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Best Dubai Family Hotels for 2026

We’ve summarised our favourites here in a handy table, or read below for more details on each of our favourite family hotels in Dubai – every one of these hotels and resorts has been tried and tested by one of our writing team (all parents!) here in the UAE.

Hotel guests be aware! Always look out for the ++ when booking Dubai hotels. We talk more about tourism and hospitality taxes in Dubai here

You may also want to check out:

• Our guide to the best hotels with slides and waterpark access
• Best family AirBnB villa options in Dubai

Atlantis, the Palm

Atlantis, The Palm is hard to top if you’re scouring for the best hotels in Dubai for kids. The endless experiences on offer make the 5-star resort feel like a playground for families, with new levels of fun.

Spectacularly situated at the end of Palm Jumeirah, the hotel’s Aquaventure waterpark (free to visit as a hotel guest) is a must for families visiting Dubai; it even features a slide through a shark tank!

Their ‘Lost Chambers’ aquarium invites kids and adults alike into an underwater world, and Wavehouse provides hours of entertainment with 50+ arcade games, a bowling alley and the Surf’s Up wave rider.

Very young children are in good hands with the in-room babysitting, allowing parents to enjoy a choice of 23 restaurants. Teens can also hang out, socialize and dance at The Zone, a safe and adult-free space dedicated just to them.

The two-bedroom Suites category ensures families can sleep together at this mega-resort hotel, which is truly one of the most special experiences families can enjoy in Dubai.

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Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the best hotels in Dubai for families with children, who make up the majority of the clientele. The 5-star hotel has a private stretch of beach along the Arabian Gulf and over a dozen restaurants and bars offering international cuisine.

The spacious rooms and suites include floor-to-ceiling, ocean-view windows. Studio-style family rooms and family two-bedroom suites are available. All guests receive complimentary and unlimited access to the adjacent Wild Wadi Waterpark, a favourite with kids.

Another nice feature for younger children is the on-site activity centre, which features a climbing wall, musical instruments, and a kid’s club with a water play area.

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Jumeirah Al Naseem Madinat Jumeirah

The best Dubai hotels for families include Jumeirah Al Naseem, the newest and most modern hotel within the huge Madinat Jumeirah complex. Direct beach access, upmarket dining and spa facilities, and fancy rooms, including family setups and interconnecting rooms.

The Wild Wadi Waterpark is under a 10-minute walk away, and tickets are included with every guest’s stay. Jumeirah Al Naseem also runs a Kid’s Club with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and fun activities. A free shuttle service from DXB aids a stress-free arrival and departure, which is wonderful when travelling as a family.

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Grand Hyatt Dubai

Unlike most of Dubai’s resort hotels, which line the beachfront, the Grand Hyatt Dubai is centrally located at the edge of the city’s historic creek, overlooking the sparkling Dubai skyline. The hotel has an exclusive feel yet features that cater to all ages, making it one of the best family hotels in Dubai.

The elegant accommodations with Arabic details include family suites and interconnecting rooms. Babysitting services are available if adults fancy slipping out for dinner at one of over a dozen on-site restaurants.

Kids will also love the free popsicles routinely handed out by staff around the pool. The Kid’s Club and outdoor pools for kids and adults provide plenty of daytime entertainment, plus the huge atrium is an interesting addition, especially for your littlest ones. Children will love exploring the streams and bridges of this tropical indoor garden.

We also hear rumour that the resort is going to have its very own water park with 15+ rides and experiences for the kids – included in your hotel stay. How cool is that?!

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The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi is a 5-star luxury resort with its own 550-yard private beach nearby, offering views of the Palm Jumeirah. As with many of the best hotels in Dubai for families, The Westin is located close to the exciting Wild Wadi Waterpark, though in-house guests can now enjoy the incredible new Jungle Bay Water Park within the hotel grounds!

The hotel is adjacent to Le Meridien and shares many of the excellent facilities of Club Mina. Families can take advantage of the kids’ pool and kids’ club, which offer daily beach games for participation.

