Hotels - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Dubai arguably has the fastest-growing hotel scene on the planet. This emirate has major plans to become a global leader for tourism, and it doesn't do anything on a small scale.

By the end of 2008, 54 new hotels will add to Dubai's 40,000 rooms already in existence. This includes the world's only seven-star hotel, the unmistakable Burj Al Arab, and the upcoming Asia-Asia, which will be the world's largest hotel. Rooms in Dubai aren't cheap, but most of the city's entertainment happens within them since they're the only venues that receive alcohol licenses.

There's no shortage of luxury hotels in Dubai, but the iconic Burj Al Arab has set the bar pretty high. Its sail-shaped design dominates the city's coastline, boasting two-level suites with views and amenities fit for royalty. The Al Qasr is another extravagant resort in Jumeirah, styled after an Arabian palace. It resides on its own little gardened island, reminiscent of Eden.

If you prefer the desert, the serene Babs Al Shams resort outside Dubai is ideal for quiet relaxation catered by a nearly invisible staff that seem to anticipate your every need. The Shangri-La and Fairmont Dubai both reside on busy Sheikh Zayed Road, putting you right in the action surrounded by celebrities, fine dining and the best of everything Dubai has to offer.

Dubai is essentially cut in half by a creek that runs for 10kms through the city. On the north side of the creek is Deira and on the south side Bur Dubai. Further off the south side is where much of new development is taking place at sites like Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Deira and Bur Dubai constitute the old city of Dubai, as well as its business centre. Some of the nicest and priciest hotels in this district, such as the Hilton and Carlton Tower, are situated along Dubai Creek. There are plenty of mid-range and budget hotels in Deira as well, and the old town's ambiance is a real departure from glitzy beachside Jumeirah.

But Jumeirah Beach is where the action is happening at the moment. Dubai's most opulent, extravagant and expensive hotels are all here, lining the beautiful beach that runs for kilometres along the coast. Most of these top-flight resorts have amenities that rival anything in the world, including spas, health clubs, fine dining, entertainment and extensive water sports.

Sheikh Zayed Road is the other hotspot in Dubai. The hotels that line this posh strip of shopping, dining and commerce are all well-appointed and compete with each other for style, service and amenities. This road is Dubai's main strip, but it is still just minutes from Jumeirah Beach and historic Deira.

An up-and-coming area with good business and tourist accommodation is Dubai Marina. Several exclusive hotels have already set up here such as Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor House. At the other end of the spectrum, visitors can head into the desert, where a handful of exclusive resorts have been built, offering a unique and extremely comfortable stay.