Hotels in City Walk
City Walk has no metro station of its own. The nearest is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line, and most visitors finish the trip by taxi; RTA buses 7, 28, 81 and C14 also stop in the district. That shapes the choice of hotel. None of the six stays gathered under City Walk on this page stands inside the district: Rove Downtown and Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai are in Downtown, Rove Trade Centre near the World Trade Centre, and the DAMAC Maison and Royal Continental addresses in Downtown and Business Bay. All six score between 8.9 and 9.3 out of 10 with guests, so the real question is location, not quality. I would sleep in Downtown for a stay built around Dubai Mall and the metro, and come to City Walk for an evening or a concert at Coca-Cola Arena. For an arena night, a hotel on the Business Bay or Downtown side keeps the ride home short. Visit between November and March, when the outdoor terraces are pleasant; from June to September the streets are nearly empty in daytime and life moves indoors, to the arena and The Green Planet.
City Walk is the low-rise, open-air shopping and dining district on Al Wasl Road, between Jumeirah and Downtown, and it suits travellers who would rather stroll outdoor streets in the evening than spend the day in a mall or on a beach. Its draws are specific. Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai's largest indoor arena with room for 17,000 people, hosts most of the city's big concerts and shows, and it is climate-controlled, so its calendar runs through the summer. The Green Planet, a bio-dome that recreates a tropical rainforest with more than 3,000 plants and animals, including sloths and a bat cave, is the family visit next door. If you are in town for a show at the arena, this is the area to stay near, as long as you accept that the metro is not on the doorstep.
City Walk in numbers
DubaiKempinski Central Avenue Dubai
City centre hotel with spa, pool, and a short walk to Dubai Mall
Why guests love itKempinski Central Avenue Dubai is a five-star that remembers children: there is an indoor play area, an outdoor swimming pool and balconies in the air-conditioned rooms. Parents get a spa, a sauna and a fitness centre, and the restaurant and bar cover evenings. Dubai Mall is a nine-minute walk away, which makes shopping and attractions easy on foot. Guests rate it 9.3, so it is a polished and practical city base for families.
DubaiDAMAC Maison Canal Views
Modern self-catering apartments with an outdoor pool and city access
Why guests love itDAMAC Maison Canal Views offers self-catering apartments with sleek modern interiors, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. A children's playground makes it easy for families, and there is a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and free parking. The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa are a short drive away rather than a walk, so I would recommend it for guests who plan to use a car or taxi. Rated 9.2 from over 1,000 reviews.
DubaiRove Downtown
A simple, lively base on Al Mustaqbal Street, under ten minutes on foot from The Dubai Mall
Why guests love itRove Downtown works for families in practical ways: about 30 percent of rooms are interconnecting, the Rover rooms include a sofa bed, and the 2 pm check-out takes pressure off the last day. The saltwater pool is open from 8 am to 8 pm and has Burj Khalifa in view, which children like. There is no kids' club and no shuttle, so days are planned around The Dubai Mall, under ten minutes on foot, and taxis to the beach. The walk to the mall is outdoors, so with small children in summer, a short taxi ride often makes more sense than the stroll.
DubaiRove Trade Centre
Modern hotel near Dubai World Trade Centre with pool and gym
Why guests love itRove Trade Centre is a simple three-star that works for families who spend most of the day out. It is adjacent to the Dubai World Trade Centre, between old and new Dubai, and has an outdoor pool for cooling off. Interconnecting family rooms are available, rooms are air-conditioned with flat-screen TVs, kettles and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi is included. Guests rate it 9.1, so I would pick it for convenience and value.
DubaiDAMAC Maison Distinction
Serviced apartments with city views and an outdoor pool in Downtown Dubai
Why guests love itDAMAC Maison Distinction offers serviced apartments in Downtown Dubai, which is a good fit for families who prefer space to a standard room. Each unit includes a kitchenette, a dining area and free Wi-Fi, so breakfasts and snacks are easy, and the balconies have city views. An outdoor pool gives children something to do close to The Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall. Guests rate it 9.0, so it is a sensible central base.
DubaiRoyal Continental Suites Business Bay - Deluxe Apartments
Deluxe apartments with a spa and pool in Business Bay
Why guests love itRoyal Continental Suites Business Bay offers deluxe air-conditioned apartments with a balcony, a kitchenette and free Wi-Fi. A spa, a sauna, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool open year-round cover wellness, so families, couples and business travellers all have something to use. The hotel is about 17 km from Dubai International Airport. I would recommend it for self-catering stays with spa access. Rated 8.9 from over 1,100 reviews.