We all love a good holiday and what’s even better is a relaxing break that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet.
But, it’s holiday season so the UAE’s hotels are packed full of tourists, meaning prices are higher than we’ve seen in a while. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some deals to be had.
Here’s our round-up of the best budget hotels in the UAE that will leave you refreshed and stress-free, for around Dhs300 or less a night.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Dubai
Located smack dab in the middle of Bur Dubai, this hotel has a lot going for it. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Dubai Museum and the shopping district of Meena Bazaar, where there’s plenty of haggling to be done. And you can’t go wrong by walking over to the picturesque Arabian Tea House for a delicious breakfast and heading a few steps further towards the bustling Al Seef waterfront, for seafront vibes, cute cafés and the Museum of Illusions.
From Dhs258 per room per night. Al Seef Area, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Opposite Dubai Museum. arabiancourtyard.com (0 4 351 9111).
Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah
Beyond the well-known Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is the Al Nakheel area near the harbour and the emirate’s old souk. Perfect for those wishing to get a feel for the UAE from decades past, it’s also less than an hour’s drive to the summit of Jebel Jais, where adventure awaits anyone who loves the rugged outdoors.
From Dhs297per room per night. Bin Daher Street, Al Nakheel area, Ras Al Khaimah. hilton.com/en/hotels/rkthigi-hilton-garden-inn-ras-al-khaimah/ (07 228 8888).
Pearl Hotel & Spa, Umm Al Quwain
Perched on the beachfront, Pearl Hotel & Spa is a great vantage point for anyone who wants to combine a beach holiday with nature and culture. Explore the UAQ National Museum in the nearby ‘old town’ area, or head out for a short drive to Dreamland Aqua Park. Nature also awaits intrepid explorers: bird enthusiasts can simply take a ferry to Al Sinniyah Island or take a drive through the UAQ Mangrove Park for some wetland views.
From Dhs300per room per night. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Mualla Road, Al Hamra Area, Umm Al Quwain. pearlhotel.ae/ (06 766 6678).
Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel
Mountain escapes can be breathtaking and this hotel, perched 915m high on Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain is just what you’re looking for. Views from the hotel include the surrounding Al Ain area but also Oman in the distance. Whether you’re on the mountain for the scenery and solitude or fitness (runners and cyclists take on the incline in good weather), this is the best place to relax.
From Dhs299 per room per night. Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain. all.accor.com/hotel/3573/index.en.shtml (03 704 6888).
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
A break that still puts you in the midst of action is what you’ll find when you head to the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi hotel on the Corniche. Just minutes away from the beach, one of this hotel’s USPs is its steak restaurant. Its central location means that guests can hop over to both Al Maryah or Saadiyat Island where more shopping and culinary adventures await, or revel in local attractions such as the Emirates Palace and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – well worth a visit.
From Dhs300 per room per night. Al Mina Street, Al Zahiya (Tourist Club Area), Abu Dhabi. southernsunabudhabi.com (02 818 4888).
Ibis styles Sharjah
This is a stylish hotel that serves the right dose of culture and shopping from its central location. It’s a couple of minutes’ walk away from the Blue Souq, one of Sharjah’s most striking buildings, where you can browse through more than 600 shops, selling all manner of items – from jewellery to perfumes, and from souvenirs to household products. If you’re a keen follower of art, you’re in for a treat. Less than a 10 minute-drive away from the Sharjah Art Foundation’s Al Mureijah Art Spaces, there’s always several exhibitions ready to be checked out.
From Dhs251 per room per night. King Faisal Street, Blue Souq. all.accor.com/hotel/B046/index.en.shtml (06 503 8800).
Citymax Al Barsha
You can’t get any more in the thick of action than this hotel, which is located right behind one of the most popular entertainment and retail spaces in Dubai – Mall of the Emirates. Whether you want to go indoor skiing, or take a walk around the neighbourhood’s delicious streetside eateries, or even venture slightly further afield to the beach, you’ve found the right place to be.
From Dhs307 per room per night. Behind Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha Rd, Dubai. citymaxhotels.com/uae/dubai/citymax-hotels-al-barsha/ (04 208 9400).
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