Best stopover hotels & restaurants in and near Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Overview
You’ve got a long transit in Dubai and don’t know where to get some rest. Or you’re curious about the Middle East city that never sleeps and has the self-proclaimed biggest and best of everything – buildings, shopping malls, aquariums and nightlife. Or you’re in Dubai for a girls weekend or a lads event! If you fit any one of these categories and are looking for the best stopover hotels and restaurants near Dubai airport, then keep reading!
Dubai International Airport (also known as DXB) is a frenetic transit hub and can be overwhelming to negotiate for the first time. Some come for a good time, some come for a short time and (not many) come for a long time.
There’s more to Dubai than meets the eye though and you’ll find my complete and extensive write up of the history, culture and attractions of this city in my post Dazzling Dubai in 4 Days.
The aim of this post is to provide hotel options that are either near the airport or within the airport for travellers who are coming to Dubai for anywhere between 1 day and 2 weeks.
My firm favourite hotel is Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre if you are staying for a few days (non sponsored post!).
Hotel Options
Best options within DXB:
Dubai International Hotel
Sleep ‘N Fly Sleep Lounge
Best affordable options near DXB:
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Dubai International Hotel
My first transit in Dubai involved a 12 hour layover. I decided to treat myself with a comfortable bed in the best option within DXB: the 5 star Dubai International Hotel. This is the hotel within Dubai Airport that is often listed as the best for transit passengers. It’s not great for views but it does have light, incredibly spacious rooms, with extremely comfortable beds and luxurious bathrooms.
It’s located inside Dubai Airport Concourse A, B & C in Terminal 3 and is designed for those in transit. You can’t leave immigration. Technically, there are some scenarios where you can exit through immigration but you have to be careful and I’d suggest reading their website rules with a microscope!
Word for the wise: this hotel varies considerably in its nightly rates. If you arrive on the spot looking for a room for the night, you’ll be massively overcharged. If you know your schedule ahead of time, you can book a room here for a reasonable rate. Otherwise the price may deter from it being one of the ideal hotels near Dubai Airport.
Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge
How we ended up at Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge…
To be fair, we discovered the Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge by virtue of desperation. We missed our flight to the Seychelles in the middle of the Covid pandemic after not completing some government forms in due time. I had visited the Dubai International Hotel mentioned above in a previous trip to Dubai and thought it would be a reasonable option given that we now had 24 hours to spend in the airport before the next flight. Unfortunately we could not leave the airport as our bags were already checked in and it would have required further Corona Virus PCR tests with the results unlikely to come back in time.
We despondently traipsed up to the Dubai International Hotel in the very early morning after some 8 hours of negotiating with officials and then subsequently changing our flight schedule, somewhat comforted by the fact that we would soon be in a comfortable hotel room for some shut eye. At concierge we were greeted with the room rate for the night: 1000 USD. Our desperation turned out not to be that extreme.
How we spent 24 hours in DXB…
It’s always great when you travel with someone who has a sense of adventure and sees the positive in every situation! And so it turned out that DXB became the host of our middle-of-the-night bar crawl, an extraordinarily unusual mix of airport lounges with unlimited eats and drinks, a Heineken lounge, a Hard Rock Cafe and some other small bar with a funky interior design of barrels and comfortably plush high chairs.
The Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge then came a calling.
Sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge specifics…
For a more meagre price point, you can hire a (devilishly tiny) room on an hourly basis. It allows one to remain horizontal for a defined period of time and this was definitely an attractive feature at 6am in the morning after an unexpected evening wandering around the Dubai International Airport exploring alcoholic options.
Fortunately the airport shops do not sleep either and so we stocked up on essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, moisturiser and face wipes prior to getting some rest. The double room was only just the length of the bed, with a small side strip where one could place luggage and small items. There are also more cost effective options such as the single pods or single rooms. We did not really care at this point. Let’s just say, it’s an option for those on a budget wanting a solid night’s sleep or short nap.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
I can’t tell you how much I loved Le Meridien. No, this is not sponsored. In my opinion, this is one of the best hotels near Dubai Airport.
This hotel chain has a unique concept of ‘The Village’, a sprawling assortment of restaurants within one hotel complex. There is also a Meridien Village in Abu Dhabi. For some reason, these intelligent and creative hotel sorts seem to acknowledge the dire need of westerners everywhere to avail themselves of not one but 20 possible options at any one given time. I’m apparently a Gen Y, which means I’m seeking a good work-life balance. To be sure, there’s a good life in Le Meridien.
And so my 10 days at Le Meridien in Dubai were a royal treat. I didn’t even need to leave the hotel!
I discovered almost all of the restaurants in Le Meridien Dubai, some more than once! Can I just say, this is a hotel above them all.
