Dubai is a city of superlatives – home to the world’s tallest building, biggest shopping centre, and most luxurious hotel. It also boasts world-class entertainment, luxury shopping, and super modern architecture, meaning it truly is impossible to get bored in this billionaire’s playground! But there lies the problem when you’re searching for accommodation…
With everything going on in Dubai, it can be tricky choosing where to stay. Of course, we’d all love to stay in a 7-star resort but when you’re a backpacker, it’s very rare that you have that kind of cash available. Therefore, it’s a good idea to set your sights a bit lower and consider a hostel.
To help you out, we’ve scoured the best hostels and budget accommodations in Dubai to find the ones most relevant to your itinerary, and even more importantly – your bank account.
Luckily, there’s plenty of choice including some cool hostels and affordable hostels meaning that you’ll really be able to make the most of your time in this intriguing city. So, let’s dive straight in and see the best that Dubai has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Dubai
#1 Best overall hostel in Dubai: Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside)
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Dubai: Dubai Beach Host
#3 Best hostel near the Palm Jumeirah: At the Top Hostel
#4 Best hostel near the Burj Khalifa: The Solo Traveler
#5 Best hostel near Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport: Royal Plaza Apartments Dubai
#6 Best hostel near Al Ghubaiba Bus Station: Gateway Hotel
#7 Best high-end hostel in Dubai: Fortune Classic Hotel Apartments
#8 Best budget hostel in Dubai: Backpacker 16 Hostel
#9 Best hostel with private rooms in Dubai: Saffron Boutique Hotel
#1 – Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside)
Best overall hostel in Dubai
Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside) is the best overall hostel in Dubai
Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside) is the best overall hostel in Dubai
Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside) is the best overall hostel in Dubai- Cost – $$
- Location – jumeriah beach residence-Bahar 4, dubai
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside)…
This bright and colourful hostel is located just a stone’s throw from Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah beach, the hottest area in Dubai. If you want to be close to the best nightlife, restaurants, and rooftop bars in Dubai, then this is the best place to stay without paying the prices of a 5-star hotel!
Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside) is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be close to the centre of Palm Jumeirah’s action without having to pay the exorbitant prices will be delighted with Aiza Luxury Hostel. There are a couple of dorms packed with a comfy and luxurious bed which are equipped with reading lights and chargers. A great budget option!
#2 – Dubai Beach Host
Best hostel for solo travellers in Dubai
Dubai Beach Host is the best hostel for solo travellers in Dubai
Dubai Beach Host is the best hostel for solo travellers in Dubai
Dubai Beach Host is the best hostel for solo travellers in Dubai- Cost – $$
- Location – 1901 Bahar 4, Jumerah Beach Residence
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Dubai Beach Host…
This friendly and relaxing hostel boasts an outdoor terrace with views of the Arabian Ocean and a lounge where you can listen to some great tunes, meaning it’s the best place for solo travellers to make friends and find people to enjoy the city with! We love that the hostel also offers a gym, swimming pool, and basketball court access!
Dubai Beach Host is perfect for…
This place isn’t just perfect for solo travellers, but if you want to get sporty and active during your trip at no extra cost, then Dubai Beach Host should be high on your list! There’s free Wi-Fi too, so it’s great if you need to stay in touch with family and friends back home.
#3 – At the Top Hostel
Best hostel near the Palm Jumeirah
- Cost – $$
- Location – Elite Residence Tower, Al Sufouh road, Dubai Marina
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like At the Top Hostel…
This dizzyingly high hostel is actually the highest in the world – set on the 66th floor! This clean and comfortable place is super relaxing (provided you’re not afraid of heights) and is the best place to stay if you want to be close to Palm Jumeirah. Bonuses include a free walking tour, free shampoo and body soap, and a locker to keep your valuables safe!
At the Top Hostel is perfect for…
Anyone who wants to impress their friends by saying they’ve stayed in the highest hostel in the world should stay here. But that’s not the only great thing about At the Top – it’s right in the centre of the Dubai Marina district which is great for shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. It’s also close to the metro station for heading further afield!
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#4 – The Solo Traveler
Best hostel near the Burj Khalifa
- Cost – $$
- Location – Downtown Dubai, Buri Al Nujoom, Plot 247, property no 1801
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Solo Traveler…
This small, intimate, and friendly hostel is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Burj Khalifa, and is the best place to stay if the world’s tallest building is on your itinerary during your stay. We love that all guests get access to the building’s (not the Burj Khalifa) pool, gym, and jacuzzi!
The Solo Traveler is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the Burj Khalifa, there’s nowhere better to stay than this hostel. The friendly owner ensures a traditional and authentic experience in Dubai and can help you with any questions you might have during your stay. There’s a large kitchen for preparing your own meals too!
#5 – Royal Plaza Apartments Dubai
Best hostel near Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – 58, 34C Al Rigga Road, Behind ADCB Bank, Deira
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Royal Plaza Apartments Dubai…
It may be called a hotel, but this friendly and spacious accommodation offers a number of different sized dorms. It’s within 10 minutes of Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport on the metro, making it the best place to stay if you need to be close by!
Royal Plaza Apartments Dubai is perfect for…
If you have an early morning or late-night flight, then staying somewhere so close to the airport takes away a lot of the stress of searching for your hostel or getting to the airport. This is the place for you. And yes, it may be billed as a hotel but you’ll actually find that it’s cheaper than several of Dubai’s hostels!
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#6 – Gateway Hotel
Best hostel near Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Khaleed Bin Waleed Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Gateway Hotel…
This modern and reasonably priced hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, so it’s the best place to stay if you’re travelling onward to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah during your stay in the United Arab Emirates. We love the outdoor pool and the free breakfast!
