I tried two of Dubai's best hotels — this is my honest review
Metro checks in to sister hotels in Dubai to see which is worth your money.
The door to my personal transfer opens as I arrive at what can only be described as a palace. I've pulled up to the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach in thumping Emirati heat, ready to experience the city in a way I haven't before.
It's not my first time in Dubai, but I'd always felt it had limited offerings – appealing only to those who can afford to browse designer boutiques and lounge at swanky beach clubs.
It is widely referred to as the world's most overrated city and a 'materialistic hell', but if this is true, why did Dubai's tourism sector welcome a record 18.72 million tourists in 2024? And why is it TikTok's most popular city of last year with 29.7 million posts and counting?
People often say the best things about Dubai are hidden in its resorts. So I ventured back to put the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Dubai DIFC to the test — these are my honest reviews.
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This beachside hotel is a little out of the way from downtown Dubai, tucked in a leafy residential neighbourhood with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, as well as the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Boasting 237 rooms, including 49 suites, the resort sits on 14 acres of landscaped gardens and pools, which genuinely give the vibe of a tropical paradise.
With a 270-metre beach and immaculate interiors, it's not hard to see why it made it on Conde Nast Travellers Gold List of the best hotels in the world, let alone Dubai.
It's a sight to behold, with glossy marble floors and gargantuan flower arrangements. This is luxury; every inch has been carefully considered.
Without a doubt, the highlight of this hotel is its poolside offering.
In place of a sunlounger, you get a waterside villa, complete with private decking, dining area, outdoor shower, fully stocked bar, indoor seating and a huge flatscreen TV, along with your own private bathroom.
The villa has a call button that beckons a smiling waiter in less than 10 seconds — I felt like royalty, if a little over-awed by the service.
If that's not enough to relax you, the Pearl Spa offers massages tailored to your every need, with the option to indulge in a sauna and steam afterward.
Beyond the resort grounds, both Four Seasons hotels in Dubai offer a range of cultural experiences.
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Nathalie, a French sociologist, is one of the many guides on hand to show you a side of Dubai that's often overlooked in favour of shopping malls and rooftop bars.
She takes you to places like The Courtyard, a creative centre bursting with art galleries, clothing boutiques and a retro playhouse, and Alserkal Avenue, an Instgrammable hotspot frequented by Pilates princesses hopping into G-wagons, green juice in hand.
Nathalie let us in on locals' only haunts, including organic juice bar Wild & The Moon (the Better Than Botox flavour is the best), chocolate shop Ganache and bkry, the best coffee and pastry spot in town.
For a glimpse into old Dubai (all 191 years of it), Nathalie took us for breakfast at The Arabian Tea House and Café. Tucked in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, formerly known as Al Bastakiya, they serve excellent gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee).
You might even spot a celebrity; Kate Hudson and Martha Stewart have stopped for a bite.
There's plenty on offer to suit every taste. The standout meal was at Mercury Rooftop; it's hard not to enjoy fragrant truffle risotto while watching the Burj glisten at sunset.
The poolside menu is also excellent, with everything from ceviche to steak and chips.
For something more refined, there's the Michelin-tipped Sea Fu. The spicy vegetable curry and vegetable pomelo salad were amazing, but the service was what I'll remember.
I stayed in the Premium Skyline Room and spent most of the time there melting into Dyptique bubble baths in the freestanding tub.
The room is immaculate, with a walk-in wardrobe and expansive balcony perfect for people-watching.
A 15-minute drive away is the Four Seasons DIFC, an imposing skyrise overlooking the city.
Just five minutes from Dubai Mall, you're in the beating heart of the city here, where all the action takes place. It's slightly smaller than its sister hotel, with 106 rooms and a small rooftop pool and jacuzzi.
The jewel of this hotel's crown is definitely the seventh-floor spa, where you can enjoy everything from facials and body scrubs to scalp massages and deep tissue treatments.
There's also a state-of-the-art gym, complete with refreshments and personal trainers (this is Dubai, after all).
Like its sister hotel, DIFC offers excursions with expert guides who give historical tours of the city.
Where this hotel truly shines is its afternoon tea. Served at swish eatery Penrose, the sandwiches are sensational, especially the avocado and cucumber, and foie gras.
Menus cater well for allergies and the cakes were divine; I still think about the strawberry pavlova.
If you like a drink with a view, Luna Skybar has sweeping views of downtown Dubai. The food was good but if you've got allergies, you'd be better served elsewhere.
Breakfast at Mina Brasserie won't disappoint before you check out. Order an omelette or avocado on toast.
You'll be spoiled with a suite, including your own lounge area and dressing area, as well as a twice-a-day turn-down service which feels incredibly excessive.
The room is huge, with a glass bathroom and a spacious shower.
The sitting area has a swanky sofa, which is perfect for enjoying room service in front of the TV.
Let's get this straight, both hotels are exceptional, but for me, one stood out.
At the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, I stayed in the divine Premium Skyline Room starting at £460 per night, which is the most affordable room type in the hotel. Here, a five-night stay would cost you £2,400.
Flights with Emirates start at £519 taking your upfront expenses to just under £3,000. Beyond that, you'll need to allow for food and experiences while you're enjoying your stay, so this is the kind of place I'd recommend for a honeymoon.
All in all though, I adored this hotel. The service is impeccable and you're never left waiting. The room is heavenly but it's the combination of having your own tour guide and the ocean on your doorstep that's the real luxury.
The Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach: 10/10
If you opt for the Four Seasons DIFC, the Studio Suite Burj Khalifa View room starts at £905 per night. This means a five-night stay would cost you £4,525. More Trending
The beach resort is typically the more expensive option, but we stayed in one of the more affordable room types.
I'm a beach babe so I have to say I prefer Jumeirah Beach, but that doesn't mean I wasn't blown away by all this hotel had to offer. What sticks with me is the secluded rooftop pool, afternoon tea and its proximity to many of Dubai's main attractions.
It drops two points for the lack of beach, and the less allergy-friendly menu at the rooftop bar.
The Four Seasons DIFC: 8/10
Time: Dubai is GMT +3 hours.
Weather: Dubai in May is typically rain-free with highs of 38°C and lows of 26°C.
Adaptors: Not needed. Plugs in Dubai are the same as they are in the UK.
Visa: You don't need a visa to travel to Dubai.
Check in/check out: 3pm and 12pm.
Disability access? Both hotels are fully wheelchair accessible.
Standout feature: At Jumeirah Beach the standout offering is the private poolside villa, while DIFC has an unmissable afternoon tea.
Who is Jumeirah Beach right for? This is a great location for families with kids who love the beach, as well as couples who want to unwind.
Who is Four Seasons DIFC right for? This is perfect for professionals in the city on business or couples looking to be close to the centre. It's not suited for families.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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