When it comes to where to stay in Dubai, the choice continues to grow, with a whole host of exciting new hotel openings adding to its already dazzling cityscape.
(Photo: Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences / Courtesy Booking.com)
Dubai caters for its large numbers of visitors with a huge choice of accommodation options – with new properties routinely popping up across the city. The past year has once again seen dozens of additions to its hotel landscape, with most of the openings on the higher end of the budget scale. We’ve created a rundown of the latest and most notable new hotels to open in Dubai – and those set for a curtain raiser next year too.
Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences
Set in the historic district of Deira, nestled along the shores of the famous Dubai Creek and just 10 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, this 5-star hotel is the first opening within the ‘Jewel of the Creek’ development. It combines a prime location with some top-notch amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and a pretty terrace that’s ideal for unwinding and socialising. The modern, stylish guest rooms are no less impressive, featuring a flat-screen TV and a desk, with some also offering a balcony. There are also concierge services and continental breakfasts served daily. Guests arriving in their own transport can make use of free private parking.
The Biltmore Hotel Villas
(Photo: The Biltmore Hotel Villas / Courtesy Booking.com)
Combining all the benefits of a hotel with plenty of ‘home from home’ comforts including kitchen and dining areas, the high-end villas that make up The Biltmore Hotel are ideal for families or larger groups. Located in the Al Barsha neighbourhood, the sumptuous 18-villa complex features a private pool, a spa with wellness options, pristinely-landscaped garden, a restaurant and private parking. For families, there’s also a kids’ pool, an indoor play area and a dedicated kids’ club. The villas themselves come with a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. The Mall of the Emirates, with its array of shops, restaurants and acclaimed indoor ski slope, is a mile away.
One Za’abeel
In a city already blessed with architecturally innovative buildings, along came another in early 2024 with the opening of One Za’abeel in the heart of Dubai’s financial district. Owned and operated by the ultra-luxury One & Only resort brand, the eye-catching hotel is made distinctive by what is said to be the world’s longest cantilever that connects two sleek towers. A spectacular rooftop complete with the UAE’s longest infinity pool and dramatic views across Dubai add to the visual drama. But this hotel is far from skin deep: venture inside and you’ll discover ultra-chic retail, entertainment and culinary experiences, while the guest rooms are elegantly decked out in neutral colour palettes and soothing sand motifs. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and garden, free bike hires and free private parking.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay
(Photo: Embassy Suites By Hilton Dubai Business Bay / Courtesy Booking.com)
Not content with just one recent opening (see above), the renowned Hilton hotel brand has added even further to its Dubai presence with Embassy Suites, aimed at both business and leisure travellers. Situated on the fringes of the bustling Business Bay area that straddles Dubai Creek, the hotel’s suites all come with living areas and there are an array of communal amenities available to all guests including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna, a terrace, and a restaurant and bar. There’s also a buffet breakfast served each morning and guests arriving in their own transport can avail themselves of the free on-site parking. Downtown Dubai is about a 10-minute drive away.
OSTAY-Fashion Avenue Dubai Mall
This upscale aparthotel in the heart of the city centre opened in mid-2024 and quickly gained repute among Dubai visitors seeking a more ‘like a local’ experience. This is afforded by in-room comforts and conveniences including a kitchen with a microwave, oven, toaster, fridge and dishwasher, along with a seating and dining area, all complementing more standard guest room amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom. Elsewhere in the property, communal facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities, a 24-hour front desk and free private parking. Families are also well served by a kids’ pool, an indoor play area and outdoor play equipment.
Delano Dubai
(Photo: Delano Dubai / Courtesy Booking.com)
When the Delano Miami opened some three decades ago, it set a new standard for luxury hospitality. Since those halcyon days, the luxury chain has expanded globally and now, to great fanfare, has landed in Dubai. Located on Bluewaters Island, one of a cluster of man-made islands close to Dubai Marina that’s packed with shopping and entertainment options, the lavish hotel boasts 251 guest rooms, including 84 suites – some with private swimming pools – and an array of enticing amenities such as an ocean-front swimming pool and several gourmet restaurants and bars.
Mama Shelter Dubai
If it’s a hip and happening social hotspot that you’re after, look no further than this funky design-led hotel in Business Bay. First launched in Paris in 2008, Mama Shelter has since expanded to 13 countries, with that number set to increase with an imminent Dubai opening that has been slated for several years but looks finally to be coming to fruition. Achingly cool, this latest Dubai outpost boasts all of the hallmarks of its counterparts – namely a playful and eclectic aesthetic, together with lounges, pools, DJ zones, sports facilities, screening rooms and even coworking hubs, plus quirky features such as photo booths and an outdoor amphitheatre.
Opening late 2024
Gran Meliá Port La Mer
The tail end of 2025 will see the opening of the Gran Meliá Port La Mer in Jumeirah One Beach, one of the most desirable areas in Dubai. Set directly on the seafront of the new Port de La Mer island, the urban resort hotel will feature 380 guest rooms and suites offering enticing ocean and city skyline views. On-site amenities will include a wellness centre with a gym and spa, swimming pools, a private beach, and numerous international restaurants and bars. There will also be an exclusive new beach club situated adjacent to the hotel complete with a lounge and bar, day beds, and a swimming pool.
Opening end of 2025