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Raffles DubaivsBab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Both Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa and Raffles Dubai are highly recommended by those who travel for a living. Overall, Raffles Dubai scores significantly higher than Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Raffles Dubai comes in at #2 in Dubai with recommendations from 13 reviews like DK Eyewitness, Jetsetter and Frommer's.
Raffles Dubai
Frommer's
Concierge
Fodor's
Insight Guides
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Star Service
Condé Nast Traveler
Oyster
Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $327/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Frommer's "This pyramid-shape luxury property is attached to Wafi City shopping mall and merges Asian style with an Egyptian aesthetic." Full review
Concierge "The external kitsch conceals some of Dubai's largest, most stylish hotel rooms, all 248 loftlike in feel with oversized terrace balconies."
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When to go: November through March, to avoid the desert heat.
Fodor's "The crowning glory of Wafi City's ancient Egyptian design theme, this majestic glass pyramid houses a classy 5-star hotel." Full review
Insight Guides "Spectacular hotel housed in a giant pyramid, with a mix of quirky Egyptian theming and cool Asian designs, plus superb facilities including huge gardens, a gorgeous spa and some excellent restaurants and bars."
DK Eyewitness "The Middle East’s first Raffles combines warmth and luxury with impeccable service."
Rough Guide "Rivalling the Park Hyatt for the title of Dubai’s finest city-centre hotel, the spectacular new Raffles takes its cue from the Egyptian theme of the Wafi complex next door."
Star Service "The unique design approach incorporates the Earth's various moods of wind, fire, earth and water, which, if guests watch closely, are clearly apparent throughout the property. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The external kitsch conceals some of Dubai’s largest, most stylish hotel rooms, all 248 loftlike in feel with oversized terrace balconies." Full review
Oyster Kid-Friendly
"Spacious, light-filled interiors are sumptuous yet understated, tastefully displaying a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian design influences." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture, the pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai houses 248 luxury guest rooms and rises 19 stories above the 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
