Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

With just 106 guest rooms – which, in Dubai counts as ‘boutique’ – this hotel in the Dubai International Financial Centre has the feel of a private club. The location is more exciting than it sounds – DIFC is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, all a short walk away.

The hotel is a great option if you want to feel the buzz of the city in an urban setting, being just a couple of minutes by car from Downtown Dubai. The rooftop, aquarium-style pool surrounded by skyscrapers shimmering in the desert sun, is a great spot for a lazy afternoon, while the Luna Sky Bar, on a second rooftop, is a sophisticated spot for sundowners.

If you’re coming for a lay beach holiday, this is not the hotel for you – the nearest beach is 15 minutes’ drive away – but you do get full access to the palm-fringed pools and beach at the sister Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach if you need some beach time.

DIFC is also just a 15-minute drive from the airport, so you can have that last cocktail in peace before making your exit.