Where to Stay

Dubai is strategically located along a ten-kilometer (six-mile) creek (or sea inlet), which divides it into two parts: Deira on the north side and Bur Dubai to the south. Also to the south of the Creek are Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road with desert hotels out toward Jebel Ali.

Deira

Dubai's old city and its commercial and business center, Deira is home to traditional gold and spice souks (markets). Hotel choices include the Carlton Tower Hotel and Hilton Dubai Creek, both with magnificent views over the Creek. The Hyatt Regency Dubai is located on the Dubai Corniche while the JW Marriott Hotel is more in the city center. Mid-range choices include the Ramada Continental Hotel.

Bur Dubai

Located to the south of the Creek, this neighborhood is home to mid-market hotels including the Ascot Hotel, Capitol Hotel and Hotel Seaview.

Jumeirah Beach

Located to the west of the Creek, Jumeirah Beach boasts Dubai's world famous resorts and hotels, the Wild Wadi Water Park and Mall of the Emirates. Burj Al Arab Hotel is rated by the Cranley independent hotel ratings and information group as a Cranley 12, the highest and most exclusive rating awarded by Cranley. Next to Burj Al Arab is the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah resort set in meandering waterways, rated an exclusive Cranley 11. Jumeirah Beach Hotel enjoys extensive sports, dining, conference and children's facilities.

Dubai Marina

This up and coming development area has good business and tourist connections and is home to some exclusive hotels that include Grosvenor House, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa.

Sheikh Zayed Road

This new business area of Dubai is growing and includes the World Trade Center and a superb choice of business-style hotels including Dusit Dubai Hotel & Apartments and the exclusive Emirates Towers Hotel. For convenience, business travelers will find the newly built Ibis World Trade Center Hotel a convenient walk away from the World Trade Center.

Desert

For leisurely travel beyond the city, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is an absolute must. Near Jebel Ali is the Green Community where the lake-side Courtyard by Marriot is a perfect choice.