Dubai Hotels

Al Maha Resort
This luxury retreat draws on the classic image of Dubai in times gone by as an Arabian desert land, crossed by nomadic tribes. The 'eco-friendly' design endeavours to impose as little impact on the surrounding desert as possible. The emphasis is on personal service, with a staff-to-guest ratio of three to one. Al Maha Resort can organise 4-wheel drive desert safari trips or camel treks into the surrounding desert. Getting to the city centre can take over an hour but surrounded by a protected nature reserve, that hour can seem like a blissful world away.

Al Ain highway (by 4-wheel drive vehicle)
Tel: (04) 303 4222.
Website: www.al-maha.com  

Burj Al Arab
The 'Arab Tower' has become one of the most instantly recognisable symbols of Dubai and for good reason. Visible from the air above the early morning steam clouds, and a beacon of postmodern chic from the becalmed night-time seas, it shimmers in the heat haze like the sail of the dhow that inspired its design. Quite simply, it's a spectacular piece of architecture. The interior, however, is another matter. The decadent and ornate colour scheme is quintessentially Middle Eastern and not to everyone's taste. Still, who cares when rooms, depending on price, come with dining tables and individual business centres, Jacuzzis, snooker tables, cocktail bars and even a private cinema.

Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 301 7777.
Website: www.burj-al-arab.com 

Madinat Jumeirah
The Madinat Jumeirah is a resort that is impressive in both its scale and attention to detail. There are two 'grand boutique' hotels as well as 29 ultra-exclusive traditional courtyard summer houses, with a total of over 800 rooms. The resort has been created along a stretch of Jumeirah Beach with an eye to Arabic décor. Neat touches include the 3.7km (2.2 miles) of waterways, which use boats to connect guests between their rooms and the 45 restaurants that are located on site. There is also a 1km (0.6-mile) stretch of private beach and the decadent Six Senses Spa among an array of leisure facilities. The Madinat Arena (a concert and events venue) can house up to 4,550 guests.

Jumeirah Beach
Tel: (04) 366 8888.
Website: www.madinatjumeirah.com

Atlantis
This outrageously decadent and eccentric hotel opened in November 2008 in a suitably flamboyant manner with more fireworks than the Beijing Olympics and a synchronised light show that illuminated the entire palm island. The hotel's location alone, at the top of the Palm Island, is a minor miracle given the logistics of building in the middle of the sea. Not to miss a trick, the hotel has brought some of that ocean breeze in through the windows in an aquarium that supports 65,000 marine animals, cared for by marine experts. Sleep with the sharks if you dare, in a room with an underwater view of this giant tank. Alternatively, swim with the dolphins in the on-site dolphin rehabilitation centre.

The Palm
Tel: (04) 426 2000.
Website: www.atlantisthepalm.com

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is many travellers' favourite. This is a genuine resort rather than a 5-star hotel tucked in a busy stretch with a gaggle of other hotels. The lavish grounds are alive with singing birds and playing cats, with sun loungers laid out tastefully in little hideaways all over the rambling greenery and the generous beachfront. Extras include a riding school, first-rate spa, shooting range and an excellent nine-hole golf course, not to mention plenty of eating and drinking options.

Jebel Ali
Tel: (04) 883 6000.
Website: www.jebelali-international.com  

Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Voted 'Best Business Hotel in the Middle East' in 2005 by Business Traveller, these two ultra-modern skyscrapers are among the tallest buildings in the Middle East. Part office, part hotel, the towers are very conveniently located right at the heart of the Central Business District. Each state-of-the-art room is geared towards business guests - there is access to the Internet via high-speed modem points and the in-room TVs as well as individual fax/printer/copy machines, each with their own fax number. The deluxe rooms even have their own chaises longue.

Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel: (04) 330 0000.
Website: www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com  

Al Bustan Rotana
Conveniently located near the airport, Al Bustan Rotana's newly renovated rooms include the 'Club Rotana' executive floor and a range of luxurious suites. The first-floor rooms offer direct access to the outdoor pool and tennis courts. Voted the ‘Best Thai Restaurant' in Dubai, the Blue Elephant with waterfalls and tropical foliage is a good place to relax.

Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud
Tel: (04) 282 0000.
Website: www.rotana.com

Landmark Hotel
For a budget 4-star hotel that is centrally located, this accommodation is difficult to beat. The 160 en-suite rooms are clean and well kept, and the staff are friendly and helpful, although the hotel has few frills. One bonus is the free parking that the hotel provides for its guests. The modern, glass-fronted hotel also has a small business centre and a swimming pool.

Al Nasser Square
Tel: (04) 228 6666.
Website: www.lmhotelgroup.com

Sheraton Deira Hotel
Perfect for business travellers, this central hotel's rooms have all mod cons, with three telephone lines, voicemail, Wi-Fi access and large safes. A number of state-of-the-art conference rooms are available to meet the different requirements of its business guests, with the centrepiece, Al Massah Ballroom, catering for up to 1,200 people. Other plusses include complimentary airport transfers, a rooftop pool with views over Dubai's skyline and no fewer than nine eating and drinking venues. For days off there are also free shuttle transfers to the Sheraton at Jumeirah Beach.

Al Mateena Street
Tel: (04) 268 8888.
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com