Middle East / Middle East Hotels / United Arab Emirates Hotels / UAE Hotel Prices /

The Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in the UAE

Where to Stay if You've Never Been to the UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE Abu Dhabi, UAE

Are you looking for a hotel for your first trip to the UAE? With plenty of activities and sites, this is a great destination for first-time visitors. So if you're deciding where to stay on your first trip to the UAE, don't worry, we've got you covered. We've analyzed the hotels in the UAE to find out which are the best for first timers based on price, amenities, location, reviews, and guest ratings. In this guide, we'll be showcasing the best hotels for first-time visitors in the UAE, taking into consideration all of these important factors. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or with friends, there's a hotel that caters to every traveler's needs to make the most of your first trip here. So, if you're visiting the UAE for the first time, the hotels below will be great options, as many of them have pools, breakfast, and plenty of comforts to help you relax. So, here they are, the best hotels in the UAE for first time visitors.

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $119 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Great Hotel for First Time Visitors
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

Located at Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel Dubai has great rooms from $119 (before taxes). It offers an outdoor pool, skiing, a pool bar, room service, and a restaurant. It has a terrific 8.60 rating out of 10 from previous guests who have stayed here. Only a short distance from the city center, first time visitors will especially love a fitness center, scuba diving, snorkeling, a bar, and hiking at this relaxing hotel. The pool bar here is a fun spot to relax while you unwind on your trip. The price of this hotel is less than average for first time trip hotels, which makes it a great value.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Skiing
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Horse riding
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Heated pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room
View Prices and Reviews


The St Regis Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $181 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Visit to the UAE
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

A great place to stay is The St Regis Abu Dhabi which has nice rooms starting at $181. Offering an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also has a great guest rating of 9.30 out of 10 from many previous guests. It's located at Nation Towers. This convenient hotel is also nice because it offers scuba diving, a bar, a kid-friendly buffet, rooms with kitchenettes, and child care which visitors will enjoy. Also, it's just a short drive from the city center. The indoor pool at this hotel is very nice, and is a great place to unwind and relax on your trip.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Horse riding
  • Airport shuttle
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Kids' club
View Prices and Reviews


Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5-star Resort with prices starting at $190 (before taxes) - See All Prices
A Good Stay for Your First Trip
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

We found Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai to be a great place to stay, and the price starts at $190. We loved that is has an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, and it also has a terrific guest rating of 9.20 out of 10 from previous guests. It's located at Al Mamsha Street. You'll also find scuba diving, a bar, a kid-friendly buffet, rooms with kitchenettes, and child care which travelers will love. And this fun hotel is just a quick trip from the center of town. It's always nice to have a kitchenette to cook some basic meals or have an easy breakfast.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Table tennis
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Tennis
  • Refrigerator
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Infinity pool
  • Kids' club
View Prices and Reviews


Raffles Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $154 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Time in the UAE
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

With terrific rooms from $154, Raffles Dubai, at Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi Mall provides an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center. Its terrific guest rating is 9.20 out of 10 from previous guests staying here. New visitors will really like this amazing hotel which also offers a bar, a kid-friendly buffet, child care, laundry services, and golf. It's located just a short distance from the city center, too. Having a hot tub at this hotel is also a nice splurge.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Free parking
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Breakfast in the room
View Prices and Reviews


La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai Autograph Collection

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $173 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for First-Timers
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai Autograph Collection has a great guest rating of 9.00 out of 10, and offers an outdoor pool, skiing, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center. The great rooms here start at $173 before taxes and depending on the season. It can be found at Al Multaga Street P O Box 41443. Furthermore, it also offers scuba diving, snorkeling, a bar, rooms with kitchens, and rooms with kitchenettes, which is nice for first time visitors. Just a short drive from the city center, this fantastic hotel is a terrific choice. And with the ability to cook your own meals in the kitchen, you can save money and time.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Skiing
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Kitchen
  • Spa
  • Horse riding
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kitchenette
  • Laundry service
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Tennis
  • Coffee shop
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room
View Prices and Reviews


Media One Hotel Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4-star Hotel with prices starting at $71 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Among the Best Places to Stay for a First Visit to the UAE
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for first time trip hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

