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Experiences

Discover the best boutique hotels in Dubai

Tue, May 2, 2023

Skip the sky-scraping hotels for more personal alternatives with plenty of character in the city.

Skip the sky-scraping hotels for more personal alternatives with plenty of character in the city.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel

Ideally nestled by the banks of Dubai Creek, the Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton is where the beauty of traditional architecture meets modern day luxury. Situated close to iconic attractions such as Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, it truly is a great way to experience the best of Emirati hospitality. With a range of delicious restaurants and activities nearby at Al Seef district, you’ll find it hard to leave. Step out in the evenings to experience live entertainment and a bustling waterfront, a few footsteps away.

XVA Gallery Art Hotel & Café

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Explore Dubai's past at XVA Gallery Art Hotel & Café, located near Dubai Creek. Accommodation includes 14 individual rooms, showcasing architectural and cultural motifs. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast between the three leafy courtyards, before heading out for daily excursions. If you choose to stay in, there's an award-winning cafe to try, stargazing on the rooftop, as well as an on-site gallery and boutiques filled with handmade wares. Visitors can also gain an insight into Middle Eastern creativity from resident artist Halim Al Karim.

Manzil Downtown

Admire Arabian artwork stencilled above the beds and hanging on the walls of each room at Manzil Downtown Dubai. Choose from four room types including Deluxe rooms and the Burj View Suite, each offering spectacular in-room spa treatments. Relax by the pool to soak in the skyline views, and enjoy a meal at The Courtyard restaurant, located a hop, skip and jump away from Burj Khalifa.

Mazmi Casa

Located in the heart of old Dubai, next to the Textile Souk and overlooking the Creek, Mazmi Casa may well be the most boutique of Dubai’s boutique hotels. With a small number of rooms, each type with its own unique design aesthetic (stemming from the owners’ Emirati and Italian roots), Mazmi Casa is dedicated to making guests feel at home. All rooms have private bathrooms – some even in the building’s original wind towers – and offer views over Dubai Creek.

ME Dubai by Meliá

This stunning property in Business Bay is part of the Opus Building, making it the only hotel in the world designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid. Step inside and you’ll experience the “spatial fluidity” for which Hadid was renowned, with striking lighting and furniture which enhances the space. The architect’s design sensibility is carried through into the rooms, all of which are elegant and comfortable. ME Dubai is also home to Japanese restaurant Roka, and its famed robata grill.

Beach Walk Boutique Hotel

With its prime beachside location, Beach Walk Boutique Hotel is a budget traveller's dream come true. The 21-room property has a purple and wood design theme, with Arabesque touches throughout, adding an inimitable feel. Other highlights include the Nespresso coffee machines in every room and there's a park nearby too, so the little ones can stay entertained, plus the major resorts of the Madinat Jumeirah are a short stroll away.


Vida Downtown

If you prefer a chic place close to Downtown Dubai’s top landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, then Vida is the place where you can feel at home. Accommodation ranges from Deluxe Rooms to the spacious two-bedroom Boulevard Suite, with a large terrace featuring skyline views. The hotel has a pool and fitness centre, plus a business desk in the lobby. Try the weekend brunch at the all-day dining restaurant 3in1 for a fun, poolside culinary celebration.

Meliá Desert Palm

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Escape into the intimate settings of Meliá Desert Palm, amid rolling green fields and luxurious rooms. Located at the lush Desert Palm Polo Club, the hotel includes 38 rooms ranging from the Palm Deluxe Rooms, with pool views and gardens, though for a more secluded experience, the 585sqm Villa Layali delights with its own open-air courtyard and pool. During your stay, make sure you relax at the onsite Samāna Spa.

Andaz Dubai The Palm

Offering a completely distinct style, Andaz Dubai The Palm aims to provide five-star luxury with a boutique twist. Relax in the hotel’s communal spaces, packed with quirky features and striking shapes, then head up to your room. Even its regular rooms are fun spaces, but Andaz also offers suites and “designer residences” which are packed with features such as bespoke art, stained glass and private terraces. Finish up your day at the cabana or infinity pools – and don’t miss out on the hotel’s private beach.
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