Open, uncluttered beaches. A picture-perfect skyline. A cheerful shopping haven. Flattering hospitality. Stately luxury… All this and more come together to make Dubai one of the world’s most famous vacation spots.

For those travelling in groups and with children, Dubai offers the perfect warmth and essence of Arab hospitality. Interconnected rooms, access to all-day children’s clubs, theme parks in hotels and hotels within theme parks, nanny services, sandboarding, camel riding, museum of illusions… there are so many reasons why families big and small prefer spending quality time in Dubai.

Whether you’re transiting through Dubai or are here for a leisurely long vacation, there’s plenty to do and see for travellers of all ages. Choosing the right hotel for your stay, though, will remains one of the most important pre-travel decisions you’ll make, especially if you’re traveling with kids and the elderly. Location, room size, accessibility, facilities, services, and a host of other factors matter much more when travelling as a family than if you were, for instance, travelling alone or with friends.

Dubai is a city dotted with some of the best hotels in the world, and choosing one that suits your needs is difficult if only because there’s a problem of plenty. There are so many great hotels to choose from that the choice can be overwhelming. For your convenience, we did all the hard work to arrive at the best-of-the-best shortlist of hotels when it comes to amenities, exceptional service, and quality of rooms — all with children in mind.

Atlantis, The Palm

This family-friendly 1,548-room ocean-themed destination resort on the crescent of the world’s largest man-made island has blooming gardens, pirate-ship playgrounds, an amazing water park and an underwater aquarium. Foodies have the choice of indulging in their favourite cuisine and beverages at 29 restaurants and bars in Atlantis, The Palm.

The destination spans approximately 48 hectares of land, and the water park alone measures around 17 hectares. Aquaventure Waterpark has the world’s longest water slide; a nine-story-tall slide aptly named the Leap of Faith. The water park has over 30 water rides and slides. A water playground for younger guests is also available.

Another family-friendly facility is the Kids Club, which provides fully supervised entertainment for young children. If you’re into it (and don’t mind paying for it), you could book a helicopter ride for a 15-minute tour around Dubai or for Airport drop-off.

Guests can relax on a pristine private beach and gaze at 65,000 incredible marine animals at The Lost Chambers Aquarium. The whole place is built with tunnels and mazes underwater with around 20 exhibitions letting you interact with marine life ranging from deadly sharks, piranhas, eels, lobsters, turtles and seahorses.

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Jumeirah Beach Hotel

One of Dubai’s original beach hotels containing 598 rooms and suites, 19 beachfront villas and 20 restaurants and bars, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers views of the sea and the Burj Al Arab. Guests get complimentary access to adjoining Wild Wadi Waterpark with an 18-metre waterfall and a climbing wall. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a 10-minute stroll from the hotel.

Families can stay in ground-floor garden suites equipped with a kitchenette and child-safe locks on the sliding doors. Many restaurants within the hotel offer a children’s menu. Guests have access to a private stretch of the famous Jumeirah beach. From a cinema screen on the beach and themed dinner parties for teenagers to babysitting services and sand-artistry classes, this hotel is a hive of activity for families with children of all ages.

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Mina A’Salam Hotel

Mina A’Salam means ‘The Harbour of Peace’ in Arabic, and you do get amazingly tranquil vibes as you enter the premises, leaving behind the pace and bustle of the city. Developer and architect Mirage Mille took 36 months to complete the hotel, with the vision of recreating life in ‘Old Dubai’ in a spectacular setting, complete with waterways, lagoons, abra boats and a souk.

The 292-room Mina A’Salam Hotel in the vast Madinat Jumeirah complex has Venetian-style waterways, a private stretch of beach and an outdoor pool. Located at the heart of Madinat Jumeirah Resort, the boutique style hotel was completely refurbished in 2015. The hotel offers its guests 40 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from.

Family-friendly activities at the property include Sinbad’s Kids Clubs in Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Al Naseem. The clubs together offer access to over 1,000sqm of pools, play areas, supervised games and activities. With kids tucked in, the grownups can enjoy a round of golf or relax at the Talise Spa. Families can take an unhurried stroll on Madinat Jumeirah’s own private beach, visit the onsite Madinat Theater, and enjoy a raft of water sports, tennis and luxury yachts.

