Raffles DubaivsFairmont The Palm
Both properties are rated very highly by experts. On balance, Raffles Dubai scores significantly better than Fairmont The Palm, Dubai. Raffles Dubai comes in at 94 with recommendations from 13 sources such as Star Service, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
Raffles Dubai
 Frommer's
 Concierge
 Fodor's
 Insight Guides
 DK Eyewitness
 Rough Guide
 Star Service
 Condé Nast Traveler
 Oyster
 Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews 
Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $327/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Laundry Service
 - Concierge
 
 "This pyramid-shape luxury property is attached to Wafi City shopping mall and merges Asian style with an Egyptian aesthetic." Full review
 "The external kitsch conceals some of Dubai's largest, most stylish hotel rooms, all 248 loftlike in feel with oversized terrace balconies." 
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When to go: November through March, to avoid the desert heat.
 "The crowning glory of Wafi City's ancient Egyptian design theme, this majestic glass pyramid houses a classy 5-star hotel." Full review
 "Spectacular hotel housed in a giant pyramid, with a mix of quirky Egyptian theming and cool Asian designs, plus superb facilities including huge gardens, a gorgeous spa and some excellent restaurants and bars." 
 "The Middle East’s first Raffles combines warmth and luxury with impeccable service." 
 "Rivalling the Park Hyatt for the title of Dubai’s finest city-centre hotel, the spectacular new Raffles takes its cue from the Egyptian theme of the Wafi complex next door." 
 "The unique design approach incorporates the Earth's various moods of wind, fire, earth and water, which, if guests watch closely, are clearly apparent throughout the property. " Full review
 "The external kitsch conceals some of Dubai’s largest, most stylish hotel rooms, all 248 loftlike in feel with oversized terrace balconies." Full review
 Kid-Friendly
 "Spacious, light-filled interiors are sumptuous yet understated, tastefully displaying a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian design influences." Full review
 "Inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture, the pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai houses 248 luxury guest rooms and rises 19 stories above the city." Full review
Fairmont The Palm
 Insight Guides
 Lonely Planet
 Time Out
 Star Service
 Oyster
 Jetsetter
 The Telegraph
 Condé Nast Traveler
 Afar Magazine
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai 72413, United Arab Emirates
From $214/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Shuttle Bus
 - Laundry Service
 - Concierge
 
 "Having opened in style, with a launch party that saw Hollywood’s A-listers walk down the red carpet, this popular theme resort houses 1,373 lavish guest rooms and 166 suites." 
 "Think twice before spending your money here." 
 "There’s a colourful 3,000-piece glass sculpture in the lobby and the hotel has a unique, nautical-themed decor." Full review
 "Still, the Fairmont benefits from a solid mix of European and regional guests that flock to its recreational facilities and numerous dining outlets." Full review
 Kid-Friendly
 "Offers a genuine taste of high-class Dubai -- with the premium price tag to match." Full review
 "Contemporary sleep on Dubai’s man-made island, the Palm, with four swimming pools, a private beach and splurge-worthy spa." Full review
8.0
 "This beachfront hotel has a relaxed vibe but is still within easy reach of the city, with palm-shaded pools and views of Dubai Marina's skyscrapers in the distance." Full review
 "Set on the trunk of Dubai's famous palm, the Fairmont is popular with beach-vacationing families." Full review
 "Though the airport and city highlights are all a quick drive away, the Fairmont feels like a true getaway thanks to its setting on Palm Jumeirah island." Full review