Chic Deluxe rooms with 2 Queen beds and Family Suite Sea View Rooms can comfortably accommodate families. A choice of 8 restaurants makes family mealtimes easy, with special menus included for children. Jumeirah Beach Walk is just 5 minutes away by car for family strolls and further dining and entertainment options.

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One&Only Royal Mirage

The One&Only Royal Mirage is one of the best Dubai hotels for families seeking an ultra-luxury 5-star stay. The property stretches along a pristine length of Jumeirah Beach and is made up of three gorgeous hotels: Arabian Court, The Palace, and the Residences & Spa.

The immaculate gardens, dramatic Arabesque architecture, and decorative Arabian details are stunning. Impeccable facilities include four swimming pools, a spa with a hammam, a Kids Club, and two playgrounds.

The Palace also provides children’s swimming, tennis, and waterskiing lessons. Interleading rooms are available upon request for families – an unbeatable luxury favourite for families if the budget allows.

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There are several more incredible 5* family resorts along Jumeirah beach also worthy of a mention including the Ritz Carlton, Le Royal Meridient and Al Habtoor Grand Resort – see all our favourite resorts on the beach in Dubai here

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm

Another of the best hotels in Dubai for kids is the elegant Waldorf Astoria, situated on the eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah. Families can enjoy 200 meters of palm-peppered private beach and a range of dining options from Arabian to International.

A shuttle service is available for easy visits to nearby attractions; the popular Aquaventure Waterpark is just five minutes away. The brilliant facilities for youngsters include a kids’ pool, Coco’s Kids Club, and babysitting services. Family Deluxe Suites and Deluxe rooms, both of which boast sea views, feature 2 queen beds.

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There simply isn’t enough room to include all the incredible resorts on Palm Jumeirah; Sofitel, Anantara, Fairmont, Rixos to name but a few would all make incredible family resort choices – see all the best Palm Jumeirah hotels over here

Roda al Murooj Residences

Roda al Murooj Residences is the best Dubai hotel for kids and parents looking for a more independent stay, with apartments of up to three bedrooms, immediately adjacent to Dubai Mall.

Each unit is self-catered with a kitchen including a fridge and oven, and the facilities of a hotel such as a 24-hour front desk, fitness centre, sauna and hot tub.

A buffet breakfast and a car rental counter for family trips out are also available. Kids will love the garden, year-round outdoor pool and children’s playground – the good news for parents is they stay for free. Complimentary cots and infant beds are available.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Intercontinental Dubai Festival City is set up to be one of the best hotels for kids in Dubai. It’s located around 15 minutes out of Downtown Dubai and only 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport – a superb option if you are only on a short stopover to Dubai and want to stay near DXB Airport.

The hotel offers exclusive access to the Dubai Festival City Mall which has over 500 retail stores for family shopping, and the eye-catching IMAGINE water, laser, light and fire spectacle that will have kids’ eyes goggling (as well as Fontana Circus this winter).

The 30-yard outdoor pool is a highlight for kids, with panoramic views of Dubai Creek. A children’s pool and babysitting or childcare service will also allow parents to sneak in a spa session. Don’t miss one amazing feature- if you dare! – an entirely glass infinity pool that dangles over the edge of the hotel!

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Doubletree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach

Doubletree has a great location on Jumeirah Beach’s ”The Walk’ waterfront promenade. Spacious one, two, and three-bedroom suites come with private balconies, and some have fully equipped kitchens and sea views.

Kids will be won over early on with the welcome DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie upon arrival, not to mention the children’s pool, private sandy beach and kid-friendly menus in a choice of restaurants.

Doubletree is one of the last high-rise hotels along The Beach waterfront of JBR, which puts it right next to the bridge over to Bluewater Island and all the eateries and entertainment on offer (including the soon-to-reopen Ain Dubai Ferris wheel). For convenience and facilities, this makes it one of the best beachfront hotels in Dubai for families.

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LEGOLAND^® Hotel Dubai 

Tell us a youngster who wouldn’t love staying in a themed room at Legoland with tickets to their favourite theme park? Newly opened in 2022, Legoland^® Dubai Hotel is the third hotel to open as part of the Dubai Parks & Resorts complex in Jebel Ali, to the west of Dubai city centre.

