Where to stay in Dubai

The Address, Downtown Dubai

You'll struggle to find a better view in Dubai than the one available at this hotel. From the bar on the 12th floor you look out on Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the illuminated Dubai Fountain.

How they rate it

The hotel offers a "quintessential Dubai experience", says Cond Nast Traveller. Along with the fabulous views, it offers everything a visitor to Dubai has come to expect. "Immaculate, landscaped gardens" are dotted with day beds. There's a "gloriously chilled, five-tiered, infinity-edged pool" and rooms with more mod-cons than you can shake your iPad at. The spa suites offer guests outdoor baths on the terrace. For the best views of Dubai, book the Tower Suite, which offers panoramic vistas. Cond Nast Traveller recommends the view from Room 1225.

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The menu

As you would expect from a luxury Dubai hotel, there are plenty of dining options. These range from a Chinese restaurant to a world-fusion dining room.

The cost

A double room costs from £195 a night.

For more information, visit www.theaddress.com, or call 00 971 4 436 8888.

One & Only Royal Mirage

Unlike every other hotel in Dubai, the One & Only Royal Mirage is fairly understated. It's luxurious but, as with other One & Only resorts, it doesn't feel the need to shout about how great it is.

How they rate it

This hotel is "a low-key beauty among a crowd of fake-boobed Miss Worlds", says Katie Bowman in The Sunday Times Travel Magazine. The resort is comprised of three hotels the Arabian Court, The Palace (family friendly) and The Residence (adults only). Guests at the first two can roam between them. However, The Residence is "more exclusive", with a fantastic stone-tiled guests-only pool. It's "perfect for the next Bond movie". But even this family friendly hotel is sophisticated. Throughout the resort, "every carved wooden door, every brass lantern and every hand-stitched rug has been perfectly picked the place feels ancient, but it also feels really luxurious". Make sure you visit the "shabby-chic rooftop bar that feels more Damascus than Dubai".

The menu

Choose from Indo-European, Asian fusion, or Oriental mezzehs at the various restaurants on offer. The food is all so good you will want to extend your stay.

The cost

A double room costs from £250 B&B. See www.oneandonlyresorts.com, or call 00 971 4 399 9999 to find out more.

What the travel writers are saying

If you are considering jumping on Eurostar for a short break in Europe, then check out The Times' round-up of the "poshest B&Bs in Europe".

In Brussels there is Chambres d'Hotes du Vaudeville (www.chambresdhotesduvaudeville.be). This B&B has four "spacious" rooms above a cafe in the "Belle Epoque shopping arcade of Galerie de la Reine". The rooms are "tasteful, with stand-alone bathtubs, angle-poise lamps and gilded mirrors". Doubles cost from £99.

Or visit Ghent and stay at Engelen aan de Waterkant (www.engelenaandewaterkant.be). This "slick" two-room B&B has a stone angel above the bed and angel pictures in the bathroom. The balcony overlooks the River Scheldt. Rooms cost from £98.

La Maison Carree (www.lamaisoncarree.fr) in Lille doubles as a modern art gallery and a "super-cool B&B". The rooms have "large framed abstract prints, oils and clever lighting". There are Modernist and Art Deco touches throughout and a swimming pool at the back. A double room costs from £128.

In Paris, try Villa Clara (www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com). "B&Bs don't come fancier than this pad in the 9th district." It has a round turret bedroom with a kingsize bed that lies "under an Arabian nights-style cupola". The 35 sq m "bath lounge" is home to "an enormous bath" and a sideboard with a kettle and a selection of teas to enjoy while you soak. Rooms from £199.