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Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa vs Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

Both properties are endorsed by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa scores significantly better than Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa scores 84 with accolades from 9 reviewers such as Rough Guide, Afar Magazine and Travel + Leisure.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
8 / 10
International Endurance City, 308th Rd, P.O Box 8168, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $220 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Shuttle Bus
  • Laundry Service
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Frommer's Frommer's
"Relaxation defines this enchanted desert resort, located 45 minutes outside Dubai near Endurance City." Full review
Rough Guide Rough Guide
"Hidden out in the desert a 45-minute drive from the airport, this gorgeous resort occupies a wonderfully atmospheric replica Arabian fort."
Time Out Time Out
"For a touch of old-style Arabia, without losing any modern comforts, desert resort Bab Al Shams is one of a kind." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Luxury
"A popular, family-friendly resort and attracts a range of guests, including business travelers looking for something a bit different." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"The family-friendly Bab al Shams Desert Resort & Spa wraps around an oasis and looks out over gently rolling sand dunes that guests explore by 4x4, horse, camel, and mountain bike." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Meaning gateway to the sun, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is located in the desert outside of the city." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"Bab al Shams, translating as "doorway to the sun," is a five-star adobe brick oasis, a vision you'd expect to find on the edges of the Sahara desert, or perhaps as a set for a movie." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"Escape big-city Dubai with a stay at Bab Al Shams, a low-slung desert resort modeled after an Arabian fort." Full review
Independent Independent
"There are desert adventures such as camel rides, falconry exhibitions and nature walks to enjoy...each of the rooms reflects the Middle East in its design, and provides guests with desert views"
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Resembling a fort and blending into the desertscape, Bab Al Shams is a tonic for escapists seeking to indulge their Arabian Nights fantasies" Full review
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Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
8 / 10
Al Fahidi Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $49 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Free Breakfast
  • Shuttle Bus
show all amenities
Frommer's Frommer's
"Located across the street from the Dubai Museum, this is one of the city's best-value four-star hotels." Full review
DK Eyewitness DK Eyewitness
"The fine views from the Arabian Courtyard are some of Dubai’s most fascinating. The Arabianinspired rooms are spacious and the staff is friendly."
Time Out Time Out
"The Arabian Courtyard is so heavily themed on the heritage angle that you’ll be surprised to discover it’s one of the city’s newer hotels." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"The interior has an Arabian style, and the rooms are pleasing to the eye with ornate fretwork, wooden headboards, mirrors, tables and chairs, and wooden floors." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"Ideal for those who prefer authentic Middle Eastern hustle and bustle over the five-star luxuries of new Dubai." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Located opposite the Dubai Museum, this hotel is an excellent launch pad for city explorers." Full review