Gateway Hotel is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, this is the perfect option for you. The clean and modern hostel is very reasonably priced and offers a number of facilities including soundproofing, air-conditioning, and a flat-screen TV meaning you’ll quickly feel relaxed after a long and tiring bus journey!
#7 – Fortune Classic Hotel Apartments
Best high-end hostel in Dubai
- Cost – $$
- Location – Damascus Street near Airport Free Zone
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Fortune Classic Hotel Apartments…
This property doesn’t give you a bed in a dorm, nor a private room. No, at this spacious and luxurious property you’ll get a whole 2 or 4-bed apartment at a scarcely believable price! Therefore, it’s easily the best high-end property you’ll find on a budget. We love that each apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen and living room!
Fortune Classic Hotel Apartments is perfect for…
If you want to relax in a luxurious setting during your stay in Dubai but you don’t want to break the bank, then these private apartments should be right up near the top of your list. If the apartment isn’t enough luxury, then why not head to the rooftop swimming pool or the sauna? There’s a gym too!
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#8 – Backpacker 16 Hostel
Best budget hostel in Dubai
Why we like Backpacker 16 Hostel…
This cool hostel offers the lowest prices in Dubai meaning it’s the best place to stay if you’re looking for a budget hostel. You don’t have to compromise on quality or location though – it’s right by Dubai Marina meaning you can spend the money you’ve saved on your room on some of the world-class restaurants there!
Backpacker 16 Hostel is perfect for…
Budget travellers looking to save their cash so they can truly experience the city will love this reasonably priced hostel. There’s a common room to meet other travellers, while you can prepare your own food in the microwave or the toaster. You also won’t need to splash out on public transport as it’s so close to everything!
#9 – Saffron Boutique Hotel
Best hostel with private rooms in Dubai
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 88 Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, Burj Nahar Intersecti, near Naif Intersection, Deira
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Saffron Boutique Hotel…
This boutique hotel offers a range of twin and double private rooms, as well as some pleasant singles at a very reasonable price. Therefore, it’s the best place to stay in Dubai if you’re looking for a private room. We love that there’s a sauna, hot tub, and heated swimming pool on-site and that you can even enjoy a massage!
Saffron Boutique Hotel is perfect for…
If you’re a solo traveller who is sick of the hectic and often sleepless dorm lifestyle, or a couple looking to get a bit of privacy, then Saffron Boutique Hotel is the perfect option for your stay in Dubai. Not only will you be able to rest and recuperate, but you can also treat yourself to a bit of luxury by using all the facilities here!
Other best hostels in Dubai
#10 – Zabeel House MINI Al Seef by Jumeirah
- Cost – $$
- Location – Al Seef Street Building B, Bur Dubai, Dubai
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Zabeel House MINI Al Seef by Jumeirah…
This cool and modern hotel offers pocket rooms – small rooms that they somehow manage to fit a twin or double bed in! There are plenty of common areas to relax in the hotel and chat with other travellers or work on your laptop if you’re a digital nomad. We love the outdoor pool and gym – perfect for cooling off!
Zabeel House MINI Al Seef by Jumeirah is perfect for…
If you want a small but comfortable room right in the middle of Dubai, then this place is perfect. It offers a great balance between being able to meet people but having your own space and comfort. You’ll also get free organic toiletries here – great if you couldn’t fit yours in your hand luggage!
#11- Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf
- Cost – $$
- Location – Culture Village Al Jaddaf, Bur Dubai, Dubai,
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf…
For the price of a hostel, you’ll get a 3-star hotel at this modern, clean, and comfortable hostel by a reliable and famous hotel chain. We love that the buffet breakfast offers a full English option and a Halal option too! You’ll have to use the gym or pool to work that off later in the day!
Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a hotel at a hostel price, then look no further than the Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf. There’s a free airport shuttle here too, so if you’re worried about getting to or from the airport to make your flight, those concerns will certainly be eased!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Dubai?
A dorm room is generally in the $20 to $30 per night range. For more personal space, you can get a private room for around $70 to $100 at most places.
What are Hostels in Dubai Like?
Mostly cool, modern, and stylish are the norm! Dubai is a very big city, so you can find hostels in a variety of different neighborhoods depending on what you're interested in seeing. There are party hostels as well as spots with a quieter vibe.
How Safe are Hostels in Dubai?
Dubai is generally quite safe and hostels have good security features and are located in safer areas of the city. Of course, you should exercise standard precaution when traveling!
How to Find Hostels in Dubai?
Start your search using HostelWorld to see all the options. You can refine your search to fit your travel dates, budget, and preferences for facilities to find the right spot!
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Best overall hostel in Dubai
Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside)
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Dubai
Dubai Beach Host
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near the Palm Jumeirah
At the Top Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near the Burj Khalifa
The Solo Traveler
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Dubai Al Maktoum
International Airport Royal Plaza Apartments Dubai
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
Gateway Hotel
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Check Best Price |
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Best high-end hostel in Dubai
Fortune Classic Hotel Apartments
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Check Best Price |
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Best budget hostel in Dubai
Backpacker 16 Hostel
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Check Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there we go. We’ve taken a detailed look at the best hostels in Dubai, and some budget hotels too. We think you’ll agree that there’ll be something on our list that will suit your itinerary, but most importantly, your budget too.
It would be such a shame to miss out on one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the Middle East now, wouldn’t it?
It’s a great idea to stay in hostels, especially in a city like Dubai where things can get very expensive. We hope with the money you manage to save; you’ll have some money to take advantage of everything on offer in Dubai and see more of the United Arab Emirates Too!
And don’t forget our number one choice – Aiza Luxury Hostel (Beachside). We hope that wherever you decide to stay, you have an incredible time!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
