Perched on the Gulf Coastline, Dubai is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Known for its high-rising architectural wonders, palm-shaped islands, captivating attractions, and colorful nightlife, Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world and among the most sought international destinations for Indians. Besides, Dubai is home to exceptional hotels and budget-friendly stays. Being a huge metropolis, with attractions dotted all over it, choosing the best place to stay in Dubai for your trip can make you a little nervous, especially if it’s your first time in Dubai. Fear not, as I have done the hard work and handpicked the best areas to stay as part of your Dubai tour packages, with affordable hotels in each neighborhood, so the only thing you worry about will be picking the best option for you!
Here is the list of 8 best localities with affordable hotels in Dubai.
Downtown, Dubai
Sandwiched between old and new Dubai, Downtown Dubai is the quintessential Dubai district and is among the popular places to visit in Dubai. Known for sightseeing and shopping, this massive skyscraper-clad area is home to the city’s modern attractions including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall, Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain, and Souk al Bahar. This is also the place where most of the hotels are! This area is also in good proximity to the airport and the older historic parts of Dubai. For tourists or visitors, Sofitel Downtown Dubai, Rove Downtown, Millennium Central Downtown, Leva Hotel and Suites, etc. are some of the best places to stay in Downtown Dubai.
Deira
Hugging the Persian Gulf, Deira is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai and among the must-include places in Dubai tour packages. Close to Bur Dubai, the city has seen a ton of growth in the past decade, transforming from a historically commercial area to a booming tourist and economic hotspot. This area has a lot of history and tradition while also being a tourist and economic hotspot with full of Souks (markets) and shops with gold, spices, and some of the best herbs in the world. It also has several tourist attractions including Dubai Creek, Deira Twin Towers, etc. The modern part of Deira is called Al Rigga, a district with numerous dining and shopping options and some cheap hotels to stay. Since the city is near the airport, it serves as one of the best places to stay for those who are traveling to the city for a short stay or for the ones who have a day or two to spend in Dubai between connecting flights. Some of the best affordable hotels to stay here include Emirates Concorde, Hilton Dubai Creek, Edge Creekside Hotel, Al Bandar Rotana, Aloft Dubai, Ramada by Wyndham, etc.
Al Barsha
Located in New Dubai, Al Barsha is known for being home to The Mall of Emirates, a large shopping complex with over 630 shops. Fondly called ‘Barsha’ by locals, the area has something for everyone from designer stores and fabulous dining to indoor ski slopes and go-karting with the family. This neighborhood is known for its quiet and residential vibe but is also one of the best localities to stay in Dubai. Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel, Studio M Al Barsha, Mena Plaza Hotel, Rose Plaza Hotel, and Flora Al Barsha Hotel are a few affordable hotels in the Al Barsha locality of Dubai.
Trade Centre
Often referred as the Dubai Financial Centre, Dubai Trade Centre is one of the popular places in Dubai and also serves as the getaway to the entire city of Dubai. Towering over the area with 38 stories and reaching a height of 184 meters, Dubai World Trade Centre Skyscraper is the main highlight here which regularly hosts international events, conventions, comedy performances and even concerts, attracting around 3 million people per year. In Trade Center, Sports World and Modhesh World are two festive parks for some fun activities for kids. If you want to stay near this area, you can check some affordable hotels including Conrad Dubai, Rose Rayhaan, Al Salam Hotel Suites, etc.
Bur Dubai
Situated just west of Dubai’s Creek, Bur Dubai is the real soul of the city. Bur Dubai is composed of alleys, bazaars, traditional old buildings, religious sites, and museums. Often referred to as ‘Old Dubai’, Bur Dubai has a lot of things to do which include the Dubai Museum, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, and the more modern additions of Al Seef and Al Jaddaf. Just like Deira, the Bur Dubai district has incredible souks and is close to Dubai Creek, where you will find traditional boats and floating restaurants where you can taste some of the must-try dishes of Dubai. Another great advantage of staying in Bur Dubai is its transportation system like trains and taxis that will keep you connected to the rest of the city. Aloft Al Mina, Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Occidental Al Jaddaf, Premier Inn Dubai, Al Khoory Inn, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, XVA Art Hotel, etc., are some of the best hotels to stay in Bur Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah
Considered to be an eighth wonder of the modern world, the Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago located on the Jumeirah coastal area of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Stretching 5 km into the Arabian Gulf and shaped like a date palm, Palm Jumeirah is created using land reclamation by Nakheel Group and is part of a larger series of developments called the Palm Islands. This artificial island has expanded Dubai’s shoreline by over 320 miles together with Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira. Palm Jumeirah is one of the world’s most famous man-made islands and among the top places to visit in Dubai. It is home to peaceful beaches, lavish villas, elegant apartments, and a string of luxury hotels which includes the world-famous Atlantis the Palm, Dubai. Besides, it is one of the best areas to stay in Dubai with affordable hotels such as Aloft Palm Jumeirah, Dukes the Palm, etc.
Dubai Marina
Built along the Persian Gulf shoreline, Dubai Marina is entirely a man-made canal city that has been developed by Emaar properties of the United Arab Emirates. Designed by HOK Canada, Dubai Marina is home to gorgeous high rises, luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightclubs that attracts a large number of tourists every year. With a 5.3-mile boardwalk lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants, the best way to explore the Marina is by taking a stroll across the promenade. The yachts gliding in and out of the Marina give it an exclusive feel without having to splash out. Also, don’t forget to witness the beautiful sunset while in Dubai Marina which adds more beauty to the place. With several affordable hotels to stay, Crowne Plaza and Rove Dubai Marina are the best one to choose that offers pretty great views.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular white sand beaches located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It is also one of the best places to stay in Dubai among the most visited public beaches in Dubai. Stretches along the coastal area of the city, the beach is dotted with some of the top restaurants and lively bars where visitors can enjoy bustling nightlife with their family and friends. Also, the beach offers a wide range of adventure activities of which skydiving is the most famous one. The beach also hosts a food festival that takes place for about a month where innumerable food stalls range from French street foods to local delights that attract large numbers of crowds, especially beach lovers and food lovers as part of the Dubai Trip. If you want to stay near the beach, Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeirah, Holiday Inn Express Dubai, and Urban Al Khoory Hotels are some of the best hotels to stay at affordable prices.