Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
The stunning Dubai skyline looms across the Gulf, yet this romantic and megaposh gem offers a complete retreat from the city. Exuding the feel of an…
Must-see hotels in Arabian Peninsula
Doha
This superb hotel done up in contemporary Arab style has nice touches including atmospheric thatched roofs in the rooms, marble details in the bathrooms…
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
This beachfront hotel is a sentimental favourite and nirvana for active types with water sports, tennis courts and an enormous state-of-the-art gym. The…
Bur Dubai
Located in the heart of Al Seef's meandering walkways, this gracious spot opened its first phase in September 2018 with 39 rooms; there will eventually be…
Northern Coast
Wrapped around a marina, with the imposing backdrop of Jebel Seifa, this boutique hotel, with a range of luxurious rooms with sea views, was designed by…
Khasab
Using local materials, this appealingly rustic hotel attempts to blend into the environment with its sandstone-clad rooms, wooden beams and barasti (palm…
Saudi Arabia
The Hilton appears to be craning its neck to get a look at the Prophet's Mosque, such is its design. This means some rooms have the view everyone craves,…
Dubai
The striking lobby is an overture to the full symphony of relaxed luxury awaiting in huge, amenity-laden rooms with arabesque design flourishes and a…
Dubai
Shaped like a giant wave, this family-oriented resort on a 1km-long private beach is tailor-made for active types, with four pools, plenty of water sports…
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Jebel Akhdar
This exclusive address is positioned on the edge of the Jebel Akhdar crescent with eagle-eyed views of the mountain's famous terraces below. Accommodation…
Bur Dubai
This romantic B&B in a former private home beautifully captures the feeling of Old Dubai. The 11 smallish rooms are entered via heavy wooden doors and…
United Arab Emirates
With barasti (palm-leaf) detailing and private terraces opening onto the sand (many with private plunge-pool), this cluster of villas overlooking the sea…
Bur Dubai
Opposite the Dubai Museum, this hotel is an excellent hub for city explorers. The Arabian theme extends from the turbaned lobby staff to the design…
Sharqiya Sands
This pretty camp has stolen the march on its flashy neighbour, the Desert Nights Camp, by offering a welcoming, traveller-friendly service. Providing just…
Doha
An enormous metal oryx welcomes visitors to the St Regis, a hotel with fantastic eating establishments (including an indoor and outdoor weekend brunch in…
Downtown Dubai
Middle Eastern meets mid-century modern at this lifestyle hotel that draws global hipsters with high-tech touches, design cachet and thoughtful services…
Manama
This classy, low-slung place close to the heart of uber-cool Adliya is an excellent choice. Its four-star rooms are large, contemporary in style and…
Muscat
An excellent hotel in terms of service and amenities, the affectionately known 'InterCon' is so close to the Opera House you can virtually hear the…
Manama
With distinctive style and character rare in international hotels, the Novotel is built like a qasr (castle) around elegant central courtyards and is…
Oman
While the grand staircase, marble lobby and five-star amenities (landscaped pools, rooftop bar and fine dining) are familiar prerequisites of most luxury…
Northern Coast
This attractively landscaped resort, tucked into a shallow sandy lagoon, offers rustic huts with private open-air showers and sea-view porches. You can…
Muscat
This hotel is pure kitsch. Allegedly designed by a Yemeni prince, the exterior owes much to Disney, while its stained-glass and marble interior is a cross…
Marina Breakwater
The lobby's show-stopping glass wall ushers you into this exclusive cocoon where guests float from spa treatment to private beach before choosing between…
Sharqiya Sands
Occupying a ring of attractive stone chalets around a covered majlis (reception area) with a campfire, this cosy camp is in the middle of a basin within…
Doubletree by Hilton – Al Muroj Business Gate
Riyadh
Located in northern Riyadh, Doubletree Al Muroj provides easy access to the city centre and most tourist sites. As expected from this international brand,…
Muscat
So close to the sea, ospreys settle on the garden lamp posts, and yet with the amenities of Al Mouj complex within walking distance, this modern hotel…
Downtown Dubai
This crash pad for next-gen creatives and entrepreneurs has upbeat public areas with cool lamps and other urban accents that smoothly segue to white,…
Jeddah
The chic InterContinental boasts three main drawcards: a waterside location with a private beach, good facilities (including decent restaurants) and…
Manama
These excellent-value, stylishly decorated suites and apartments come with access to a communal temperature-controlled swimming pool and Jacuzzi that…
Manama
Despite being 4km from the city centre, this veteran hotel is the most convenient for the Gulf International Convention Centre and has easy access to…
Salalah
The main rendezvous for Western expats, this sociable and highly competent hotel, with roundels of local scenes and coloured glass, is an old favourite…
Riyadh
All the details of a fabulous modern hotel are present at Al Faisaliah, including fresh orchids and chocolates delivered daily to your room, and your own…
Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa
Manama
Arguably Bahrain’s most luxurious and opulent hotel, the Ritz-Carlton boasts its own private beach on a secluded island and a host of world-class…
Manama
You'll put up with the dated, slightly eccentric decor at the Carlton when you see the excellent-value, large, clean and spacious rooms. These, combined…
Manama
In the heart of downtown Manama, this old favourite continues to get rave reviews. The contemporary black and grey elegance works well, and the pillow…
Muscat
Draped over the headland at the end of Qurm Beach, this veteran hotel with its west-facing terrace offers the best views for sundowners. With access to a…
Riyadh
With large, smart rooms, a hearty breakfast included in the price and a central location, the Coral Olaya Hotel is a great budget option.
Qatar
This lovely low-rise, beachside resort just south of Mesaieed is a favourite among expats wanting to escape the city for the weekend. Far enough away to…
Abu Dhabi
This oasis in the desert loses some of its charm in high season when big overnight tour groups can dominate, but the surroundings are so lovely you might…
Sharjah
Nestled into the traditional architecture of the Heart of Sharjah heritage area, the low-rise luxury suites of Al Bait rest on the foundations of old…