Guests get complimentary access to the next-door Wild Wadi Waterpark and Abra rides around the resort.

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A family-oriented, Polynesian-themed resort with 504 rooms, including 60 suites and three villas, Lapita is located within the Dubai Parks & Resorts complex. All rooms, suites and villas come with a private balcony or terrace – you’ll need that space to stretch out and relax after returning from a long day at the theme parks. And there are three huge ones in the same complex, for crying out loud: Motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood Parks.

The hotel buildings are set around lagoon-style pools. Kids can cool off in the temperature-control pools or enjoy the lazy river. There are children’s clubs for different age groups (Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club) with climbing walls. The grownups can spend some quality time at the spa that offers massages and traditional hammam treatments.

The palatial three-bedroom villa boasts a private plunge pool and whirlpool. Interconnecting rooms, cots and rollaway beds make stays comfortable for all ages and family-friendly events include the Friday brunch. With everything from barbecued meat to a sushi counter, guests can sample more than 150 dishes from across the globe here.

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JA Palm Tree Court

With a string of low-rise buildings set among gardens with streams, waterfalls and pride of peacocks, the 212-suites JA Palm Tree Court is incredibly relaxing. All suites can accommodate two adults and two children (16 years or younger). There are three kids clubs in the hotel: The Crèche offers babysitting (for babies as young as four months to toddlers under 4), CoolZone for kids aged 4-12 and ChillZone for the teens (up to 16 years).

The luxurious suites of The Residence come with additional benefits that include free babysitting and private butler service. Guests can opt for the Wibit inflatable waterpark, rides and water sports. Adults can try the challenging nine-hole golf course, which had hosted the likes of Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo. The property boasts of 16 restaurants and bars, horse riding, a tennis academy and a spa salon. Guests can also opt for deep-sea fishing trips from the marina or (within a short drive) a shooting range.

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Westin Beach Resort & Marina

In Mina Seyahi, the 292-room Westin Beach Resort & Marina is a palatial property featuring neoclassical architecture, muted desert tones and sophisticated interiors. There’s a shaded children’s pool and a kids’ club. Playground and family-friendly activities include soft archery, sensory games and face painting.

There are also tennis courts, a fitness centre, and a water sports centre. At the Westin Mina Seyahi, children can enjoy a kids pool, daily beach games, kids club and the newly opened Jungle Bay waterpark, complete with slides, Aquaplay and wave pool.

The resort has its own water sports centre for water skiing, windsurfing and wakeboarding.

The property offers a choice of cuisines, including Thai, Latino-Asian, Italian, Spanish, Steakhouse, and international. Special menus for children are served in the restaurants.

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The Ritz-Carlton Dubai

Occupying the city’s most sought-after stretches of sand along the famous JBR Walk, the Ritz-Carlton Dubai is an expansive low-level property with nine distinct restaurants, serving Asian, Arabian and Mediterranean fare. The hotel offers first-class spa facilities and six outdoor swimming pools for adults and children. Two of the pools are for families, with another two reserved exclusively for children.

Besides the signature treatments and therapies at the spa, the property offers a hammam area and a state-of-the-art gym. Family-friendly activities include the Ritz Kids programme, which offers daily supervised activities for children, including handicrafts and origami workshops, story time, and even cooking activities.

The 294 rooms and suites are all sea-oriented, with private balconies overlooking the garden and the pools. Some of the rooms interconnect, which is convenient for large families.

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Rixos, The Palm Dubai

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this luxury multi-concept beach resort offers 316 rooms with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the glittering Dubai skyline. Decorated with modern Turkish design, each of its rooms and suites offers at least one balcony.

It features an oasis themed pool and a spa offering an extensive range of treatments. Families travelling with young ones can use the fully supervised Rixy Kids Club, which offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities for the little ones as well as their own private swimming pool.

The À La Turca restaurant provides service throughout the day and is complemented by two signature restaurants: the Mediterranean-inspired L’Olivo and Aqua & More Seafood Restaurant. Spend a leisurely evening at the Shisha Lounge or enjoy a sumptuous menu of massage treatments at the Anjana Spa.

