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InterContinental Dubai - Festival City, an IHG HotelvsBab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Both hotels are highly recommended by experts. On balance, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa scores slightly higher than InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa has a TripExpert Score of 84 with positive reviews from 9 reviewers such as Condé Nast Traveler, Oyster and Frommer's.
InterContinental Dubai - Festival City, an IHG Hotel
Fodor's
DK Eyewitness
Time Out
Oyster
The Telegraph
Umm Ramool Rd, Dubai Festival City, Dubai 45777, United Arab Emirates
From $116/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Fodor's "Fashioned along the lines of a sailing yacht, the hotel cuts a striking silhouette rising from the south bank of Dubai Creek."
DK Eyewitness "The InterContinental at Dubai Festival City is a chic property, with superb attention to detail and well-drilled staff on hand throughout the hotel’s vast amenities."
Time Out "Inspired by the dhow boats that drift past it daily on the Creek, the Intercontinental Festival City is a modern dream of a hotel." Full review
Oyster Luxury
"A high-end, luxury chain hotel that's impressive in scale, sophistication, and facilities." Full review
The Telegraph8.0
"A sleek, modern, spacious hotel in the heart of Dubai’s buzzing shopping and entertainment hub, Festival City." Full review
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Frommer's
Rough Guide Time Out Oyster
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure Fodor's
Condé Nast Traveler
Independent
Lonely Planet Show All Reviews
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
Frommer's "Relaxation defines this enchanted desert resort, located 45 minutes outside Dubai near Endurance City." Full review
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 "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 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 "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 "Meaning gateway to the sun, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is located in the desert outside of the city." Full review
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 "Escape big-city Dubai with a stay at Bab Al Shams, a low-slung desert resort modeled after an Arabian fort." Full review
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"
Best hotels in Dubai 2023: Where to stay for a luxurious break
February 17, 2023
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