From the Spanish tapas-inspired Bebemos to the pick-your-own-live-lobster at Seafood Market to the dimly lit romantic Casa Mia to the spice-laden meat dishes at Sewar and Mahec to the award winning asian dishes at Long Yin, Kiku and Sukhothai to end-of-the-day pub drinks and fare at Dubliner’s and The Warehouse, this INCREDIBLE hotel has it all.
Breakfast
Breakfast is at Yalumba Restaurant and it is a lavish affair. The name Yalumba itself was already speaking to me: this is a well known wine region in my home state of South Australia. The interior is warm, earthy and organic and the comfortable seating, soft tones and rustic wood features bring a pleasant comfort once inside.
Whipping up everything from hot Arabic breakfasts, to standard bacon and eggs-your-way to (the non-Muslim pork bacon is in a separate section to the turkey bacon), to a patisserie selection that will take your breath away, this restaurant has it all. If it’s not too hot, enjoy it outside on the al fresco while sipping on your hot drink of choice. Soya latte for me please.
Brunch
The sheer volume of food produced at this brunch is astounding. Patrons can choose from all of the food offerings: outdoor food trucks and both indoor and outdoor buffets. BRUNCHOLOGY at Le Meridien is lively with impeccable food, sensational desserts, liquid treats, live music, entertainment and a great party mood.
Pool Side Bar
A filling breakfast calls for some postprandial relaxation by the pool. I counted at least 3 pools in the hotel but my favourite was definitely situated right next to Yalumba. You can either sit on the submerged water seats or on the poolside sunbeds. When <insert your chosen time here> strikes, it’s officially cocktail-o-clock. The pool itself almost ranks this hotel as one of the best near Dubai Airport.
High Tea
On the room upgrade option at check in, we had the option of selecting a daily high tea. It’s worth it.
Set in Latitude 25, within the incredibly stunning mezzanine adjacent the hotel lobby, you’ll have the choice of upper or lower terrace dining. Both have high plush lounge seats arranged to create a sense of intimacy. An assortment of hot and cold beverages accompany a layered and decadent food selection.
Happy Hour
Additional to the high tea, the room upgrade also comes with daily happy hour, with unlimited drinks and savoury snacks from 7 – 9 pm at Latitude 25. This is honestly such a fascinating people watching opportunity, where you’ll see local businessmen exchanging words in a direct manner, expatriate travellers wanting a quick drink between flights and hotel guests enjoying a tipple at the end of the day.
Restaurants at Le Meridien Hotel & Conference Centre Dubai
After a few constant days of high tea and happy hour snacks, it was time to explore some of the other restaurants within the hotel. There is truly a slice of heaven for every taste. The hotel is a sprawling expanse of landscaped gardens, pools and restaurants pocketed here and there.
Yalumba – themed night buffet
As mentioned, Yalumba is the site of daily breakfast and Friday brunch. However most nights they also host a themed buffet night, where a set price will give you access to an abundance of food, usually between 3 set hours of an evening. Don’t miss the seafood night!
Le Meridien Village Terrace – live music buffet
The village terrace is akin to Yalumba however it is set over a few terraced levels with live acts on the lower level. In the winter months this is really a beautiful atmosphere, with a casual air and happy diners refilling their plates on repeat!
Bebemos
Si, I frequented Bebemos a few times. I’m a sucker for grilled octopus, potatoes and a side of Sangria. The funky decor was definitely a plus. This is one of the restaurants that is open during the day also and is a popular place for lunch and dinner! On the occasions I visited, there were many happy faces, lots of laughs and banter! I also noticed many businessmen here during the day, making it a great hotel restaurant option near Dubai Airport.
Decor is rustic Spanish chic, with mosaic tiled tables and artsy brick walls that are incompletely painted. If your language is tapas, paella and roast meat, then Bebemos speaks it.
Casa Mia
Oh, little Italy. As soon as one walks through the vined tresles and manicured hedges that provide a private barrier between diners and the rest of the hotel, it’s impossible to feel as if you’re still in the Middle East. For its sheer romanticism and simplicity, Casa Mia took my heart. Twice.
The first evening, I was seated at a simple wooden table with a white tablecloth and greeted by the most charming Italian waiter. It wasn’t long before I was being delivered a cute wooden box filled with an assortment of crostini and fresh breads. This was of course enjoyed with olive oil and balsamic as I perused the menu.
I decided to go all out and treat myself. Given that I am more savoury-inclined I had a few sides and a main, rather than the dessert. Although they looked purely delectable also.
First time recommendations!
Burrata con pomodorini rossi e gialli – Burrata with cherry tomato salad, red onion home-made basil oil and crispy bread
Polpo grigliato con patate e fagiolini – Chargrilled octopus with basil pesto, baby potato, green beans, cherry tomatoes and taggiasca black olives
Margherita piatti – Tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza
This is not the end of the story folks. Later in my stay I went back and the experience was just as memorable. This time I sat inside, as if I was at mama’s kitchen table, shielded from the outdoor gentle evening hum yet being waited on even more closely and attentively. The staff here really are lovely, are passionate about their work and wish only to ensure you have a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Second time recommendations!
