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Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa vs Manzil Downtown By Vida

Both hotels are rated highly by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is preferred by most writers compared to Manzil Downtown. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa scores 84 with positive reviews from 9 reviews including Time Out, Afar Magazine and Frommer's.

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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Manzil Downtown By Vida
Manzil Downtown By Vida
7 / 10
The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai 114822, United Arab Emirates
From $138 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Shuttle Bus
  • Laundry Service
show all amenities
Time Out Time Out
"The decor of the rooms is contemporary Arabic and all rooms boast a unique – if unusual – open style bathroom with a rainfall shower and gigantic oval-shaped bath." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"This boutique hotel—the sister property of the Vida Hotel—radiates a modern, Arabic-inspired ambiance." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
9.0
"A great family option." Full review
i
Choose between a room with a view of the Burj Khalifa or the swimming pool.
National Geographic National Geographic
"Chic, 197-room four-star in the shadow of the world’s tallest building; contemporary Arabian style melds modern and traditional." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Upscale
"The 197-room Manzil Downtown Dubai is an upscale boutique property in the heart of downtown Dubai." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"Manzil is a chic boutique property in a sea of luxury hotels from global mega-brands." Full review