The Middle Eastern emirate is a haven for holidaying families, from all-action attractions, unforgettable desert adventures and not to mention some of the world's most luxurious hotels. Here's where to stay if you're flying in with the kids
Camels drop by at Ritz-Carlton Dubai
The sun-drenched emirate of Dubai lies on the Persian Gulf coast. It shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast.
Dubai is an ideal holiday destination for families, with plenty of theme parks, beaches and entertainment to keep everyone happy. Check out the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or a multitude of cooling water parks.
Here's our pick of the best places to stay in Dubai with kids.
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Sofitel Dubai The Palm is inspired by the Luxor Obelisk in Paris
Sofitel Dubai The Palm is the largest Sofitel property in the Middle East and Africa. The 595-key property is inspired by the Luxor Obelisk in Paris’ Place de la Concorde and joins Raffles Dubai at the Wafi development, a mixed use complex including a mall, hotels, restaurants and residences. Hotel restaurants include Brasserie Boulud by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, Asian restaurant Taiko and British-style gastro pub The Nine. There’s also a L’Occitane spa and outdoor pool.
Facilities for families: Children have been central to the hotel’s planning, with a curated ‘junior guest journey’ that starts with stands at check-in so pint-sized guests can reach the check-in counter. The kids’ experience takes its theme from the French novella Le Petit Prince and child-friendly amenities include special menus, an AstroKids Club on the sixth floor and fun kids’ activities at the outdoor pool. Children can register for The Little Prince loyalty programme where children receive a personalised passport that will be stamped during their visit. The hotel is also conveniently connected to Wafi with VOX cinemas and family entertainment centre Magic Planet.
Getting there: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is ten minutes from Dubai International Airport and a paid chauffeur service is available on request.
Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Having a splashing time at Ritz-Carlton Dubai
This luxe property is located in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence, a waterfront community on the shores of the Persian Gulf in Dubai Marina. Ritz-Carlton Dubai is nestled amongst three acres of secluded leafy surrounds and on the beach and is an ideal retreat for families looking to escape the city. There are nine restaurants including outdoor, tented dining at Arabian-inspired Amaseena and a Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Facilities for families: The hotel’s rooms and suites boast sea-facing views from secluded balconies. Family suites and interconnecting rooms are available. Ritz Kidz Club offers a heap of entertainment for younger guests plus there are four tennis courts, a gym and six swimming pools including two shaded children’s pools and a pool with a water slide. Water sports on the beach include kayaking, wake boarding and paddle boarding.
Getting there: Ritz Carlton Dubai is 30km from Dubai International Airport.
Fairmont The Palm
Dubai's Fairmont The Palm at Palm Jumeirah
Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm is a five-star property that lies on Dubai’s most sought-after island, Palm Jumeirah. The luxury beachfront resort enjoys views over the water and the Dubai Marina Skyline.
Facilities for families: The fun never ends for children staying at this property. There’s the Falcon Kids Club with heaps of entertainment, plus a dedicated Playstation area and a ‘foosball’ table. When they’re feeling the heat, youngsters can splash-down at the Splash Pad or family pool. And there are also family-friendly beach activities and a cinema.
Getting there: Fairmont The Palm is a 25-minute drive from Dubai Airport.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Family fun at Sofitel Dubai The Palm
This award-winning, five-star family hotel is located on the East Crescent of the emirate’s famous Palm Jumeirah. The property fuses a warm Polynesian-style welcome with Arabic hospitality and French style.
Facilities for families: The hotel offers 360 rooms which are a mix of rooms and suites, as well as more than 180 apartments, plus there are private villas. The one- and two-bedroom apartments are ideal for families with younger children as they are roomy and offer the option of preparing self-catered meals in the kitchenette.
The hotel’s Amura Kids Club has indoor and outdoor play areas for children aged four to 12 years. Fun facilities include plunge pools, indoor soft play areas and a toddler play area. Further family-friendly facilities comprise two dedicated family pools, one with water slides and another for water games led by the hotel’s ‘animators’. The Waiora Aqua Bounce, an inflatable water obstacle course set-up in the sea, adds to the fun vibe.
All hotel restaurants offer kids menus and The World Eatery is designed specifically for families.
Getting there: The hotel is 35-minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Anantara The Palm Dubai
Dive in at Anantara The Palm Dubai
This five-star property is located on the Palm Jumeirah and boasts 400m of private shoreline and sparkling water views. The resort offers a wide range of accommodation, from rooms and suites to villas and apartments, and is the only property in the United Arab Emirates with overwater villas.
There are eight dining spaces on-site, plus a spa and plenty of water- and land-based activities.
Facilities for families: The Tuk Tuk Kids’ Club will keep littlies entertained and there’s also a Teens Club for older children. However, the wide range of activities offered outside of the kids club will keep them busy from dawn to dusk, with tennis courts, volleyball and a 50m infinity pool. Down on the beach there’s water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up-paddle boarding, banana boating, kayaking, charter cruises and fishing trips.
Family-sized accommodation includes the Deluxe Lagoon View and Deluxe Lagoon Access rooms, which can each accommodate three adults and one child, the Deluxe Family Lagoon Access Room has space for three adults and two kids, the Anantara Two Bed Beach Pool Villa sleeps up to six and there are also family-sized apartments.
Getting there: The resort is a 40-minute drive from Dubai International Airport by taxi.
Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Sofitel Dubai Downtown is a short walk from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
If you’re looking for a city break, this property is located right in the heart of the action and is a stroll from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It’s also linked by skywalk to Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping malls. Hotel facilities include an infinity pool, gym, spa facilities and seven food and beverage spaces.
Facilities for families: The property has nine Le Petit Prince kids’ rooms which have been specially tailored for mini-travellers. Foldable bunk beds and a roller bed mean the rooms can comfortably accommodate a family of five. Little luxuries include kids’ bathrobes, slippers and a smart TV with children’s DVDs on-demand tucked away in a special ‘kids’ alcove’.
During the day, children can escape to Le Petit Prince Kids’ Club.
Getting there: The hotel is a fifteen-minute drive from Dubai airport and transportation can be arranged at a cost of AED290 one-way.
Don't go, there's more...
How to navigate Dubai International Airport (it's the busiest airport in the world!)
What we thought of the swanky new restaurant at the top of Dubai's Burj Khalifa
Dubai is getting a brand new airport
Comments