For the perfect art-filled escape to wind down after the exhibition craze
Art Dubai 2025 is just around the corner and if, like us, you like your stay to be as creative as the fair itself, here are 5 Dubai hotels that go well beyond just a place to rest your head. From hidden courtyards with local art to futuristic icons shaping the city skyline, each one tells the story of Dubai’s creative scene...past, present, or future.
For a soulful encounter with Emirati heritage, the Arabian Boutique Hotel in Al Shindagha is an under-the-radar treasure. Once two separate homes owned by influential figures of the UAE’s formative years, the property merges heritage architecture with subtle modern luxuries across 20 serene rooms. Overlooking Dubai Creek, its Emirati seafood restaurant and a cluster of nearby museums delights art and history buffs alike, while complimentary bicycles let you explore the local scene at your own pace.
Prices from AED 675 per night.
Visit: arabianboutiquehotel.com
For a stylish city escape, look no further than the fabulously futuristic ME Dubai by Melia. The only hotel in the world realised by the late Zaha Hadid (inside and out) the five-star architectural gem, inspired by the geometry of nature, is located in Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa area with a rooftop pool, spa, and breathtaking views. For the guest rooms, there’s two themes to choose from, one sleek and modern and one warm and inviting, both with luxurious amenities and Zaha Hadid-designed beds. ME Dubai by Melia is also art-focused with its own gallery space and rotating exhibitions hosting world-renowned artists.
Prices from AED 680 per night.
Visit: melia.com
Nestled on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, Andaz Dubai The Palm is a charming modern boutique hotel ideal for art lovers seeking a tranquil side of Dubai. With stunning sea views just steps away, you can unwind beachside before or after the exhibition. Here, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner plans—whether within the hotel or at nearby outdoor venues within walking distance. Location-wise, this hotel is just 15 minutes from Madinat Jumeirah, the home of Art Dubai.
Prices from AED 833 per night.
Visit: andaz-dubai-the-palm
At W Dubai - Mina Seyahi, folklore meets contemporary flair along the Jumeirah Beach coastline. This tucked away hotel embraces the city’s maritime heritage with flying-carpet chandeliers, serpentine mosaic floors, and playful nods to the ancient port that once thrived here. By day, the rooftop infinity pool at Ginger Moon offers sweeping views of Ain Dubai and the Arabian Gulf (cue the perfect sunset snap), while evenings call for a table at Japanese rooftop Attiko, both spots reflecting the hotel’s playful spirit. As night falls, the indoor-outdoor W Lounge pulses with local DJs, making it the ideal scene for meeting like-minded creatives or simply soaking up that unmistakable W vibe.
Prices from AED 881 per night.
Visit: marriott.com
Overlooking the Museum of the Future, 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central channels Dubai’s creative pulse into every corner. Choose from five themed rooms, from the Bedouin Room to the Artist Village Suite, all with quirky, vintage-inspired details. The largest accommodation, the Hakawati Suite, goes even further, boasting a dance floor, photo booth, and sauna. Downstairs, the Nomad Day Bar features a 5,000-book fountain library and doubles as an exhibition space for local talent under the hotel’s Art in Residence programme. There’s also a partnership with independent cinema, Cinema Akil, hosting arthouse screenings at the on-site outdoor theatre until May, with films from the Middle East and beyond.
Prices from AED 540 per night.
Visit: 25hours-hotels
For tickets and more information: artdubai.ae
Tamara is a Dubai-based freelance writer specialising in food, travel, culture and lifestyle stories from the Middle East and beyond.
