,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripexpert.com%2Fimages%2Fmarker-fade%402x.png(55.23129,24.81682)/55.26550021022558,25.040596486099346,7.977025421404464/1280x214@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
XVA Art HotelvsBab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Both hotels are highly recommended by professionals. Overall, XVA Art Hotel is preferred by most reviewers compared to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. XVA Art Hotel ranks #6 in Dubai with praise from 12 reviewers including DK Eyewitness, Travel + Leisure and Concierge.
XVA Art Hotel
Frommer's
Concierge
Fodor's
Insight Guides
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
Oyster
The Telegraph Show All Reviews
Al Fahidi Quarter, formerly Bastakiya, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $68/night
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Multilingual
Frommer's "Inside the Bastakiya old quarter area, XVA is one of the best inexpensive finds in Dubai." Full review
Concierge "Artsy expatriates are drawn to XVA, especially on a Wednesday, when it plays host to offbeat art-house films and lectures."
Fodor's "Dubai's first boutique hotel still has a faithful following of trendy guests, and it's easy to see why." Full review
Insight Guides "No other paid accommodation in Dubai can compete with the XVA Gallery’s authentic Arabian offering."
DK Eyewitness "This elegant hotel in a restored courtyard house is full of atmosphere. The stylish hotel rooms are minimalist in design."
Rough Guide "One of Dubai’s very few genuine heritage hotels, this atmospheric gallery-cum-café has seven guest rooms tucked away around the back of a fine old Bastakiya house."
Afar Magazine "There is a running trail along Dubai Creek and the hotel can recommend nearby beaches, and fitness centers at all price points." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Owned and operated by the XVA Gallery, the XVA Hotel is located in the Bastakiya district." Full review
Oyster Mid-Range
"The mid-range XVA Art Hotel packs a whole lot of art into a small boutique hotel -- not a common feat in mega-hotel loving Dubai." Full review
The Telegraph8.0
"Arty Arabian minimalism." 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
