Al Wusta
Beautifully landscaped, the Crowne Plaza Duqm offers 1st-class amenities. Rooms are large and comfortable and have balconies overlooking the sea. The deck…
Must-see hotels in Arabian Peninsula
Downtown Dubai
City explorers with a romantic streak will be utterly enchanted by this low-lying, luxe lakefront contender with its winning alchemy of old-world class…
Saudi Arabia
The pick of the hotels near the Prophet's Mosque, Dar Al Taqwa is highly sought after during peak periods, when prices can double, so book well in advance…
Hajar Mountains
This attractive marble-clad hotel once hosted members of the royal family. Now it has a grand foyer decorated with enormous lanterns, Arabian Nights–style…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Stepping into the lobby with its mashrabiyya patterns and oud (lute-like traditional stringed instrument) player beside the infinity pool, it's clear that…
Nizwa
This ever-friendly hotel, 4km east of the town centre, is wrapped around two swimming pools and a bar. With a vista of serrated mountains looming beyond,…
Sur
Excellent value for money, this new hotel in the middle of town has been boldly designed, with primary-coloured seating, abstract artwork and giant vases…
Dhofar
Run by an Egyptian family, this beachside lodge is tastefully decked in natural materials and comprises upmarket cabins with minibar and outside bathrooms…
Al Hamra
This atmospheric lodging, located in old Al Hamra, offers a chance to experience the usually hidden interior of Al Hamra's famous tall buildings. Saved…
Oman
Shaped like a fort with watchtowers and a central courtyard, this hotel brings some welcome local character to Sohar's rather bland accommodation. Rooms…
Bur Dubai
Built in the shape of a pyramid, Raffles is a stylish hotspot with magnificent oversized rooms (with balconies) blending Asian and Middle Eastern design…
Deira
This fast-growing budget chain offers superb value for money with a great Old Dubai location close to the souqs, Dubai Creek, great ethnic eats, public…
Jeddah
Decorated by the same designer who worked on Dubai’s famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, this five-star hotel prides itself on luxury. The dazzling decor…
Doha
Zubarah is proof that excellent value still exists in Doha, despite the profusion of pricey five-star hotels. The rooms here are excellent, with some…
Kuwait City
Situated on the edge of bustling Marina Crescent, within walking distance of Marina Mall, this low-rise hotel floats like a lily on the water’s edge and…
Eastern Province
This quirky budget option by a leading hotel chain is an excellent choice in Dammam. Rooms are decorated in a stylish, contemporary fashion and have ample…
Doha
Najd gives an excellent first impression with its beautiful lobby's stained-glass windows, coloured stone floor, feature wall covered with vases and…
Manama
Slick contemporary furnishings, fabulous views and exemplary service (the floors with suites have butlers) define this excellent hotel on the southern…
Manama
Outrageously good value, these large serviced apartments have contemporary decor, sitting rooms, kitchens and king-size beds, as well as a good location…
Riyadh
Though the rooms here aren’t large, they are comfortable, well furnished and squarely aimed at the modern business traveller. With a lively lobby, a good…
Ras Al Khaimah
Like a mirage of a Mediterranean village, this mega-resort's rooms and villas cascade down to a lagoon and a 600m stretch of white sand. Rooms, with brick…
Sur
In the middle of the souq, this well-managed, good-value budget hotel has neat and comfortable rooms. Some rooms are a bit noisy and others dark, but…
Oman
Sitting like a full stop at the end of the Ras Al Hadd peninsula, this resort commands the high ground at the point where Khor Hajar pours into the open…
Oman
Owned by the Al Hajri family, this 23-room hotel on Hwy 23, opposite the junction for Wadi Bani Khalid, offers modern, friendly accommodation. The newer…
Doha
This genteel, good-value, high-end hotel may have been dwarfed by the neighbouring St Regis, but it continues to thrive. Rooms are decorated in neutral…
Sharjah
Shaking up the Sharjah accommodation scene, The Act is all sleek modern minimalism with huge rooms in mauve and grey, floor-to-ceiling windows, strip…
Tabuk
The first high-end hotel to arrive in Tabuk, the Hilton has a brash glass building that makes quite the statement along the busy Prince Sultan Rd. Rooms…
Saudi Arabia
Although this hotel looks like the front of a 1980s shopping mall, its interior is very elegant and rooms are dressed equally stylishly. It's the hotel…
Sharjah
You definitely can't miss this purple building. Rooms may be smallish, but they're bright and modern with stencil drawings of Sharjah's cityscape on the…
Kuwait City
Gulf Rose Hotel offers views of the city and the Gulf, friendly service and large rooms that would cost more if the hotel was part of an international…
Saudi Arabia
An excellent budget choice close to the centre of Yanbu and run by friendly, warm staff who know their city well. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
From the wavy articulated lobby wall hat-tipping Abu Dhabi's pearling heritage to the oblong banquettes layering the facade, which look like desert…
Jebel Shams
In a tranquil location near a dramatic mountain precipice, this remote camp makes for a peaceful retreat. Beds are offered in Arab-style tents or simple…
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Dubai
Resembling a fort and blending into the desertscape, Bab Al Shams is a tonic for escapists seeking to indulge their Arabian Nights fantasies. Its…
Liwa Oasis
This discreet retreat captures the desert vibe and blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Earth-toned rooms are decorated with original Bedouin…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
One of Dubai’s most iconic hotels, this pink-hued resort commands attention, sitting atop the Palm Jumeirah looking every bit like a Disney princess…
United Arab Emirates
The manicured strip of white-sand beach framed by palms and the big pool area make the Saray a sand-in-the-toes getaway. Rooms, all with balconies, exude…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
One of Dubai's latest top-end hotels. The architecture is pure grandeur, with an entrance flanked by luminous glass cubes opening up to a sublime view of…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Not the newest resort but still a class act all around, the Royal Mirage consists of the Moorish-style Palace, the romantic Arabian Court and the ultra…
Doha
Occupying its own artificial island connected to The Pearl, the Marsa Malaz has decadent palatial dimensions, including an 18m-tall bronze horse sculpture…
