Though the city is known for its luxury, there are also plenty of cheap hotels in Dubai. Next to 5-star resorts, you will find budget accommodations, including hotels, hostels and apartments. However, not all areas are suitable for budget-conscious travellers. You just need to know where to search and where to stay, so I am here to help. Don’t worry! If Dubai is on your bucket list, but you do not have much to spend, you can still find affordable stays and enjoy visiting attractions.
Whether you are looking for cheap Dubai hotels for a family, couple or solo trip, read this post to learn about my top tips and recommendations. I will share my suggestions on where to stay in Dubai to save money, what to consider while looking for affordable accommodation and how much to budget for hotels. Moreover, I will give you my list of the best cheap hotels in Dubai that you need to know about before you start booking.
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How much are hotels in Dubai
Talking about Dubai hotel prices can be a conversation of extremes. On the one hand, you have price tags that soar as high as their top-floor suites. On the other hand, cheap rooms in Dubai are readily available, with prices that are surprisingly modest considering the city’s reputation for luxury. However, you need to book them in advance, as they sell out fast.
Here are the average Dubai accommodation prices per night for 2 persons:
- Budget properties: AED 110–370 (USD 30–100)
- Mid-range properties: AED 370–920 (USD 100–250)
- Luxury properties: AED 920 and above (USD 250 and above)
What to consider when choosing cheap Dubai hotels
If you are looking for affordable Dubai accommodation, you need to keep in mind several things.
- Season: Peak tourist seasons, such as during Christmas and New Year’s Eve or when the city weather is most pleasant from October to April, usually see a spike in room rates. Conversely, the scorching summer months often bring about discounted prices and great deals on accommodations. December is probably the most expensive month to stay in Dubai, while July is the cheapest. Moreover, prices for Wednesday and Thursday nights are the lowest.
- Location: When searching for cheap accommodation in Dubai, location is paramount. Dubai is vast and each district offers a different vibe and proximity to attractions. For budget-minded travellers, I would suggest considering what you want to be near – whether it’s the beaches, shopping centres or historical sites – and choose a hotel that puts you close enough to walk or has easy access to public transportation. Read below about the cheapest Dubai areas to stay.
- Amenities: Just because you’re looking for budget hotels in Dubai doesn’t mean you have to compromise on amenities. Many cheap hotels and apartments in Dubai offer excellent facilities such as free Wi-Fi, swimming pools and complimentary breakfast. It’s essential to prioritise what amenities are important for you and ensure that the hotel you choose provides them without additional costs or for a small fee.
- Accommodation type: Booking a hotel can be the first thing that comes to your mind, but there might be more affordable options. For example, you can check hostels with many opportunities to meet people from around the globe or apartments with a more private setting.
- Special events: Dubai is a vibrant city that welcomes multiple events every month. From international conferences and sports tournaments to music festivals and art exhibitions. Check the Dubai event agenda in advance and either book early or avoid peak dates.
- Safety: Safety should never be compromised, regardless of budget. After all, you want to enjoy travelling without worrying about your safety and belongings. I have good news: Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world with very low crime rates. That means that you can stay hassle-free practically anywhere. Just be aware of some cultural nuances and safety tips.
- Hidden costs: Fees and other supplementary costs can suddenly inflate your budget. When you book cheap Dubai hotels, it’s vital to check for any additional fees such as taxes, service charges or even charges for using certain facilities. Transparency is key to staying within your budget. For example, a tourism tax (based on the property category) is often not included and should be paid on-site.
- Reviews: It is commonly known that cheap properties may be of bad quality which can ruin your stay. How to avoid it? Previous guests’ experiences are invaluable. Reviews often reveal the truth about a property’s service, cleanliness and overall value for money, guiding you to make informed decisions. My advice — pay attention to them.
Have Fun Dubai’s Tip: With a little planning and flexibility in travel dates, you can take advantage of lower room rates and still enjoy the wealth of experiences Dubai has to offer. The key is to strike a balance between affordability and convenience, ensuring that the cost of your stay doesn’t overshadow your overall experience.
Best areas in Dubai for budget travellers
Deira
Deira, one of the oldest parts of Dubai, is a haven for budget travellers. It’s a bustling commercial hub where traditional meets modern. Here, you can find some of the cheapest Dubai room rates without sacrificing the authentic Dubai experience. The area is known for its vibrant souks, delicious street food and easy access to the metro, which makes exploring the rest of the city affordable and convenient. There are many hostels, as well as 1, 2 and 3-star hotels.
- Deira accommodation prices: From AED 70
Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is another area that offers an abundance of cheap Dubai accommodations. It’s a cultural melting pot with historical sites such as Dubai Creek, the Dubai Museum and Heritage Village within walking distance. The area also boasts a variety of budget-friendly eateries and markets, ensuring you can enjoy the local flavours without breaking the bank.
