Filed under: Dubai
Glamourous, glitzy and over the top: Dubai hotels are opulent, luxurious and sometimes out and out crazy: just little like Dubai itself. This Middle Eastern metropolis is drawing more British visitors than ever before, promising year-round heat, the opportunity to shop til you drop, and a completely different holiday experience.
But where to stay? Don't book your trip without checking out our favourite (and mainly flamboyant) gems...
- JW Marriott Marquis
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The world's tallest hotel, the brand new JW Marriott Marquis reaches 355m (1,164ft) and offers 1,608 rooms, 14 restaurants and a 1,500sq ft spa as well as a rather amazing rooftop pool. From around £140 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com">jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com</a></p>
- Ibn Battuta Gate
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The Movenpick Hotel Ibn Batutta was designed to embrace the spirit of the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta's 14th century travels across Arabia, Africa and the Orient. Highlights include a spectacular rooftop swimming pool and ten signature suites designed to reflect the ten countries Battuta explored. Prices for a Local Flair Getwaway package start at £230 per night including breakfast and an excursion to the Abu Dhabie Falcon Hospital. Visit <a href="http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/" target="_blank">moevenpick-hotels.com</a><a href="http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com " target="_blank"> </a>for more.</p>
- Ocean View
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A brand new opening for 2013, each of the 342 rooms at JA Resorts' Ocean View Hotel faces the sea. There are six restaurants and bars, a large pool and spa as well as a free shuttle to the five-star secluded golden sandy beach at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort. From around £180 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.jaresortshotels.com/properties/oceanviewhotel/Overview.aspx" target="_blank">jaresortshotels.com</a>.</p>
- The Desert Palm
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This boutique property sits just outside Dubai - so it's a great spot for those who want to relax away from the tall buildings and bright lights. Surrounded by lush green polo fields, the Desert Palm offers just 38 rooms and pool villas. The newly opened Polo Bar offers a birds-eye view of the fields and offers guests an al fresco alternative to watching "the sport of kings" while sipping champagne cocktails. <a href="http://www.itcclassics.co.uk" target="_blank">ITC Classics </a>offers three nights bed and breakfast including flights from £823 per person.</p>
- Atlantis the Palm
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This iconic ocean-themed destination resort on Palm Island oozes over-the-top facilities in true Dubai style. With <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">an impressive array of luxury shops and a collection of world class chefs including Nobu, Giorgio Locatell and Michel Rostang, the Palm offers entertainment for all. It's also home to one of the largest open air marine habitats in the world, with a maze of underwater corridors and passageways offering displays of more than 65,000 marine animals in a 'journey through ancient Atlantis'. </span><a href="http://www.travelbag.co.uk/destinations/dubai-middle-east/dubai/hotels/atlantis--the-palm,-dubai?id=409" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;" target="_blank">Travelbag</a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;"> offers three nights half board including flights from £699.</span></p>
- Raffles Dubai
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One of Dubai's must-sees (you may have spotted that this hotel is built in the shape of an Egyptian pyramid) this luxury hotel offers eight restaurants and bars, a spa and botanical garden, as well as its own and shopping centre and night club. Prices start at around £350 per night. Visit <a href=". www.raffles.com/dubai" target="_blank">raffles.com/dubai</a></p>
- One & Only The Palm
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A luxury resort set on Dubai's Palm Island, this gem offers an intimate, tranquil hideaway just moments from the buzz of Dubai. Sumptuous design pervades, while privacy is the order of the day<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">: the private marina allows easy access by private boat if that's how you choose to arrive. Highlights include 450m of private beach, a huge pool, a spa and three restaurants run under the culinary guidance of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno. </span><a href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/dubai/hotels/oneandonly-the-palm" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;" target="_blank">Kuoni</a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;"> offers three nights at One&Only The Palm from £960 per person including flights and bed and breakfast accommodation.</span></p>
- Palm Tree Court
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Perfect for friends or couples seeking serious sunshine, the Palm Tree Court prides itself on its laid-back atmosphere. Set on a palm-lined beach and surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls, this newly renovated hotel offers four swimming pools and a watersports centre as well as a new luxury beachfront holiday home, the Residence, which offers exclusive suites for those who want to holiday in true VIP-style: think private butler service and complimentary exclusive amenities. A garden view junior suite starts at £115 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.jaresortshotels.com/Hotels/Home.aspx" target="_blank">jaresortshotels.com</a>.</p>
- The Palace, One & Only Royal Mirage
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On its own private stretch of Jumeirah Beach overlooking Palm Island Bay, it's not for nothing that this hotel was amongst Tripadvisor's Top Luxury Hotels in the Middle East in 2012. The recently opened beachside Jetty Bar offers a great venue for sunset cocktails, and the hotel caters very well for children, with a kids club offering activities galore, from camel riding to Arabian camping. <a href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/dubai/hotels/the-palace-at-oneandonly-royal-mirage" target="_blank">Kuoni</a> offers three nights at the Royal Mirage from £840 per night, including flights and bed and breakfast.</p>