Receive complimentary breakfast at Luxury Hotels
What’s the best and cheapest Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Dubai, UAE: Marriott Vs. W Vs. Ritz-Carlton Vs. Sheraton Vs. Le Meridien? Whether you are paying for your stay or redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, on business, or whether you want a beach or a city break, it’s worth knowing which is the best Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Dubai for luxury, value, and location.
These hotels are not the cheapest Marriott hotels, but if you book via our luxury travel concierge, we can get you free breakfast, hotel credit, prioritized room upgrade subject to availability and more.
1. Bulgari Hotel Dubai
At the pinnacle of luxury stands Bulgari Hotel Dubai, an exquisite haven nestled amid the dynamic cityscape of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and renowned as one of the finest Marriott Bonvoy hotels in the region. Perched on the artificial island of Jumeira Bay, this retreat offers a resplendent blend of sophistication and urban charm.
Upon arrival, guests are captivated by the hotel’s striking contemporary facade seamlessly integrated into the surrounding panorama. Characterized by sleek lines, geometric forms, and refined accents, the design epitomizes the brand’s hallmark of refined opulence.
Within Bulgari Hotel Dubai, guests are treated to lavish accommodations, exuding unparalleled comfort and indulgence. Spacious rooms and suites are adorned with contemporary furnishings, sumptuous bedding, and cutting-edge amenities, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
Indulgence knows no bounds at the hotel’s world-class spa, where guests embark on a journey of rejuvenation amidst luxurious private suites, a traditional hammam, and a serene relaxation area overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Elevating the culinary experience, Bulgari Hotel Dubai presents a tantalizing array of dining options. From al fresco delights by the marina to champagne soirées at the rooftop lounge, and authentic Italian fare at the signature restaurant, guests are invited on a gastronomic odyssey of international flavors and inventive cocktails.
2. W Dubai – The Palm
W Dubai – The Palm is located on the Palm Jumeirah, the largest artificial island in the world and one of Dubai’s most iconic attractions.
W Dubai – The Palm is the newest W Escape, the W brand’s playful spin on the traditional resort experience with a much more stylish, modern, and funky twist. It is stunning. The breathtaking design of W Dubai – The Palm celebrates the evolution of one of the most dynamic cities in the world, reflecting the natural curves of sand dunes and the coastline with the marvel of the geometric lines of the city’s skyscrapers.
While you may be worried that the location of this hotel on The Palm might be a bit far-flung and away from the action, this is THE place to be, and the designers have maximized this position with its spectacular 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline, the Palm and the open water beyond. If you do want to leave, Uber or similar costs around 100د.إ AED / $28 USD to get off the Palm using Careem, which takes about half an hour. On the Palm itself, you can go to the Atlantis Hotel, but you will probably be tempted to stay within the hotel.
The hotel’s iconic “W” sign is patterned to resemble an evaporated desert river bed, and the WHEELS (valet) area is reminiscent of a cavernous riverbed covered by palm fronds. Leading guests into the hotel is a stunning display of Orsoni glass tiles in colors inspired by overgrown foliage, which reflects the golden sun on the horizon.
The jaw-dropping five-story atrium lobby contains golden trusses comprised of framed boxes sparkling throughout the space. The carpets depict the island’s surrounding waters reflecting both the construction and the clouds of Dubai. Completing the dramatic entrance is “The Soundwave” – a 6.5 ton, 30m long visual vector that represents a W sound wave. With 640 glass pieces, the towering fixture puts on a show of its own, illuminating in alternating intensities and colors to reflect the beats of the DJ in the neighboring W Lounge.
The W Lounge lobby is the place to see and be seen celebrating the city’s well-known love of opulence. An artistic interpretation of a traditional fire pit sits in the center of the W Lounge, signifying the bonfires that Bedouin tribes would gather around during their desert travels years ago.
All 350 guest rooms and suites offer uninterrupted views and dreamy amenities. Curved walls are intricately tiled to glisten like the lights and colors of the sea at various times of the day, bringing the shoreline into each room. Modern graffiti adorns the walls of every room, featuring lyrics in Arabic from an iconic song by Lebanese singer Fairouz.
The hotel has multiple pools that sit in a wave-like pattern in the center of the Escape to form the W brand’s iconic WET® Deck experience directly facing a fabulous beach with views of the Dubai skyline. The pools get to 1.1 meters [3.6 feet] deep, so they’re designed for posing and looking fabulous rather than doing a workout. Every spot is perfect for a stunning selfie. There are plenty of sun loungers dotted throughout, and the best are submerged in the pools themselves, so you can dip your feet in the water while lounging. Beautiful pods built into the pools are available for rent for an extra fee, plus there is a 400-meter private beach additionally available for guests. Guests can swim, soak up the sun, and enjoy signature beverages while listening to live DJ performances.
