Discover Dubai's best new hotels and upcoming hotel launches in 2023

Adding to the vogue cities under its belt, avant-garde SO Hotels has taken up residence in Dubai. Its 188 rooms and suites, and 227 residences sparkle across 10 levels of the sleek, ‘diamond-cut’ supertower known as Uptown Dubai. The urban resort melds fashion, design and grandeur; wood-meets-marble interiors are liberally furnished with subtle gold, rich velvet and other bold-but-minimalistic motifs. All the usual five-star comforts can be expected at SO/ Uptown Dubai, from glamorous restaurants to a pampering spa, a pool and a fitness centre. For an outing that perfectly encapsulates SO's smooth style and charm, plan ahead for an evening of Celeste – an elevated dining and entertainment concept opening soon.

The first NH Hotels property in the Middle East has opened its doors on the main trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Visitors can take their pick from 227 rooms and suites, plus 306 serviced apartments over 14 floors, with entertainment venues like a sports bar and a rooftop lounge, plus a kids club that's sure to entertain little ones. An ideal spot for tourists, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s top attractions including The Pointe and Palm West Beach.

Another highly anticipated launch, Address Grand Creek Harbour takes pride of place along the city’s historic waterways. The first five-star hotel in Dubai Creek Harbour, guests are spoilt for choice among its 223 rooms and showpiece suites – all offering tasteful design, unparalleled comfort and skyline panoramas while situated away from the city bustle. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, you don’t want to miss the infinity pool here, providing spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa across the shore.

Open since early 2023 on Palm West Beach, Voco Dubai The Palm features 143 rooms and suites, a fully-equipped gym and a luxury spa. New restaurants include Maison Mathis and Frenia offering modern European cuisine, while the hotel’s poolside rooftop lounge dishes up Mediterranean favourites. The hotel is the latest opening in the city from IHG Hotel group and is a slick addition to the flourishing area, which already boasts shoreside dining spots like Koko Bay and February 30.

What could be more soothing than a location overlooking upmarket boats and the glimmering blue sea? Launched in late 2022, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club is perched on the water’s edge and impresses with 158 rooms and residences, plus business facilities, working spaces, social dining options and plenty to keep kids busy. A sprawling swimming pool, luxury spa and a variety of restaurants and lounges complete the package.

The Marriott group's first UAE resort offers pristine seafront views and a luxurious getaway on Dubai's famous Palm Jumeirah island. A property of grand proportions, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah has over 600 rooms – all fitted with balconies and most of them interconnected, making it an ideal five-star stay for the whole family. While the little ones can spend all day immersed in the dedicated kids activities on-site, guests can enjoy easy access to prime beachfront restaurants and lounges, all located along the same Palm West Beach strip. Of course, the hotel has plenty of its own sophisticated dining venues, which include Italian eatery Cucina, Levantera for Mediterranean fare and lively Mexican spot Señor Pico.

Hop on a 20-minute boat ride from Jumeirah Fishing Harbour to get to Côte d'Azur, one of the latest resorts at The Heart of Europe development on The World Islands. Designed to reflect the vibrancy of French Riviera port cities, the island hosts four 220-room properties named Monaco – which is checking in guests at the moment – Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez. Each hotel stands out for its elaborate paintwork featuring 60 dazzling hues at this secluded spot, just 4km off the coast of Dubai. 

The eagerly-awaited Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has opened on Palm West Beach, with 608 rooms offering incredible views of the Arabian Gulf. Even more exciting than the location, however, are the hotel’s restaurant offerings. Openings include Trader Vic’s and Tahitian Village, Factory by McGettigan’s, CLAW BBQ and Dubai’s first Barfly by Buddha Bar. Other options include Zing Beach Bar for light bites at the water's edge, SocialBee, which features a menu infused with locally-sourced honey, Mowsem all-day dining restaurant and Dubai favourite, Jones the Grocer.

The 389-room Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah opened in late 2022 on the bustling shores of Palm West Beach. The four-star resort has enviable views across to Dubai Marina and a stunning swimming pool with panoramic skyline vistas. Food options include an all-day dining restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner, light bites by the pool and a snack bar in the lobby. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a shiny new spa.

The family-friendly Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle boasts many highlights, including panoramic views of the city skyline and a host of amenities to keep all ages entertained. Holidaymakers can take full advantage of the aqua park, kids club, three swimming pools (including an infinity pool just for women) and the luxe La Mer Spa. Foodies meanwhile will be able to dine at international favourite MRKT, Italian restaurant Ricci and the lobby-located Mövenpick Cafe, where you can even indulge in complimentary chocolate treats every evening.

The impressive views of the yacht-filled harbour and endless blue sea beyond should be reason enough to check into the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi. This chic skyscraper boasts an infinity pool hosting the Wet Deck by Ginger Moon that ups the ante on waterside revelry. There are also five irresistible dining destinations, alongside a fitness studio and spa. The rooms are quirkily characterised as 'Fantastic', 'Marvellous' and 'Spectacular' so already high expectations are bound to be exceeded.

Another of the city’s latest architectural marvels, The Lana stands airy and graceful over the Dubai Water Canal. Highlights here include sky-high dining concepts, a beautiful patisserie and a rooftop pool and lounge from where to watch the busy urban precincts transform at sunset. Poised for a November unveiling, guests can look forward to a selection of 225 elegant rooms and suites. Those planning on long-term stays ought to set their sights on the residences instead, which offer access to landscaped terraces, infinity pools, a yoga studio, a marina with 20 berths and a dedicated podium for retail and dining.

Lauded as the next Millennial and Gen Z hotspot, the vibrant Parisian-born Mama Shelter is ready to warm up Dubai’s winter calendar with a playful and eclectic aesthetic, perfected by luxe designer Thierry Gaugain. Life at the hotel’s 201 rooms and 80 residences will be embellished by myriad spaces for socialising, networking and fun – from lounges, pools, photo booths and DJ zones to basketball and volleyball courts, screening rooms and even coworking hubs. While residents can enjoy furnished interiors, a smart home system and a fully integrated kitchen, they will have access to a la carte hotel services and amenities too.

With 82 levels, Ciel Tower is primed to be the tallest hotel in the world. Upon completion, the sustainably-designed silver structure will stand proud in Dubai Marina’s skyline of gleaming high-rises, bringing guests in the neighbourhood another exceptional stay to consider. Aside from the usual luxuries afforded by high-end accommodation, Ciel will feature landscaped terraces and a 360-degree observation deck with spectacular views over the marina, Palm Jumeirah island and the Arabian Gulf beyond.