Raffles Dubai

Opened in 2007, Raffles Dubai took its form from the pyramids of Egypt, a shape unusual enough to make it a landmark on the city's skyline. The hotel sits close to Wafi Mall and a short walk from the Khan Murjan souk, within reach of the city's convention centres and about a 15-minute drive from the airport. Rooms and suites run large by Dubai standards, each with a private balcony; furnishings draw on both European and Asian references, a combination the brand calls its own house style. Every stay comes with a butler, a tradition Raffles has carried since its first hotel opened in Singapore in 1887. The spa covers more than 1,200 square metres, drawing on Asian, Middle Eastern and European treatment traditions, and the outdoor pool runs 22 metres with a heated jacuzzi and a separate children's pool. Dining spans an Italian restaurant, a lobby lounge serving afternoon tea, and a poolside bar for small plates. Private garden cabanas host Arabic dining and shisha in the evening. The hotel holds Green Key certification for its environmental programmes. It is a dense, city-centre stay, built for guests who want proximity to Dubai's commercial core without giving up space or quiet.