The W brand’s signature AWAY® Spa offers ten treatment rooms, a steam room, a sauna, experiential showers, a hammam, and a couples’ suite. A Beauty Bar will deliver touch-ups and ‘Quick Fix’ treatments. Finally, sweat it out at FIT (gym), which boasts state-of-the-art equipment and overlooks the WET Deck, beach, and skyline views.
The restaurants at W Dubai – The Palm is led by world-class chefs, including Massimo Bottura and Akira Back. Beyond the many fine restaurants within this impressive resort is SoBe (short for South Beach), an adults-only playground inspired by the eclectic and vibrant spirit of Miami. This is the only rooftop bar in Dubai where guests can watch the sun sink into the Arabian Sea with 360-degree views to watch as the Dubai skyline lights up each night. Serving up eclectic live DJ performances, imaginative cocktails, and even tattoo artists, there is nothing else like it in the city. The staff here are also phenomenal, extremely friendly, super-excited to be working at the hotel.
This W Escape is undoubtedly trendy and one of the most sought-after luxury getaways for locals as well as global jet-setters in Dubai. The Ritz-Carlton outlined below is another luxury Marriott Bonvoy option in Dubai. Still, we prefer the W because of its luxury party vibe, incredible design, and the fact that this is really a holiday hotel. In contrast, the Ritz-Carlton can be skewed towards conferences which can be a disadvantage if you are on holiday in Dubai.
This category 7 property currently costs 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night, and we think it is a brilliant value on points or spend as this is such a special and unique hotel. If you want cheaper rates, book in the summer (although Dubai can be very hot in the summer).
3. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is set in 225 square kilometers of the pristine desert landscape just 45 minutes from the cosmopolitan city of Dubai, the thriving center of commerce and leisure in the Gulf. It represents nearly five percent of Dubai’s land area and is the largest piece of land ever dedicated to a single project in Dubai.
An oasis of luxury and enchantment, Al Maha lies within an award-winning conservation area where desert wildlife abounds. There are just 37 individual Bedouin Suites, every 75 m² in size. Each has a private temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, super king-size bed, and spacious bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, his and hers vanity area, and Bvlgari amenities.
Your thoroughly indulgent suite at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, includes all meals and two activities per night’s stay (choose from a camel ride with sundowners, archery, nature walks, and more). Beneath its stretched canvas roof, each suite boasts handcrafted furnishings and traditional Arabian artifacts, as well as a private swimming pool and wooden deck. A truly everlasting oasis, the Timeless Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and massages using international brands, also available on your private pool deck. You’ll dine sumptuously at Al Diwaan restaurant.
This category 8 property currently costs 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra is the ultimate resort getaway with a private beach and luxury villas with private pools. Just 32 lavish tented villas with private pools have direct beach access to a secluded private beach. There is a seafood restaurant to dine at with a pool and deck overlooking the Gulf and an excellent spa at this hotel.
The living, bedroom, and bathroom are open-plan, with the toilet and shower separated off. A huge bathtub is located on the terrace, along with loungers, a dining area, and a private infinity pool with see-through glass sides. Pick the Al Bahar villas for sweeping sea views or the Al Naseem villas to be more hidden away.
This category 8 property currently costs 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night.
5. Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Resort
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Resort is a desert resort which is a 45-minute scenic drive from Dubai International Airport. 101 lavish villas with private pools make up this resort along with the “Farmhouse” rustic eatery serving meats from its own smokehouse, fresh fish, and home-grown vegetables. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace and an outdoor bar where you can watch the sunset.
The standard ‘room’ at Al Wadi Desert is the 1,700 ft² Al Rimal villa. All villas, including the base villa, come with a private pool. The one to pick is the Bedouin-style Tented Pool Villa (with proper tent-style ceilings and an enormous bathroom) at a crazy 2,700 ft² in size. This villa looks out onto the 500-hectare desert nature reserve, although there isn’t that much wildlife walking around.
Every day, there is a free owl and falconry show in the resort, and there are free bikes provided with your villa and a trail set up for you to use. For a fee, you can try archery, fishing, a nature drive, stargazing, horse riding, as well as using the spa. The Ritz Kids Club keeps active over-fours entertained with activities related to nature and the fluffy animals onsite.
The equally impressive Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is also very close by if you collect Hilton Honours rather than Marriott Bonvoy points.
