay. There’s a cool rooftop pool where you can lounge on sun beds, order Mexican dishes and sip spicy margaritas, as well as five restaurants and bars – including Indian restaurant Tandoor Tina and Monkey Bar which overlooks the Museum of the Future. All rooms come with playful design elements like rainfall showers in the middle of the room, typewriters on desks and quirky artwork. Take out one of the hotel’s e-bikes to explore the city.

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It’s no secret that Dubai is expensive, but Rove Hotels has some relatively affordable options dotted around the city. We like The Rove Marina Dubai, next to Dubai Mall and within walking distance of City Walk and the marina. Rooms have waterside views and each one has a power shower, mini fridge and comfy beds with crisp linen. Downstairs, guests will find colourful communal areas where they can meet likeminded travellers, as well as an all-day restaurant where a generous breakfast buffet is served. The hotel has on-site lockers for luggage storage, as well as a gaming room for kids and a laundry room for longer-term stays. 

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Bab Al Shams offers the best of both worlds. Just a short drive outside the city, it is surrounded by sand dunes and feels secluded and private. Plus, the resort recently had an extensive renovation with the addition of new restaurant. Ideal for a family getaway in the desert, the hotel décor is pared back with traditional Arabian influences. After entering through tall wooden arches, you’ll find three large swimming pools with desert views. The rooms and suites are some of the nicest on this list and are inspired by traditional Arabian villages – so expect plush furnishings, Persian rugs and neutral colours. Elsewhere, there’s an open-air Middle Eastern restaurant with belly dancers, as well as all-day eateries and a pool bar for snacks and cocktails. One of the best parts? The range of guest experiences – think desert drive tours, horse riding, camelback trekking, falconry and private hot air balloon rides.

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With numerous properties around the world, Mandarin Oriental is known for its five-star service and attention to detail. The Dubai outpost has a pristine oceanfront setting, with five pools (some with private cabanas) and its own stretch of beach. You could easily spend the whole day by the main pool, relaxing on the day beds and ordering drinks and snacks from the bar, or indulging in treatments at the spa with its whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. Everything is on offer for breakfast – think continental options, hot food, international cuisine and even ice-cream – while chef José Avillez heads up restaurant Tasca. You’ll also find casual restaurants, lounges, bars and a cake shop on site.

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One of our favourite properties, Jumeirah Al Naseem is a beautiful hotel inside the Madinat Jumeirah resort, collectively housing over 30 restaurants, bars and boutiques. Set among 100 acres of land, the resort has a traditional Arabian-style souk with market stalls and a long stretch of sandy beach nearby. There are also five swimming pools in addition to the facilities within the wider Madinat Jumeirah complex, including a spa, tennis courts, fitness centre and kids’ club. The resort has a laidback vibe, and the friendly staff can help with everything from restaurant reservations to day trips. Guest can also take a golf buggy to its sibling properties to use shared facilities, including the Wild Wadi water park.

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