The 250 colourfully decorated rooms come in five different Lego themes and can sleep families of up to five in one room. On-site, there is a swimming pool, splash pad, and plenty of character meet-and-greets with themed activities.

This is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Dubai for young guests; broadly, your 4-year-old to 10-year-old age group would benefit the most.

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Also consider: If staying in the Lego-themed rooms isn’t a priority for your youngsters, the other two options for Dubai Parks & Resorts are the excellent value Rove at the Park with a shuttle to the theme parks, or our favourite is Lapita, Autograph Collection, the Polynesian themed resort with excellent pools and lazy river

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

This Thai-inspired hotel recently opened in the Deira Islands, a sensational all-inclusive family resort option to consider on your trip to Dubai. During your stay, kids will have access to the on-site waterpark and adventure park with slides and rope courses, or why not indulge in the family spa?

You won’t want to leave your hotel, as you’re spoilt with three swimming pools, five on-site restaurants, and many of the 600+ rooms that come fitted with bunk beds! We love that they offer meal plans and even all-inclusive packages.

Deira Islands is one of the latest areas of Dubai to be developed. It’s not far from DXB Airport and the Dubai Creek Area, and Downtown is also easy to access by taxi.

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JA The Resort

A less obvious choice for visitors to Dubai is to head west of the city’s main hotel and resort areas to the coastal resort complex JA The Resort. This sprawling complex at Jebel Ali Beach comprises three hotel resorts packed with family activities. You can book family suites and meal packages, including all-inclusive, for the perfect relaxing family vacation on the Arabian Gulf.

Activities on offer vary from water skiing and water sports to horse riding; indulge in a round of golf, try your shooting skills, have a hit on the tennis courts or simply relax at one of the 25 bars and restaurants. It’s one of our top recommended resorts for older children who love their holiday activities.

The only disadvantage we would note is that the resort is more remote than the others we’ve listed here, so you are not connected to the public transportation system in Dubai and will incur a decent taxi or Careem/Uber fare wherever you’re headed.

If it’s a resort with everything your family could desire in one location, and you simply want to enjoy the abundant sunshine of Dubai, this could be the best value family resort choice in Dubai.

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Bab al Shams Desert Resort

Bab al Shams is a little different and the best hotel in Dubai for families craving a luxurious Middle East escape. The hotel is constructed around an oasis, encircled by natural landscapes and 50 minutes from the bustle of Downtown Dubai in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

Despite its more remote location, this unique resort offers plenty to do: three outdoor pools, a kid’s pool, the Aladin’s Kid’s Club (ages 4-12), and an adventure playground.

Children under 12 stay free, and younger kids can enjoy Sinbad’s Kids’ Club and a separate shaded pool. Families can have an adventure exploring the surrounding desert by jeep, horse or camel. Cribs, rollaway beds and connecting rooms are available upon request.

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Whether its luxury resorts or glamping under the stars, we have a detailed guide to staying in the desert in Dubai here if you’re after a more unique family experience in the UAE.

The city of Dubai has been transformed only over a matter of decades from a small fishing village and trading port to one of the mega-cities of the Middle East. 

Renowned for its glitzy and glamourous exterior and Arabian allure – not to mention year-round sunshine – Dubai is far more than just a stopover city these days. From families to couples, business travellers to backpackers, and everything in between, modern Dubai has so much to offer. 

But where will you find the best places to stay in Dubai? With over 800 hotels and around 150,000 rooms on offer (as at end of 2023) – let alone rental properties and apartments- it’s tough to know where to start your Dubai accommodation search. Your decision will likely depend on:

• Your reason for visiting Dubai
• How many are in your travelling party
• Budget to spend on accommodation

We are firstly going to take you through the layout of the city so you can understand how the different areas of Dubai relate to one another, then we will jump into the detail of top Dubai hotels to suit:

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Best Areas to Stay in Dubai – Dubai City Layout

Dubai is a long, spread-out city largely based along a 40-kilometre or so stretch of the Arabian Gulf coast.  In recent years, development has very much encroached inland on the desert, and there are more “up and coming areas” than there are food trucks (though that can be a close tie in Dubai).

