Solo travel is a $500 billion industry, with women making up about 70% of solo travelers worldwide, making them the primary force behind this movement, with majority of them being between 20 and 45 years old.
One of the biggest concerns for women solo travelers is safety.
And that is why Dubai is among the most visited destinations for female travelers. According to Numbeo’s latest safety index, Dubai ranks as the 6th-safest city, behind 4 other UAE emirates and Doha.
For more in-depth insights on this, check out our ultimate guide on solo female travel to the UAE.
In this article, we want to look at some of the best hotels you can choose from in Dubai on your solo trip.
Top Hotel Picks by Area
Choosing the right neighbourhood is important. You want to be near attractions, metros, major malls, and areas where getting a cab is easy, and you want to take midnight strolls.
On one of my trips to Dubai, I was walking in Downtown Dubai at around 1:00 am when I met a woman walking alone, looking confident and stress-free.
1. Deira (The Enrichment Project & Old Town)
There is an area in Deira known as the Deira Enrichment Project that has been beautifully developed into a modern community without losing the known old town Dubai heritage. See images below.
This area has modern, affordable hotels and is served by an array of cafes and restaurants. Moreover, it has many stores selling gold and jewellery.
Hotels on this side of town are more affordable than the two areas we will look at below. However, affordability here does not mean they are mediocre, far from it.
- Novotel Dubai Gold District: 300 metres away from the metro. It has multiple restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, and was rated 8.7 stars on Booking.com by solo travelers. Starts at $120 (KES 15,000)
- Mercure Dubai Deira: 150 metres away from the metro and very close to a bus terminus. The hotel has a swimming pool and is rated 8.6 stars on Booking.com for solo travelers. Starts at $105 (KES 14,000)
- Ibis Styles Dubai Deira: A simple but great hotel. It has a nice rooftop bar and a swimming pool with amazing views. Starts at $95 (KES11,000)
- Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre: Away from the Deira Enrichment Project area, but not too far from it. It is next to a mall and a metro station and has a 9.2-star rating on Booking.com from solo travelers. Starts at $190 (KES 25,000)
Related: Dubai on a Budget: A Review of Ibis Styles Hotel in Deira, Dubai
2. Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is home to attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, and The Dubai Frame, which is also a short ride away. While in this area, you will rely more on taxis rather than the metro.
- Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection: A stylish choice about 2km from the Metro, but with plenty of dining nearby, including a Nando’s just 50 meters away for a quick bite. Starts at $270 (KES 35,000)
- Damac Maison Mall Street: Offers a luxurious feel and is very convenient for shoppers. Starts at $200 (KES 26,000)
- Rove Downtown: A younger, social vibe with great co-working spaces for digital nomads.
- Sofitel Dubai Downtown: A 10-minute walk from the Burj Khalifa, and offers amazing views of the downtown skyline. It is also about 200 metres from the Burj Khalifa metro station. Starts at $310 (KES 40,000)
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View: It has been rated 8.2 stars on Booking.com by solo travelers. There is no metro nearby; the nearest station is about 4 km away, but taxis are readily available outside the hotel. It provides amazing views. Starts at about $155 (KES 20,000)
3. Dubai Marina & Jumeirah
For those who want beach vibes and a high concentration of other travelers, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah are unbeatable.
You will also get to experience the famous Dubai Marina Walk, a stretch where you’ll experience luxury cars, over 60 cafes, restaurants, and luxury stores. Dubai Marina Mall is also within walking distance of most hotels.
There are also quite a number of hotels on this stretch, from Hilton to the Ritz Carlton among others.
- Millennium Place Dubai Marina: Rated 9.1 stars by other solo travelers. Close to the tram and metro, with a variety of restaurants nearby. Starts at $170 (KES 22,000)
- Rove Dubai Marina: A fantastic mid-range option. Ensure you get the Marina view room. 15 to 20 min walk to the beach. Rated 9.2 stars on Booking.com by solo travelers. Starts at $200 (KES 26,000)
- Hilton Dubai Jumeirah: Rated 9.6 stars on Booking.com by solo travelers, this is the highest rating we have featured in this article. Located right on “The Walk,” making it perfect for evening strolls, and is 100 metres from the Marina beach. Starts at $250 (KES 32,000)
- Atlantis The Palm or Atlantis The Royal: If you’re looking to splurge and indulge in some of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels, then consider one of these two hotels. Both are resorts with many restaurants and access to the beach, water sports, and more. Prices per night start at around $1,200 (KES 160,000)
Related: Atlantis The Palm vs. Atlantis The Royal: Differences & Which One You Should Choose
