Everything you need to know about Dubai’s designer hotels

From Armani to Versace, here are the most fashionable hotels in Dubai. 

Fashion and hotels go together like Dolce and Gabbana. We’re not talking about a designer room or suite – although we could be tempted by the Dior suite in The St. Regis New York – but a whole designer hotel. Ralph Lauren once said, “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams”. Those dreams can come to life in Dubai, as guests have the chance to sample a fashionable lifestyle, not just through the clothing but a fully immersive experience. You can wake up in a designer bed, and go to sleep in a designer robe. So, when only the supermodel of hotels will do, here are the best of Dubai’s designer hotels. 

Armani Hotel Dubai

Hotel addresses don’t get more fashionable than the Burj Khalifa. Armani Hotel Dubai occupies the ground floor up to level eight, and then levels 38 and 39 of the world’s tallest building. If you’re a fan of the Italian fashion brand, you can eat, sleep and shop the brand, as this is the first hotel designed by Giorgio Armani and reflects his own personal taste. 

Whether it’s Armani/Casa furnishings or an onsite Armani shop, the luxury Italian fashion house has paid attention to all the finer details in this five-star hotel. While this is a luxury hotel, it is understated by Dubai standards. It’s all minimalist sleek with muted tones – think greys, blacks and hints of bronze. 

If a chain restaurant is the equivalent of high street fashion, then a MICHELIN restaurant is haute couture. So, you’ll be pleased to hear that the dining experience is not, well, off the rack. Instead, Armani/Ristorante was recently awarded one MICHELIN Star and has high-end food with sky-high views. Indulge in fine dining Italian food with a sideshow of the Dubai Fountains – we’d recommend the Exclusive Journey, an eight-course tasting menu paired with grapes. 

Armani Hotel Dubai is definitely a trendsetter, as Armani/Kaf was the first kosher-certified restaurant in the UAE and since then, others have followed. You can unwind at the 12,000 square-foot Armani/Spa, shop at Armani/Galleria for the latest couture collection, indulge in sweet treats at Armani/Dolce or spoil someone with flowers from Armani/Fiori. Plus, if you feel a splurge coming on – and want to mix your labels up like any fashionista – you can go shopping at the nearby Dubai Mall. 

Bulgari Resort Dubai 

If James Bond were to stay at a hotel in Dubai, he’d probably choose Bulgari Resort Dubai. The luxury jewellery brand could easily have created a bling, bling hotel, instead this oozes a refined elegance. Located on a secluded artificial island shaped like a seahorse, the designer hotel successfully blends Mediterranean-style with Middle Eastern embellishment. 

Created by the Italian architecture firm, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, this 1.4 million square foot resort draws inspiration from its ocean setting. The rooms, suites and villas have been designed with the Bvlgari lifestyle in mind, from the Bvlgari marble material to the coffee table books on diamonds.

If you want to live your most fashionable life, visit the world’s first Bvlgari Marina and Yacht Club, Bvlgari Spa and Workshop or The Beach Club. The in-house concept store, La Galleria, has curated a collection of clothing, home furnishings and accessories. And, if you want a fashionable souvenir, the Bvlgari boutique includes the latest collection of jewellery and watches. 

At a designer hotel, we’d expect nothing less than an on-trend dining experience, and Bvlgari delivers: the Italian restaurant Il Ristorante – Niko Romito was recently awarded two MICHELIN stars, and the Japanese restaurant Hōseki recently won one. We know that fashionistas can suffer from FOMO, so book Hōseki, which only accommodates nine diners. A tailored experience doesn’t just happen in the fashion world, as Hōseki creates bespoke menus to meet your foodie needs.

Palazzo Versace Dubai 

If it’s good enough for Jennifer Lopez, it’s good enough for us. Jennifer is besties with Donatella Versace and has partied the night away at Palazzo Versace Dubai at Jaddaf Waterfront.

Sure, you can buy the jungle-inspired Versace dress that she wore to the Grammy Awards or you could visit Into the Jungle Brunch at Giardino. The restaurant creates one of the best family-friendly brunches in Dubai, as the entertainment includes magicians, balloon makers and, of course, jungle crafts.  

More is more at Palazzo Versace Dubai, as the designer hotel is dripping in luxury. Drawing inspiration from a 16th-century Italian palace, you’ll be feeling like fashion royalty when you step inside. Admire the high ceilings, landscaped gardens and Italian furnishings, and then make the most of its first-class, fashionable facilities. 

The FACT award-winning SPA is just as luxurious, thanks to its marble floors and A-list treatments. Best of all, there are two Moroccan hammams. When you want to feel red carpet ready, book the Diamond and Gold Royal Hammam Journey. You’ll be cleansed with gold soap, buffed with diamond polish and covered in a gold rhassoul body mask. 

Palazzo Versace has the musical seal of approval, too – it’s home to Quincy Jones’ jazz bar. Let Q’s Bar and Lounge be your catwalk, as you strike a pose at the fun live music venue. Plus, when you want to recreate the Versace lifestyle, stop by Versace Home for glamorous home furnishings. Designer hotels, we are inspired.