There is no city centre of Dubai per se, so you should base where you stay around the type of Dubai trip you are after.  Unlike many other cities, a lot of Dubai is not walkable, which makes choosing the best area in Dubai even more essential.

The location you choose as a Dubai visitor can be key to your Dubai experience. While the public transportation network in Dubai is reasonably comprehensive, it largely operates around the strip of Sheikh Zayed Road, which runs through the heart of the city parallel to the coast. You don’t want to spend half your time traipsing across the city, so plan wisely.

We would recommend for tourists on longer stays to get themselves well placed for transport and with relaxation facilities.  If you are on shorter stays, place yourself nearer to the airport.  There is certainly no “one size fits all” experience for Dubai – and yes budget plays a big part 

Don’t forget to check out if there is a Dubai Pass to fit your sightseeing needs in Dubai

Top Tourist Areas of Dubai

Let’s look at each of these areas in much more detail and top accommodation choices for each budget. 

You can jump straight to our detailed hotel guides for every area of Dubai here.

Places to stay in Dubai – Downtown Dubai & Business Bay

Think the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mal, nd all the buildings that sit around these top attractions. You’ll be surrounded by sweeping skyscrapers, the Dubai Opera and all the amenities the Dubai Mall has to offer, from its epic Aquarium to the Olympic-sized ice skating rink, cinemas, KidZania, VR Park, and even the Burj Park nestled in between. Not to mention the nightly light & sound Dubai fountain show that’s wowed visiting crowds for years. 

You are also in good proximity to the airport and the older historic parts of Dubai. The downtown area of Dubai would be our top pick for shorter stays on a reasonable budget who will mostly be out and about exploring and don’t want to spend all their time at the beach.

Pros of staying in Downtown – Incredibly central and convenient to main attractions and the city’s best restaurants, top city bars; easily walkable promenades and Metro connection, all the way through to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Cons of staying in Downtown – It can seriously dent your budget! Convenience does not come cheap in top tourist areas. You also miss some of the benefits of sunset on the Arabian Gulf coast and the more lively buzz of Dubai Marina & JBR (more below!).

Our top accommodation picks for Downtown Dubai:

• Budget – Rove Downtown
• Hostel – Friends House Hostel
• Mid-range – Renaissance Downtown Hotel
• Luxury – Palace Downtown
• Family / Hotel Apartment –  Ramada Downtown Dubai

Places to stay in Dubai – Dubai Marina

A man-made marina area sitting to the west of the city, this is another hub of tourist activity. The incredibly picturesque marina surrounded by high-rise towers is home to several of Dubai’s top dining & nightlife options.

Dubai Marina is the departure point for many cruises as well as the Dubai Water Taxi & Dubai Water Bus which can take you to Downtown.

The Dubai Tram also runs from Dubai Marina to Dubai Media City and on the south side of the Marina, you can connect with the Red Metro. 

Pros of staying in Dubai Marina – It really has everything holidaymakers need at hand and great transport connections, close to Dubai Parks & Resorts and Abu Dhabi border, minutes to JBR The Walk & The Beach. Enjoy the beauty of overlooking the marina action and a fabulous nightlife vibe.

The other huge advantage of staying in Dubai Marina is nearly all rooms are hotel apartments meaning you have extra kitchen and washing amenities – great for longer stays. There’s also a good range of alternate AirBnB options in Dubai Marina which we look at here (you won’t believe some of the spectacular high-rise options!)

Cons of staying in Dubai Marina – You are quite far from DXB airport and the attractions of Downtown; Depending on what side of the marina, you may still have some considerable walking to do. Cheaper options than Downtown but still costly for tourists on a tight budget.