Each of the 316 rooms and suites offers at least one balcony with a sea view and are decorated with modern Turkish design. There are two outdoor pools, a separate kids’ pool, motorised and non-motorised water sports, basketball and tennis courts. A gym with certified personal trainers is also available, and the hotel also has its own diving centre.

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Jumeirah Al Naseem

This beautiful property lies in a pristine beachfront location in Madinat Jumeirah. The 387 rooms and 43 suites are open and spacious, accented with Arabian touches delivering a strong sense of place.

The resort offers a spa centre and a private beach area, besides a hot tub and water sports facilities. As with all Jumeirah hotels in Dubai, guests can avail of complimentary access to the Wild Wadi water theme park.

From the balconies and extended terraces, there are spectacular views of the sea, the resort’s landscaped gardens, swimming pools and Burj Al Arab hotel. With five pretty pools and more than a mile of sandy shoreline, this fashionable property stands out. You can play tennis at this resort, and the area is popular for golfing.

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Taj Dubai

Located in Dubai’s Business Bay district, Taj Dubai offers views of the Burj Khalifa from several of its 296 lavish rooms and suites. The spacious room starts at 45 square metres, elegantly decorated with elements of abundant Indian artistry and each appointed with spacious bedroom space, enlarged walk-in shower, standalone bathtub and dedicated wardrobe area.

The property boasts of a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa that offers a nurturing retreat. It is, however, best known for its diverse and exotic range of classic and contemporary restaurants, lounges and bars. Savour delectable British and international dishes at The Eloquent Elephant, international cuisine at Tesoro, Asian street food at Miss Tess or Indian cuisine at Bombay Brasserie.

An exclusive nightclub, Billionaire Mansion is popular with residents and tourists alike, as is the Byzantium Lounge with its art deco style. Treehouse, its urban rooftop oasis, is great for soaking spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa.

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Four Seasons Resort

An elegant beachfront property in Jumeirah Beach with an inventory of 237 rooms including 49 suites, the property, spread out on 5.6 hectares. If a private beach, two outdoor swimming pools and a lavish spa don’t rock your boat, an indoor pool and a state-of-the art fitness centre will surely do.

For families travelling with young adults, PlayStation/Xbox are available upon request. The hotel’s ‘Kids for all Seasons’ programme lets grown-ups be grown-ups as specially trained staff entertain the kids.

A special children’s play area will keep the kids entertained as you decide what to savour at Suq, its casual, market-style restaurant. It offers Arabian specialties and international favourites, prepared à la carte. Head over to Sea Fu to savour Asian-inspired fresh seafood menu or relax at Mercury lounge on the sixth floor overlooking Burj Khalifa.

Hendricks bar, overlooking the sea, serves cigars and cocktails in a gentlemen’s club inspired atmosphere. The Shai Salon & Terrace offers all-day dining and is the ideal place to sip fresh-brewed coffee or tea, snack on meze plates and relax. Opposite the hotel’s main entrance is the Restaurant Village, home to four independently operated venues, including three specialty restaurants and a nightclub.

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Grand Hyatt Dubai

Located in Oud Metha, the Grand Hyatt has 682 luxurious rooms including 38 suites and it has one indoor and three outdoor pools, including one of the biggest leisure pools in the city, and a separate children’s pool with slides and games.

Along with 14 restaurants, this smoke-free hotel is nestled amidst sprawling gardens. Guests can choose from Indian, Japanese and Singaporean food, and can dine on one of the terraces overlooking the resort grounds. Work out in the state-of-the-art fitness centre or enjoy at a full-service spa, which includes a steam and sauna room, whirlpool baths, nine spa treatment suites and a nail salon.

All rooms boast a deep soaking bathtub. The hotel has one of the largest, grandest conference and convention centres in the Middle East.

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Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

Families flock to the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai to play in the snow park, meet the resident penguins and learn how to ski or board. Connected to the ski park, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates has ski lodge-style suites, complete with cosy open fireplaces, overlooking the slopes, while on the other side of the resort you can find a sun deck with pools, loungers and an alfresco bar.

Blanketed in snow, the indoor ski runs are a novelty in a land of dunes and soaring temperatures. The hotel features 20 unique Aspen Ski Chalets, the only hotel rooms in the region with a view onto the skiing slopes of Ski Dubai. The hotel has 393 rooms and suites including 15 chalets. The hotel is attached to UAE’s first indoor ski slope and one of the biggest shopping malls in the world with more than 630 outlets.