- Bur Dubai accommodation prices: From AED 70
Al Barsha
Situated close to the famous Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha is ideal for those who seek a balance between cost and location. The area has a good selection of affordable Dubai hotels that are conveniently located near both shopping and the metro. This is a great spot from where you can conveniently travel in many directions including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
- Al Barsha accommodation prices: From AED 150
Business Bay
This thriving business and financial hub is great if you want to be close to Downtown Dubai. Located on the shore of the Dubai Water Canal, It’s filled with skyscrapers and modern architecture. Even though it is now known for more premium hotels and fine dining restaurants, there are still several cheap properties available.
- Business Bay accommodation prices: From AED 140
To explore further, read about the best Dubai areas for tourists.
10 best cheap hotels in Dubai
Now, here is my list of top budget hotels (and not only) in Dubai:
1. Rove City Centre Hotel
Located in the heart of Deira, the 3-star Rove City Centre Hotel offers contemporary comfort at an unbeatable price. It’s a favourite among budget-savvy travellers who don’t want to compromise on quality. With a 24-hour gym, pool and modern rooms, it ticks all the boxes for convenience and comfort. Moreover, it offers a free transfer to Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is a great plus because you can save on public transport. And you can also easily move around the city thanks to the proximity to the City Centre Deira metro station.
Book your Rove City Centre Hotel stay here
2. Ibis Al Rigga Hotel
Ibis Al Rigga is another good option for those looking to stay in Deira. It’s known for its clean, efficient rooms and close proximity to Al Rigga metro station. The hotel also offers a cheap daily breakfast buffet, making it a great value for those who want to start their day with a hearty meal.
Book your Ibis Al Rigga Hotel stay here
3. Arabian Park Hotel
Arabian Park Hotel is a hidden gem located in the vicinity of Bur Dubai. It boasts spacious rooms, a temperature-controlled pool, four restaurants and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s wallet-friendly room rates make it a popular choice for travellers on a tight budget who want to quickly get to DXB Airport and easily move around the city.
Book your Arabian Park Hotel stay here
4. Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel
Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai is a good budget hotel next to the Ibn Battuta Mall and the metro station. It offers modern amenities such as an outdoor pool, gym, breakfast and several on-site dining options. From here you can conveniently travel to Dubai Marina, Dubai Parks and Resorts and Expo City Dubai. Furthermore, it’s a great option if you decide to take a trip to Abu Dhabi. There is a shuttle bus to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Airport departing from the stop next to the nearby Ibn Battuta metro station.
Book your Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel stay here
5. The Female Journey Hostel – JBR
The city is well-known for its lavish beach resorts. Finding budget accommodation close to the beach in Dubai is not easy, and that’s why the cosy Female Journey Hostel – JBR is an excellent choice. The hostel offers clean rooms with free Wi-Fi and bunk beds. Located in Dubai Marina close to Jumeirah Beach Residences, it is perfect for a cheap relaxing vacation close to the beach. This hostel is a place where female travellers will feel safe and at home.
Book your Female Journey Hostel JBR stay here
6. Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites
Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites And Apartments is strategically located close to the metro station, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. It provides a comfortable and convenient stay for both business and leisure travellers on a budget. With a good breakfast, spa and a pool, it’s a great base for exploring Dubai without breaking the bank.
Book your Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel stay here
7. Ibis Mall of the Emirates Hotel
Just a stone’s throw away from the Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha, the 3-star Ibis Mall of the Emirates is great for shoppers on a budget. It offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and easy access to one of Dubai’s largest shopping centres with multiple entertainment and dining opportunities, such as Ski Dubai. The hotel is also close to the metro, allowing for cheap and easy transportation around the city.
Book your Ibis Mall of the Emirates Hotel stay here
8. Centro Barsha by Rotana
Centro Barsha Hotel provides a stylish stay without the hefty price tag. It’s also located in Al Barsha near the Mall of the Emirates and features a rooftop pool, gym, free Wi-Fi and all-day dining. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, making the property a popular choice among budget travellers.
Book your Centro Barsha by Rotana Hotel here
9. Grayton Hotel by Blazon
Grayton Hotel by Blazon is a trendy and affordable 4-star property located in Bur Dubai. It’s perfect for travellers who want a mix of business and pleasure. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a fitness area, two swimming pools, spacious rooms and a restaurant. Although the metro station is a bit further away, the location is great for exploring Old Dubai on foot.
Book your Grayton Hotel by Blazon stay here
10. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View
If you want to be close to Downtown Dubai without paying extra, consider the Radisson Blu Dubai Canal View Hotel. It is located in Business Bay, a 25-minute walk away from the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. The hotel is modern and stylish, with great views, a spa, restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.
Book your Radisson Blu Dubai Canal View Hotel stay here
Dubai’s reputation for luxury doesn’t mean that budget travellers can’t enjoy all that the city has to offer. With a bit of research and planning, you can find affordable accommodations that allow you to experience Dubai without the lavish expense. I hope you found my tips helpful. Have fun in Dubai!
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