XVA Art Hotel

XVA opened in 2003 inside the former home of the Seddiqi family in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the oldest part of the city, and it remains one of the most characterful places to stay in Dubai. The building is a traditional courtyard house with wind towers, and the hotel's 15 rooms and suites are arranged around its shaded courtyards. Each has been individually designed, often with work by artists from the region, so no two feel the same.

Art is at the heart of the place. XVA Gallery, which has been part of the house since the early years, shows work from the region, and selected pieces are displayed around the hotel and the café. The café, open to non-guests, is a peaceful spot for breakfast or lunch in a courtyard, and a small boutique sells design objects and gifts. Staying here means waking up in the quiet lanes of the heritage quarter before the day's visitors arrive, which is the best time to explore.

Rooms are simple rather than luxurious, and the house has the quirks of an old building, including steps, narrow passages and rooms opening onto shared courtyards. There is no pool, gym or spa, and facilities are limited compared with modern hotels, so it suits travellers who value atmosphere and location over amenities. Couples, solo travellers, art lovers and anyone interested in Dubai's history will enjoy it; families with young children or guests with limited mobility may find it less practical.

Prices are moderate for the city, and rooms book up quickly in the cooler months, especially during the Sikka Art and Design Festival and other cultural events. Reservations are made through the hotel's website, and the hotel can be reached on +971 4 353 5383.

The hotel is a short walk from Al Fahidi Metro station on the Green Line, which runs to Deira, the airport side of the city and connects with the Red Line for Downtown Dubai. Everything in old Dubai is within walking distance: the Coffee Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are a few lanes away, the Arabian Tea House is nearby for breakfast, the Al Seef waterfront is next door, and the abra stations for the Deira souks are about ten minutes on foot.