This category 7 property currently costs from 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night.
6. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa
If you are a family, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa is a great, luxury, Marriott Bonvoy choice in Dubai. It has large free-form pools with bridges, gorgeous grassy lawns adorned with palm trees, and a beach alongside. The decor in the rooms is fresh and modern, and the balconies in the rooms are large with lovely views, the best of which looks over the gardens and beach. There is a large club lounge here that serves breakfast, but bear in mind that it gets very busy at breakfast time. The breakfast here in the lounge is extremely good, much like you would expect in a normal restaurant, with a vast buffet. After breakfast, the executive club lounge quietens down, and you can enjoy snacks and drinks. It picks up again and gets busy at happy hour when they serve free drinks and light bites.
For a family, the pool at the Royal Meridien and having a beach will add to your holiday. If you are traveling as a couple or on business, you may well prefer the crazily stylish pool at the W Dubai – The Palm (detailed in our top slot) or the less exotic pool at the Grosvenor House detailed below over the beach at Le Royal Meridien. Le Royal Meridien beach and the hotel itself are full of holidaymakers who have booked on packages from all over the world, as well as lots of kids and, sometimes, mosquitos in the greenery. It doesn’t feel exclusive. The pool at the St Regis Saadiyat and at the Grosvenor house feels more exclusive and could be considered as an alternative if you are set on a beachside resort. We have compared Grosvenor House Dubai Vs. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa separately.
This category 6 property currently costs from 45-50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night.
7. Grosvenor House Dubai
The Grosvenor House Dubai feels very much like a proper Luxury Collection hotel, with a brilliant location close to the beach, next to the marina walk and with plenty of great bars and restaurants in the hotel including Sidarta Lounge, Buddha Bar, Torro Torro, The Embassy, etc. The main breakfast selection at the hotel is so good that the locals and ex-pats come here for breakfast.
The Grosvenor House has great views of the marina from the rooms, which is a great way to wake up. Many rooms have a nice balcony overlooking Atlantis. The club lounge is one of the best in Dubai. Overall, this is your best option if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member and are looking for luxury and the best Marriott or SPG Starwood property to earn and redeem your points, particularly if you are traveling as a couple. You also get access to all the beach and pool facilities at Le Royal Meridien via a free and regular shuttle between the two hotels, or you can just run across Al Sufouh Road between the hotels, so you get the best of both worlds.
The food in the club lounge at the Grosvenor House Luxury Collection is very good. Breakfast is amazing (though the restaurant breakfast is a bit better), lunch is provided, followed by afternoon tea time and pre-dinner drinks. Afternoon tea is extravagant! Eggplant spaghetti and a large salad, anyone? This is a proper meal and the largest spread I have ever seen for afternoon tea at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel. Overall, you can treat this lounge like half or even full board as there is enough food to fill you up.
This category 5 property currently costs from 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night.
8. Ritz-Carlton Dubai
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai Beach Hotel is a luxury hotel with a good club lounge with indoor and outdoor seating area and is right by the beach. This lounge features in our best club lounges in Dubai.
The lounge offers breathtaking sea views, a personal Concierge, and 5 good food presentations during the day, including a full American breakfast. Alcohol is served from around midday, including Prosecco-type fizzy bottles, wines, beer, and spirits, but should be avoided during summer and winter vacation periods as it becomes unruly, with kids screaming and crying.
Families are attracted to this hotel for the grounds and beach, and the fact they can cash in their Marriott Bonvoy points for a beachfront vacation in the sun, but this really detracts from the hotel experience as the club lounge becomes too full.
Regardless of the time of year you visit the Ritz-Carlton Dubai Beach Hotel, it is worth noting that as a result of the large beachfrontage and gardens at this resort, it is constantly used as a venue for outdoor events. This is a problem as the PA and sound systems used at these events are very noisy, and lots of loud music is played. Parts of the outdoor space tend to be “closed” or fenced off for these events. The result is that many guests refuse to return after describing it as “one of the noisiest resorts ever…. it never seems to calm down!”
If you visit this Ritz-Carlton in the winter, the pool is so cold that it is unusable, which is not ideal for families. Yes, this hotel has a beach, but it’s not the best Marriott Bonvoy choice in Dubai.
This category 8 property currently costs from 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night, although at this price, there are other Marriott Bonvoy properties in Dubai that are better choices.
9. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Another good family choice in Dubai is Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and the Westin next door. Again, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at these two hotels. They share facilities and the beach, but Le Meridien is cheaper.