Our top accommodation picks for Dubai Marina

• Budget – Rove Dubai Marina
• Hostel – 1 World Backpackers
• Mid-range – Grosvenor House Hotel & Apartments
• Luxury – Address Dubai Marina
• Family / Hotel Apartment – Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites

Places to Stay in Dubai – Jumeirah Beach and JBR

It’s important to note these really are two separate things. “Jumeirah” is often loosely used to refer to pretty much any area along the beachfront of Dubai from Bur Dubai to the northeast all the way down to Dubai Marina.

JBR is short for “Jumeirah Beach Residence,” which sits wedged between the beachfront (aptly named “The Beach”) and the adjacent promenade area “The Walk” to the north and Dubai Marina to the South.  Here, you will find some of Dubai’s best beachside accommodations and hotel apartments perfect for families. Not all may have their own private beach, but you may get beach club access and, almost certainly, some sea views.

As the name might strongly suggest, this is a great area to stay if you are seeking out some sun, beach, water sports and pool time during your time in Dubai whilst still wanting to be well-connected to the rest of the city. It’s arguably the top spot for tourists as the area is walkable and has so much to offer.

Other areas of Jumeirah Beach to look out for as there are plentiful amenities nearby are the Jumeirah chain hotels attached to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel (attached to Wild Wadi), the ultra-luxurious Burj Al Arab and up and coming La Mer beachfront area to the north, including Pearl Jumeirah & Nikki Beach.

There’s also Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, One&Only Royal Mirage & Four Seasons to name but a few of the luxurious hotels in Jumeirah with their own private beach frontages to consider along Jumeirah Beach. You may find private villa accommodation on AirBnB in this area too.

NB: There isn’t really “budget” when it comes to staying right on the beach. You can certainly get much cheaper hotels along JBR and immediately inland within Dubai Marina if you are happy to compromise on star-rating and facilities. Along the beach, you can bank on a minimum of $100 USD per night starting price – but there are a few hidden highrise shared dorm hostels to consider.

Pros of staying in JBR / Jumeirah Beach – Access to the beach, of course! The unmissable soft white stands and superb sundowner locations all along the coast. JBR has the added

Cons of staying in JBR / Jumeirah Beach – The resorts further along the coast from JBR are not really walkable to anything. Some will offer complimentary shuttle services to attractions such as Mall of the Emirates, but you’re otherwise a little “trapped in”. You’re also some distance from the airport.

Our top accommodation picks for JBR / Jumeirah Beach

• Budget – Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham
• Hostel – DXB Backpackers
• Mid-range – Westin Mina Seyahi
• Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
• Family / Hotel Apartment – Hilton Dubai The Walk

We also recommend you check out our guide to the Best Dubai Beach Resorts With Private Beach which captures many of the Jumeirah Beach properties.

If staying actually on the beach isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of public beaches in Dubai you can day trip to or spoil yourself to a one-off day at a luxury beach club.

Places to Stay in Dubai – The Palm Jumeirah

Now let’s clarify any name confusion again; the Palm Jumeirah very specifically refers to the manmade peninsular that juts into the Persian Gulf from Jumeirah. It is bathed in luxury housing and apartments and a plethora of luxury resorts. You really need to take a helicopter ride or skydive to take in just how vast this offshore development is!

This is your ideal serene resort break where you may not even want to leave your hotel! All the resorts are frankly incredible, world-class quality, it’ll simply come down to your individual budget as it’s nearly all 5-star hotels, though some budget and mid-range options are opening up along Palm West Beach.

As per Jumeirah Beach, you won’t really get “budget” but we’ve picked out the best value luxury choices.

Pros of staying on Palm Jumeirah – A stunning taste of Dubai luxury, ample outdoor activities and amazing sunsets over the Arabian Gulf to be enjoyed.

Cons of staying on Palm Jumeirah – The price tag will put most average travellers off staying on the Palm. You’re also quite far from the airport – and almost everything else in Dubai! There’s only one road on and off the Palm, so expect lots of taxis/transfers and long commutes if you want to sightsee or get back to DXB Airport.

Best Places to stay on Palm Jumeirah

• Budget – Andaz by Hyatt Palm Jumeirah
• Mid-range – Fairmont