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Located in the faux-old part of Dubai alongside the Creek, this wonderfully atmospheric hotel manages to feel authentically vintage in spite of only having opened four years ago.
The comfy rooms are split into different bait, or individual ‘houses’, spread along the Al Seef waterfront area, and are filled with retro design details like old photos, oil lamps and clunky light switches.
Onsite restaurant Saba’a Café’s breakfast is worth getting out of bed for – Emirati-inspired items include cardamom waffles and saffron French toast. They’ll also drive you by buggy to sister hotel Canopy by Hilton, so you can use the rooftop pool with its fabulous views of the whole area.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is Al Fahidi, the ‘real’ old Dubai with some houses dating back 100 years, topped by traditional wind towers. If you want less of the city’s skyscraper futurism and more of a cultural stay, this hotel is a good choice.
Perhaps the best location to experience all that Dubai Creek has to offer, the hotel sits squarely in Al Seef, a friendly area giving a modern take on old Dubai filled with restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops selling carpets, lanterns and Arabian artefacts.
Here you’ll find art galleries, courtyard cafés and a number of quirky small museums. Stretch your legs a little further along the Creek and you’ll reach the textile souk; head into the bustling back streets and you’ll find some of the city’s best – and cheapest – Indian and Pakistani food.
Traditional abra water taxis ply the waters of the Creek. Hop aboard and you’ll reach the gold and spice souks in just a few minutes.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[1 miles]
A walk around ‘Old Dubai’ and an abra ride on the Creek offers a fascinating glimpse of the city as it would have been before the skyscrapers arrived.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[8 miles]
At 828m, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building. Head up to the world’s highest outdoor observation deck for exceptional views of the city and desert beyond, and to learn Dubai history along the way.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[15.2 miles]
Dive down into the world’s deepest diving pool, and discover a bizarre, imaginary sunken world. Snorkelling and kids’ experiences are available too.
Best for ages: 8+ | £90 | 2+ hours
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[24.5 miles]
Get you up close to Dubai’s world-famous landmarks, and put the sprawling desert city in perspective with an unforgettable helicopter flip.
Best for ages: 12+ | £160 | 1 hour
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.4 miles]
Cultural activities and meals – including wonderful cultural breakfasts and lunches in Al Fahidi – offer visitors the chance to understand Dubai from the perspective of Emirati’s who have grown up and live in the city.
Best for ages: 13+ | £16
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.5 miles]
A delightful former trader’s house in Al Fahidi where you could spend hours sitting in the atmospheric courtyard beneath the shady tree, sipping a mint lemonade or sweet karak tea.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.9 miles]
Regulated by the Dubai government to ensure authenticity, dazzling chains, earrings, headdresses and more drip from the shop windows, and good deals can be had if you know what you’re looking for.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.9 miles]
While some stores feel a little touristy, locals really do stock up on spices here too. From Iranian saffron to piles of chilis, cloves and spice mixes, the shopkeepers will be happy to tell you about their stock and how you can use the spices back home.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai offers year-round sun, sand and sea, with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture.
![Deep Dive Dubai [scuba diving & snorkelling]](https://familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Dubai-Deep-Dive-Dubai1-DFS.jpg)