Tartara di tonno e avocado – Tuna tartare with avocado, in light chili oil and squid ink tuille
Fettuccine al rosmarino con agnello brasato, crema di parmigiano e funghi – Rosemary fettuccine with slow braised lamb, parmesan cream and wild mushrooms
Honestly if I had one wish, it would be that I could go back and experience this place for the first time again! If you have the opportunity to leave Dubai Airport, it’s vital that you visit Casa Mia at Le Meridien Hotel.
Seafood Market
There’s not a lot that’s impossible in the Middle East. Seafood Market was the first market-style restaurant to open in Dubai (in 1992) with a culinary history that draws heavily from Far Eastern cuisine. One step inside and you’ll be whisked away to the ocean amidst their cruise-liner inspired decor whilst casting your eyes upon impressive floor to ceiling displays of perfect wines to pair with your dish: chardonnay, semi dry Chenin Blanc and chilled Sauvignons to name a few.
You’ll find 18 seawater tanks that are home to lobster from USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. If this is not to your taste, then you’ll also find a variety of other live seafood such as king crabs from Norway, snow crabs and mud crabs from Oman, Australia, New Zealand and local hamour, halwayoo, red mullet, salmon and baby shark amongst others. The Asian influence is also evident with the selection of soups and noodle dishes and their wide choice of sauces: hot chili, peppered lime and garlic, oyster and the ultra-popular Thermidor. This is definitely the place to be if you’re a seafood afficionado!
Warehouse
Warehouse is exactly as it sounds: an industrial themed bar that serves up the perfect post work drink. It’s casual, it’s Soho and its uber cool. Don’t miss the 30% off happy hour promo. Anyone for an amaretto tea?
The Dubliner’s
Irish pub. Sport on the big screen. Oversized pints. Gents night on the night every other bar in Dubai has ladies night. Bangers & Mash, Cod Fish & Chips, Sunday Roast, Chicken Boxty, Homemade Irish Beef Stew, Beef & Guinness Pie: these are just a few of the offerings. It’s loud, it’s big and it has a seriously affordable Friday brunch offer. Great for pub grub.
Jules
I’m not going to advocate for smoking of any kind but if you’re keen to try a favourite Middle Eastern past-time, then grab your shisha at this popular joint. You won’t be alone. Set on an open patio style terrace, this is a vibrant place to have your nightcap.
And More!
Other famed options include: Kiku, Long Yin, Sukhotai, Mahec, Sewar and Beef Bistro
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
The Mövenpick is a well known brand in the Middle East and I stayed there a few days en route elsewhere. The hotel is extremely close to Dubai Airport and really has everything you need. Staff were extremely hospitable and allowed me to ‘check in’ at 5am and ‘check out’ at 4pm, effectively staying an extra day gratis.
It’s 5 star, has an impeccable breakfast, a grand lobby, a fun Irish pub and a gorgeous rooftop pool that perfectly showcases that end-of-day orange Middle-East hue.
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
This uber chic hotel has wide open spaces, unsuspecting corridors that lead to modern eateries, spas and outdoor hotspots and big open rooms with spacious bathrooms. We chose it due to its close proximity to Dubai International Airport and it proceeded to have numerous perks. The rooms are LARGE.
Beds are comfortable and the wide panoramic windows have epic views across the popular Irish Village precinct. For those who haven’t heard, the Irish Village is the home of live outdoor music, fresh beer by the pint, wooden bench tables and a magical atmosphere at Christmas with the best decorated tree in the area, surrounded by curious swans, visitors and their pet dogs. You can literally leave the front door at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and walk to the Irish Village. (Note there are two main Irish Villages in Dubai. This one in Garhoud is closest to Dubai International Airport).
On the other side of the Irish Village is Century Village: a courtyard of restaurants with outdoor seating, all lit up in fairy lights and decorated with beautiful water features. This region has a decidedly more local Arabic feel. We tried some of the most delicious gyoza, sushi and sashimi from Sushi Sushi Restaurant.
Another win is Jumeirah Creekside’s Nomad Restaurant. This is the modern and spacious eatery attached to the hotel, where breakfast is served. You’ll find a toast station, chefs on hand to cook eggs your selected way, yoghurts, cereals, cold cuts, cheese, small pots filled with all sorts of goodness and a hot buffet to rival all others. Don’t miss their impeccably dressed Christmas tree in December!
Venture later to one of their pools. The ground floor has a two-tiered pool which is aptly suited to families, with a spacious outlay and options for the little ones to play.
Upstairs on the roof top, it’s adults only. This pool is long, sleek and see through. Seriously. At one end of the pool, visitors can peer down through a small section of transparent glass to the lobby and its decorations below. For a more quiet, intimate setting, this is the place to be. It also has an epic panoramic view across the Dubai cityscape and of Dubai Golf Course.