The great guest rating of Media One Hotel Dubai is 8.80 out of 10. This place has an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center. Prices for the terrific rooms are from $71, and it's located at Al Falak Street. We also love the a bar, rooms with kitchens, child care, laundry services, and city views which are great for visitors. And since it's just a quick trip from the center of the town, the location is great, too. Having the delicious restaurant in the hotel is an added bonus. The price of this hotel is less than average for first time trip hotels, which makes it a great value.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Kitchen
  • Spa
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Heated pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room
View Prices and Reviews


Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $322 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect Hotel to Make the Most of Your First Visit
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

A cool place is Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah because it has great rooms that start at $322. It has an outdoor pool, room service, a water park, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also earned a great guest rating of 8.70 out of 10 from people who have stayed here before. It's found at Po Box 75157. Only a short distance from the city center, travelers will especially love scuba diving, a bar, a kid-friendly buffet, rooms with kitchens, and rooms with kitchenettes at this convenient hotel. Everyone loves a nice pool, and you won't be disappointed with this one.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Water park
  • Kitchen
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Table tennis
  • Family rooms
  • Private pool
  • Tennis
  • Refrigerator
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Kids' club
View Prices and Reviews


Al Raha Beach Hotel

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $110 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Great Hotel for First Time Visitors
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

Al Raha Beach Hotel offers an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center which we really like. The terrific rooms here start at $110 (before taxes). It's located at Channel Street and has earned a guest rating of 8.50/10. This fun hotel is also nice because it offers snorkeling, a bar, a kid-friendly buffet, rooms with kitchens, and rooms with kitchenettes which new visitors will enjoy. Also, it's just a short drive from the city center. The heated pool is comfortable, relaxing, and fun for everyone. It's a great value, too, because it's less than the average price for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Kitchen
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Infinity pool
  • Kids' club
View Prices and Reviews


Fairmont Ajman

Ajman, United Arab Emirates
5-star Resort with prices starting at $122 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Visit to the UAE
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • Beach
  • Heated pool
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

Located at Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Fairmont Ajman has great rooms from $122 (before taxes). It offers an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a water park, and a restaurant. It has a terrific 8.40 rating out of 10 from previous guests who have stayed here. You'll also find a fitness center, a bar, a kid-friendly buffet, outdoor tennis, and rooms with kitchens which first time visitors will love. And this amazing hotel is just a quick trip from the center of town. Spending time at the water park is such a nice activity for kids and adults alike! It's a great value, as the price is less than the average for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Water park
  • Kitchen
  • Child pool
  • Horse riding
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Infinity pool
  • Kids' club
View Prices and Reviews


The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $217 (before taxes) - See All Prices
A Good Stay for Your First Trip
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
View Prices on Kayak
See Location

View more photos

A great place to stay is The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort which has nice rooms starting at $217. Offering an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also has a great guest rating of 9.10 out of 10 from many previous guests. It's located at Saadiyat Island. Visitors will really like this fantastic hotel which also offers snorkeling, a bar, outdoor tennis, child care, and laundry services. It's located just a short distance from the city center, too. The room service is especially nice after a long day.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Coffee shop
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Kids' club
View Prices and Reviews


For more terrific hotel ideas in the UAE, make sure you also see Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the UAE, Best Beach Hotels in the UAE, Best Cheap Hotels in the UAE, Best Luxury Hotels in the UAE, Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the UAE, Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in the UAE, Best Hotels for One Week in the UAE, Best Hotels for One Night in the UAE, Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in the UAE, Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in the UAE, Best Hotels for Skiing in the UAE, or Best Business Hotels in the UAE.


How much do hotels for first-time visitors cost in the UAE?

UAE Average First Time Trip Hotel Price
$125

Travelers to the UAE will have a large number of terrific first time trip accommodation options with a variety of great prices. The price of first time trip hotels here can vary by amenities, dates, and the neighborhood. Based on thorough data from 225 first time trip hotels, their average price is a very reasonable $125. If you're interested in more information about hotels here, see our guide to hotel prices in the UAE.

The average prices of our suggested first time trip hotels by star rating:

  • 5-star hotels: $168
  • 4-star hotels: $68
  • 3-star hotels: $53
  • 2-star hotels: $41


Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. On this website you can also find travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
Share This Page

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.