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Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and SpavsLe Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
Both properties are highly recommended by travel writers. On balance, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa ranks slightly better than Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa has a TripExpert Score of 86 with recommendations from 10 reviews including National Geographic, Travel + Leisure and The Telegraph.
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
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Frommer's Rough Guide Time Out
Star Service Oyster Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure
Jetsetter
The Telegraph
National Geographic
Al Sofouh Road, P O Box 24970, Dubai 24970, United Arab Emirates
From $204/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Frommer's "One of Dubai's most extensive and family-friendly beach resort hotels." Full review
Rough Guide "Best features are the extensive grounds and beach, complete with three larger-than- average pools, perhaps the most attractive of any of the marina hotels."
Time Out "Apparently the hotel choice of many Premiership footballers, including John Terry and Peter Crouch, with WAGs in tow, the Royal Méridien is one of the older beach resorts you’ll find in town." Full review
Star Service "This much-improved version of the regular Meridien offers more elaborate surroundings and services, albeit at a higher price." Full review
i
Room service operates at all hours, and smoke-free and handicapped accommodations can be requested.
Oyster Kid-Friendly
"A high-end, family-friendly hotel... numerous dining options are top-class while an excellent kids' club keeps the little ones happy." Full review
Lonely Planet "An urge to splurge would be well directed towards this 500-room resort flanking a gorgeous beach and extensive gardens." Full review
Travel + Leisure "An ideal choice for beach-inclined travelers looking for upscale-but-not-stuffy accommodations in the middle of the Arabian seaside district known as the Dubai Marina." Full review
i
Be sure to check out Maya Mexican Lounge and Zengo
Jetsetter "An expat and tourist resort playground on the glitzy beachfront Jumeriah strip with three swimming pools." Full review
The Telegraph9.0
"Massive swimming pools, extensive stretch of squeaky white sand and first-rate children’s facilities make it one of the city’s most popular family escapes." Full review
National Geographic "Family-oriented luxury beach resort: enormous, well-appointed resort; over 500 enormous, well-appointed rooms, from beachfront to butler served." Full review
