Raffles Dubai
Pyramid-shaped Raffles hotel beside Wafi in central Dubai, with spacious balcony rooms, gardens, spa and international dining.
Raffles Dubai opened in 2007 with architecture inspired by the great pyramids of Egypt, because Dubai has never met a subtle silhouette it could not make taller. The hotel sits beside Wafi on Sheikh Rashid Road, about a 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, with unusually spacious rooms, private balconies, gardens and a strong city-centre position.
The Egyptian theme continues inside, but the more useful luxury is space. Rooms are suite-like, and facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, hair salon and library. Dining is equally broad: Azur for European, Arabic and Asian buffet spreads, Solo for Italian cooking, Raffles Salon for afternoon tea, poolside small plates and Tomo for Japanese dining.
Stay here if you want Dubai without being folded into a beach-resort itinerary. Raffles Dubai is theatrical, central and convenient, with the scale to feel properly grand. The pyramid may be the headline, but the balconies, gardens and airport proximity are the quiet overachievers.
