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Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and SpavsTaj Dubai
Both properties are praised by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa scores significantly better than Taj Dubai. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa has a TripExpert Score of 84 with approval from 9 sources such as Frommer's, Travel + Leisure and Fodor's.
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
Taj Dubai
Jetsetter
The Telegraph Oyster Condé Nast Traveler
Michelin Guide
Burj Khalifa Street, Dubai 8489, United Arab Emirates
From $131/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Jetsetter "Luxe downtown high-rise opposite the Burj Khalifa, with an outdoor pool, an ayurvedic spa and four restaurants." Full review
The Telegraph9.0
"An upscale Dubai property that seamlessly leaps the business-leisure divide." Full review
Oyster Luxury
"Typical of this luxury chain, the five-pearl Taj Dubai is a beautifully polished property infused with Indian touches." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Jet-setting families with kids come to this 296-room hotel with a stand-out breakfast." Full review
Michelin Guide "The style sticks closely to the Taj template, a contemporary take on classical Indian design, and the staff can be counted on for the sort of eminently professional service" Full review