The executive lounge here is a good size with lunch and dinner offerings that you could easily make a full meal of. You can also enjoy alcohol, including champagne, all day free of charge, not just during a set Happy Hour period.
This category 5 property currently costs from 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night. If you are paying for your stay with points, it is wise to stay at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, which gets access to all the facilities of the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai, which is a more expensive hotel to actually stay in.
10. Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai
Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai is made up of 5 pools, 11 restaurants and bars, a water-sports center, and a spa and is located on the Dubai Marina around half an hour from the airport. The look is “classic luxury” and if you are looking for a five-star Marriott Bonvoy property in Dubai, this hotel will not disappoint. The gardens lead onto the beach, and the rooms look out over the bay and the fact that it shares its facilities with the neighboring Le Meridien Mina Seyahi means that you will never run out of things to do.
Again, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at these two hotels. They share facilities and the beach, but Le Meridien is cheaper. The club lounge here is a good size with lunch and dinner offerings that you could easily make a full meal of. You can also enjoy alcohol, including champagne, all day free of charge, not just during a set Happy Hour period.
Both Le Meridien and the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai are great beachfront properties, and the staff are fantastic. Some rooms have a great view of Atlantis on The Palm.
This category 7 property currently costs from 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per room per night.
11. St Regis Saadiyat Island
St Regis Saadiyat Island is situated on the underutilized 8-lane Sheikh Khalifa highway linking Saadiyat to Yas, which means that it is easy to reach from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports. It is probably Starwood’s (and Marriott Bonvoy’s) most luxury property in Abu Dhabi but it is not far from Dubai and is worth considering if you are heading to Dubai with your family.
It is located around an hour’s drive from Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor House hotels which are more centrally located Marriott Bonvoy properties in Dubai and around one and a half hours drive from the airport.
The hotel is just one part of the larger complex, including the new villas and apartments, and features a number of swimming pools, including an adults-only pool and pools for kids. These extensive pool areas are perfect for families, and there is even a great pool for toddlers, with large parts of it ankle-to-knee deep.
Along with the pools, there is also a long, white private beach with cabanas, loungers, umbrellas set up, and a drinks service. The adventurous traveler can walk for miles along the beach, past the Park Hyatt. It is as good a beach as I’ve seen in the UAE. It really feels miles from the rest of the world. The only slight downside is it gets a bit rocky as you get to the sea.
There is also an Iridium Spa to relax in and a St Regis Athletic Club, a well-equipped gym with cardio and weight machines as well as free weights, a 25-meter lap pool, and a juice bar as well as spinning classes, etc.
The rooms at St Regis Saadiyat Island are of a good size with a balcony. The bathroom is long and thin, with a large dressing area, twin sinks, toilet, shower, and a large bath.
There are a number of restaurants at the hotel, with the signature restaurant being 55&5th, The Grill. Breakfast is served at Olea, which is the main buffet-style restaurant. This resort is relaxing and definitely very child-friendly and attracts lots of families. They have a kids club and a kids’ area set up for the Friday brunch in the restaurant. The Sandcastle Club is great for kids up to about 10, with a fun pool area and excellent kid’s entertainers.
How about cheaper Marriott Bonvoy Hotels In Dubai? The Sheraton Grand has an awesome lounge but no beach. Rooms at the Sheraton Grand are decent-sized, but the gym is small, given the size of the hotel. The Sheraton Grand Dubai club lounge offers tremendous service and regular meals, including a la carte too, throughout the day. The club lounge at the Sheraton Grand is best when compared to the Sheraton Dubai Creek, which offers a good, intimate lounge with a well-stocked if small buffet, and the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, also a Rewards Category 5 hotel costing 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, which has a good breakfast, a great view and a limited buffet throughout the day.
Another option is the very large JW Marquis Hotel, with a great pool but no direct beach. The executive lounge here is amazing. Breakfast is superb, a buffet with cooks preparing your fresh omelets. The view is amazing, and the all-day food and drink are much better than your average club lounge. There is also a regular shuttle bus from the hotel to the Dubai Mall, which is handy as most taxi drivers are often not thrilled to take you the short distance to JW Marquis from Dubai Mall as they often wait a long time to take passengers. The JW Marriott is a Rewards Category 5 hotel costing 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, is a cheaper Rewards Category 5 hotel costing 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai is also a Rewards Category 5 hotel costing 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, as is the Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman and Lapita, Dubai Parks, and Resorts, Autograph Collection, which is ideal if you want to be located in the Dubai Parks and Resorts, with a spa, restaurants, event spaces, and pools.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.