The hype
Travelers are consistently blown away by the sheer size of the rooms and the old-school, attentive service.
Raffles Dubai
$200-350/ night
Book this if You want the largest standard room in Dubai (70sqm!) and prefer the cultural soul of Old Dubai over the chaotic beach scene.
Why People Love It
- Standard rooms are the size of junior suites elsewhere (70sqm+)
- Iconic pyramid architecture that feels majestic rather than just gimmicky
- Tomo restaurant offers one of the best unblocked skyline views in the city
Quick Take: A luxurious, spacious sanctuary attached to a 'ghost mall' that feels a decade away from the influencers on Jumeirah Beach.
Reviewed by @themaryoom: I stayed in this massive suite at Raffles Dubai and was blown away by the space and the skyline views. The team surprised us with the sweetest anniversary setup in the bedroom. It was the perfect romantic getaway.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The location is polarizing—you're close to the airport and Old Dubai, but far from the Marina and Palm action.
- You are claustrophobic and need massive amounts of personal space
- You are a business traveler needing quick access to the airport or DIFC
- You appreciate 'classic' luxury (gold, marble, chandeliers) over modern minimalism
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Twice-daily service including turndown is standard and thorough.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless marble. Deep soaking tubs are kept pristine.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition despite the hotel's age; the 'classic' decor hides wear well.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count Egyptian cotton (fittingly), plush and heavy.
- Odors & scents: Signature Raffles floral scent in lobby; rooms are fresh, though balconies have city air.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Sheikh Rashid Road highway traffic (constant hum)
- Occasional bass from the top-floor venue on weekends (high floors only)
Before you book
Good to know
- A Tourism Dirham fee of AED 20 per bedroom per night is charged at check-in.
- The hotel is connected to Wafi Mall, which has a great 'Khan Murjan' souk but limited high-street shopping.
- The metro station (Dubai Healthcare City) is a walkable 6-minute distance.
What to pack
- Modest clothing if you plan to explore the nearby Old Dubai souks
- Earplugs if you plan to sleep with the balcony door open (not recommended due to heat/noise)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Signature Room (Skyline View) for the iconic Burj Khalifa backdrop
- Garden View rooms for a quieter experience away from the highway noise
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor City View rooms (closest to the highway noise)
- Rooms directly below the apex on weekends if you are extremely sensitive to bass
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a higher floor facing the Garden/Pool side for maximum quiet, or a high-floor Skyline View if traffic noise is minimal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a beach shuttle?
No dedicated beach shuttle is currently advertised; you will need to take a taxi to La Mer or Kite Beach (approx. 15-20 mins).
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is temperature-controlled (chilled in summer, heated in winter) and has a swim-up bar.
Can I walk to the metro?
Yes, Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station (Green Line) is about a 6-minute walk away.
Is it good for families?
Surprisingly yes—the rooms are huge for extra beds, and there is a dedicated kids' pool.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there are several licensed bars and restaurants within the hotel, including the pool bar.
How far is the airport?
Very close—only about a 10-15 minute drive to DXB Terminal 1 or 3.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Visit the 'Khan Murjan Souk' in the basement of Wafi Mall—it's an underground architectural gem that most tourists miss.
- ✨
The 'Raffles Garden' on the 3rd floor offers private cabanas that are perfect for a quiet evening shisha.
- ✨
Ask for a room on the 'East' side of the pyramid if you want to see the sunrise over the city outskirts.
5 things to know before you go
💡The attached Wafi Mall is eerily quiet, which is actually a blessing if you hate crowds.
💡The 'Signature' base room is bigger than the suites in many Jumeirah Beach hotels.
💡You can hear the call to prayer from nearby mosques, which adds a lovely local atmosphere (or a wake-up call).
💡The walk to the metro involves crossing a bit of a concrete jungle, but it's safe.
💡The lobby scent is a distinct, luxurious floral fragrance that stays with you.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Raffles Dubai is located and what's nearby.