Special discounts are available for Ski Dubai & Magic Planet for guests through the hotel’s concierge. On-site leisure options include a health centre which has a gym, infinity pool and tennis courts. A spa offers wellness treatments. Ski classes can be arranged at a surcharge.

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Rove At The Park

A budget-friendly option with style and convenience in Dubai Parks and Resorts, Rove has interconnecting rooms designed specifically for families, luggage lockers, a laundrette, a 24-hour gym and an outdoor pool and deck.

Family-friendly amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a game area with an arcade machine, a video game console, foosball, mini-golf and a tennis table. The hotel also offers guests bicycles for free rental during the stay. It also offers luggage storage, free self-parking and a self-service laundromat. Of course, it offers a free shuttle service to the Dubai Parks and Resorts theme parks complex.

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Address Dubai Mall

Located in Downtown Dubai, guests have a large open-air infinity pool, a separate children’s pool and an entertainment centre, all attached to the world’s largest mall and tailored specifically towards family adventures.

A luxury cinema, an underwater zoo, a genuine prehistoric 155-million-year-old dinosaur and Kidzania, a miniature world in which children enjoy role play, will guarantee a memorable and action-packed holiday. It has three restaurants, a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. Buffet breakfast offers continental, vegetarian, vegan, Halal, Asian and American fare. An open-air dining experience is available at Cabana with a selection of grills and exotic cocktails. Karat, the lobby lounge, serves snacks and sandwiches. The lounge opens until late and offers evening entertainment.

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Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Set against the backdrop of the Dubai Marina skyline, the 470-room Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai offers families the option of selecting a four-bedroom suite or one of the connecting rooms for extra space.

The property features its own private beach as well as five outdoor swimming pools, including a 55m long option, running through the heart of the resort. Guests can enjoy boat cruises, snorkelling or aqua bikes, then savour sweet treats at The Delisserie or gourmet Chinese cuisine at Maiden Shanghai, which also features a karaoke room.

While kids are busy at the Kids Club, parents can visit the luxury spa for yoga and massages or enjoy dazzling skyline views from the rooftop lounge. On a private beach, it has three restaurants and two poolside bars and six outdoor pools.

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Jumeirah Al Qasr

The hotel is set among the meandering man-made canals of Madinat Jumeirah. Guests can indulge in a royal feast at one of the on-site restaurants or browse the spa’s menu of relaxing body treatments. It boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and an exclusive private beach.

A collection of plush rooms feature majestic Arabian decor and private balconies. All 294 rooms have terraces and balconies and refurbished to offer a modern Arabic experience and have a two kilometres long private beach. All rooms come with a private dressing area, walk-in rain shower and antique furnishings.

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One&Only The Palm Dubai

Consistently rated one of the best family hotels in Dubai, One&Only The Palm Dubai offers beautiful views of the city’s glittering skyline from its private beach. Inspired by the architecture of Andalusia’s Moorish palaces, the hotel offers luxurious beachfront accommodations on the Palm Jumeirah peninsula, panoramic views, a private beach and cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno.

The exquisite low-rise boutique oasis is located on the landscaped private peninsula of the Palm Jumeirah crescent and has 94 rooms, including 25 suites and four beach-front villas. The property features spacious rooms, suites and villas that are either located within the hotel’s Manor House or in private Beach Villas. The rooms and suites overlook the main pool and the palm-shaded terraces. The Beach Villas offer direct beach access and personalised service like private butlers.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities for family time together, from swimming in the infinity pool and paddling in double kayaks at the private marina. Within the complex, culinary options include Zest (a Middle-Eastern, Asian and Western fusion restaurant), Stay by Yannick Alléno (a French fine dining restaurant with a seasonally evolving menu), and The Pastry Library, where guests can enjoy an interactive experience while creating their own desserts.

Enjoy family feasts at the adjacent 101 Dining Lounge and Bar with its terrace seating and marina views. The Lounge also offers afternoon tea, snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Guests can also venture out by water taxi to sister hotel One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai to have dinner at any of its seven restaurants.

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