Palace DowntownvsXVA Art Hotel
Both XVA Art Hotel and Palace Downtown are rated highly by travel writers. On balance, XVA Art Hotel scores significantly better than Palace Downtown. XVA Art Hotel comes in at #6 in Dubai with endorsements from 12 sources such as Lonely Planet, Frommer's and Rough Guide.
Palace Downtown
Old Town Island, Downtown Dubai, Dubai 9770, United Arab Emirates
From $261/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"Editor's Note: This property was the Sofitel The Palace The Old Town until fall 2008.
The "Old Town" is actually brand-new—a hotel, condo, and shopping complex built in Arabian..."
i
When to go: November through March, to avoid the desert heat.
Rough Guide
"One of the flagship properties of the vast Downtown Dubai development, this opulent, Arabian-themed “city-resort” offers a surreal contrast to the nearby Burj Khalifa."
Star Service
"As an integral part of the Downtown Burj Dubai development, this hotel serves as the home base for a mix of leisure and business guests who bask in the shadows of Burj Khalifa." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"From the razzle-dazzle entrance lined with towering palm trees to the pretty petal-filled pool in the lobby, The Palace hotel has no shortage of Arabian splendor." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"The Palace Downtown has more soul than many other Dubai hotels and the 242 spacious rooms and suites feature Middle-Eastern touches in the form of carved-wood panelling and rich fabrics." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"It sounds like a gimmick, but the architectural contrast is pleasing, and many of this hotel’s 242 rooms have breathtaking views of Dubai’s latest monument to hyperbole." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"A successful blend of Old World class and Arabic aesthetics, the Palace appeals to those with refined tastes." Full review
XVA Art Hotel 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 Telegraph
8.0
"Arty Arabian minimalism." Full review