The hype
Travelers adore the staff's genuine warmth and the jaw-dropping views, but often note the rooms feel a bit 'classic' (read: slightly dated) compared to newer Dubai hotels.
Shangri La Hotel Dubai
$170-350/ night
Book this if You want the iconic 'floating above the city' Burj Khalifa photo without the Downtown price tag, backed by old-school Asian hospitality.
Why People Love It
- The 'Picture-Perfect' corner rooms with dedicated daybeds for photography
- Level 42: A Horizon Club exclusive floor with an indoor infinity pool and terrace that feels like a private penthouse
- Walking distance to Al Satwa's legendary cheap eats (Ravi's, Al Mallah) for when you're done with fine dining
Quick Take: A 'Grande Dame' of Sheikh Zayed Road that trades beach access for killer skyline views and serious traffic noise.
Reviewed by @erolbrasco: I booked the floating breakfast experience here and it was honestly the highlight of my trip. Sipping my drink in the pool with that direct view of the Burj Khalifa felt surreal. Definitely the most instagrammable morning I've ever had.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you book a standard room expecting to swim in the famous indoor pool you saw on Instagram, you will be denied entry.
- You are a photographer chasing that specific Burj Khalifa framing
- You appreciate traditional, high-touch service over self-check-in kiosks
- You want easy Metro access (Financial Centre station is a 5-minute walk)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Immaculate. Twice-daily service including turndown is standard and thorough.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling marble. Grout lines are clean, and deep soaking tubs are scrubbed well.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition for its age, though some guests note minor wear on carpets in hallways.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush towels. No complaints of wear.
- Odors & scents: Signature 'Shangri-La Essence' (fresh, ginger/tea scent) in the lobby; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Constant hum of 12 lanes of supercars and traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road
- Thumping bass from 'ikandy ultralounge' (4th floor) affects lower rooms
- Live jazz/music from Level 42 bar can bleed into rooms directly below (e.g., 40th/41st floors)
Before you book
Good to know
- A Tourism Dirham Fee of AED 20 (~$5.50) per bedroom per night is charged at check-in.
- A deposit of AED 500 (~$136) is required upon arrival.
- The hotel is not dry; alcohol is served in restaurants and bars.
What to pack
- Earplugs (high fidelity ones if you want to block the highway hum but hear your alarm)
- Modest clothing for walking into Al Satwa or taking the Metro
- Swim cap (sometimes requested for the indoor pool)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Picture-Perfect Room: The specific corner unit designed for *that* Instagram shot
- Horizon Club Rooms: Worth the upgrade solely for Level 42 pool access and happy hour
- High-floor Sea View: Generally quieter than the Burj/Highway facing rooms
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms on floors 5-10 facing the pool deck (noise from ikandy lounge)
- Room 4018 (and neighbors) reported to suffer from noise bleed from the Level 42 venue above
- Low floors facing Sheikh Zayed Road (traffic noise is intense)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Picture-Perfect' corner room if available. If not, please assign a room as high as possible (30th floor+) facing the Burj Khalifa. I am a light sleeper, so please ensure I am NOT directly below the Level 42 club or facing the ikandy lounge speakers.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Can I use the indoor pool on the 42nd floor?
Only if you book a Horizon Club room or a Suite. Standard Deluxe room guests are restricted to the outdoor pool on the 4th floor.
Is the hotel walking distance to Dubai Mall?
Technically yes (about 30-40 mins), but it's not a pleasant walk due to heat and highways. Take a 5-minute taxi or the Metro (1 stop).
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there are multiple licensed bars and restaurants, including the poolside ikandy ultralounge.
Is there a shuttle to the beach?
Yes, the hotel typically provides a complimentary shuttle to a partner beach resort or Kite Beach, but schedules vary—check with concierge.
How much is breakfast?
Buffet breakfast at Dunes Café is approximately AED 150 (~$40) per person if not included in your rate.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are strictly not allowed.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Non-guests can pay ~AED 250 for a 'terrace package' to access Level 42 for photos and drinks without booking a room.
- ✨
Join the 'Shangri-La Circle' loyalty program before booking; members often get free meals for kids under 7.
- ✨
The 'ikandy' lounge has a happy hour (Sundowners) from 4pm-8pm with significantly cheaper drinks.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Sea View' is now mostly a 'City View' due to new construction blocking the water.
💡You can hear the Metro rumbling from some lower floor rooms.
💡The elevators can be slow during peak breakfast hours due to the tower's height.
💡There is a hidden squash court available for guests.
💡The 'nightclub' noise on high floors often comes from private events at the Horizon Lounge, not a public club.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Shangri La Hotel Dubai is located and what's nearby.