The very contemporary Fairmont Dubai, located within a massive multi-use complex and connected to the Dubai International Convention Center by a dedicated walkway, sits in the heart of the city's financial district. And while it's typically business types who stay here, plenty of relaxation is also on the menu. The hotel covers the 10th to 34th floors of the building (which is modeled to look like a barajeel , or Arabic wind tunnel); the 394 rooms are decked out in neutral tones of sand and terra-cotta, with tile floors and clean-lined, Danish-modern-style furnishings; all have lofty, panoramic views through large windows. To splurge, book a room in the exclusive Fairmont Gold section (on floors 30 and 32); the private checkout area, 24-hour on-call butler, and special lounge access offer some respite from the chaotic surrounding neighborhood.

Insider Tip: The Spectrum on One, Fairmont's aptly named restaurant, which serves food from India, Thailand, Japan, China, and the Middle East, popularized the champagne brunch in Dubai. Held every Friday, it's a great way to rub shoulders with locals (and to sip unlimited Moët & Chandon).

Room to Book: A Fairmont Gold suite on the 32nd floor has close access to a lounge serving Arabic buffet breakfasts each morning, tea and sweets in the afternoon, and wine and hors d'oeuvres in the evening.

• 1. Fairmont Dubai
  Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-332-5555 fairmont.com/dubai