by Dubai is a wonderful city filled with skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and extravagant experiences for global travelers. However, individuals on a budget find it challenging to stay in Dubai during a long staycation. They often look for affordable accommodation under $50 a night, which is not entirely a fantasy. While many luxurious hotels located at glamorous locations easily cost more than $100 per night, a range of budget hostels and guesthouses in areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, and Barsha Heights occasionally fall into an affordable price bracket.
All you have to do is book smartly and find these cheap Dubai hotels on various booking platforms. While cheap hotels under $50 in Dubai might not have all the glitz, they provide clean and comfortable accommodation from which you can explore the city. With that in mind, here are some of the most realistic hotels and hostels in Dubai that can be found for under $50 per night, depending on the deal. Let us have a look at them!
Budget Hotels in Dubai for every traveller
1. Fortune Hotel Deira
- Address: Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Opp. DEWA Office, Deira, Dubai
- Number of Rooms: 54–80 rooms
- Check-In: 2:00 PM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
- Price Range: Around $25–$45 per night
- Nearest Metro: Union Metro Station (5–7 minutes walk)
Fortune Hotel Deira is located in the heart of Deira, and yet offers a rather affordable stay in Dubai. Its seamless location provides walkable access to the charm of traditional souks and local food markets in Old Dubai. Despite its modest price point, Fortune Deira offers a range of facilities such as free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant and café, paid airport shuttle, a business center, 24-hour front desk, family rooms, free parking, air conditioning, a mini fridge, a tea/coffee maker, and private bathrooms for guests.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is its seamless location, which makes getting around the city easier. Moreover, the hotel’s proximity to the airport makes it one of the popular picks among cheap Dubai hotels for budget travelers. You can easily maximize sightseeing without breaking the bank for hotel premiums located near tourist hotspots in Dubai.
2. Backpacker 16 Hostel – Barsha Heights (Tecom)
- Address: Al Ameri Tower, Tecom, Barsha Heights
- Number of Beds: 50–70 beds
- Check-In: 2:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM
- Price Range: $18–$35 per night
- Nearest Metro: Dubai Internet City Metro Station (7–10 minutes walk)
If you are in the mood to stretch your budget, Backpacker 16 Hostel in Barsha Heights (Tecom) is one of the best hotels under $50. This property offers a mix of dormitory-style accommodations and private rooms, with some of the dorms exclusively dedicated to female guests for added safety and comfort. Backpacker 16 Hostel is suitable for solo female travelers, backpackers, or anyone who values experience and value over luxury.
This hostel is ideal for budget travelers, offering amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, a social lounge, and lockers. You can enjoy wellness facilities like gym access and swimming pool access. Guests love the fact that this budget hotel in Dubai is just a 7-minute walk from the nearest metro station. It is also conveniently located near popular attractions, including the Mall of the Emirates, making it a standout option for cheap hotels in Dubai.
3. At the Top Hostel, Dubai Marina
- Address: Al Sharta Street, Dubai Marina
- Number of Beds: 60–80
- Check-In: 2:00 PM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM
- Price Range: $22–$45 per night
- Nearest Metro/Tram: Marina Towers Tram Station (2 minutes), DAMAC Metro (10 minutes walk)
At the Top Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel ideal for travelers who wish to experience the Dubai Marina area without digging a hole in their pockets. This property is perfectly located in one of the most vibrant and upscale neighborhoods in Dubai and offers a combination of shared dorms and some private rooms.
The hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, continental breakfast (in some plans), a lounge area, marina/skyline views, and female-only dorm options, an impressive perk for a budget stay. The shared kitchen and communal dining space allow guests to cook, eat, and mingle while giving you a rare opportunity to stay in the Marina on a tight budget. You can also walk to Marina Beach and enjoy the waterfront cafés and restaurants.
4. Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai
- Address: Kuwait Street, Mankhool, Bur Dubai, UAE
- Number of Rooms: 691 modern, compact, and well-designed rooms
- Check-In: 2:00 PM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM
- Price Range: $40–$60 per night
- Nearest Metro: Al Fahidi Metro Station and BurJuman Station (walkable)
Citymax Hotel is a 3-star hotel chain perfect for people seeking cheap hotels in Dubai under $50. This property allows you to enjoy Indian, Asian, and Continental cuisines, while offering you bar nights and sports screenings. Ideal for budget travellers, families, couples, solo travellers, and business visitors, this property offers affordable luxury and compact yet well-designed rooms for all.
This hotel boasts a rooftop pool, a fully equipped gym, multiple dining options, and a 24-hour café, with facilities such as free Wi-Fi, a business centre, meeting rooms, laundry services, and currency exchange. You also get access to nearby attractions like the Dubai Museum, Meena Bazaar, Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai Creek, and BurJuman Mall.
5. Budget Guesthouses in Deira / Bur Dubai
- Address: Various locations across Deira, Al Rigga, Al Karama, and Bur Dubai
- Number of Rooms: Typically 10–40 rooms per guesthouse
- Check-In: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Check-Out: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Price Range: $25–$50 per night
- Nearest Metro: Depends on the guesthouse (usually 5–10 minutes walk)
Another smart way to stay in Dubai without spending a lot of money is by choosing guesthouses or small budget hotels in Dubai. These guesthouses offer elementary private or partitioned rooms at a rate of less than $50 per night. These places are popular due to their affordability, decent location, and more local and authentic living feel.
These budget rooms include basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private or shared bathrooms, and sometimes a small desk. Apart from the hostel-hotel hybrid comfort, the property is preferred for its proximity to local markets, traditional eateries, and walkable transport access. You get to live in traditional Dubai neighborhoods and get easy local food at a very attractive price point for budget-conscious travelers.
Keep an eye out for promotional budget hotels
- Address: Multiple 2–3 star hotels offering periodic deals
- Number of Rooms: Typically 70–120 rooms
- Check-In: 2:00 PM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM
- Price Range: $30–$50 per night (only during offers)
- Nearest Metro: Usually near Union, Al Rigga, BurJuman, or Baniyas Square metro stations
Suppose you are unable to secure a fixed single property, you can get a cheap hotel under $50 in Dubai through flash deals. These promotional and non-refundable booking plans are available in many 3-star hotels in older districts, including Deira and Bur Dubai. During special offers, these properties often give significant discounts, especially in the low season or on weekday nights.
Often, 2- and 3-star guesthouses or budget hotels in Dubai offer deals for $30–$50 per night. They provide amenities such as private rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, occasional breakfast deals, and strategic locations near metro stations. They can be a godsend for people who are flexible with check-in dates, open to non-refundable bookings, and are alert to price alerts. Although these deals are not guaranteed on a regular basis, one should always keep an eye out for them.
Key Considerations for Staying Cheap in Dubai
When searching for hotels in Dubai under $50 per night, you should consider a few important trade-offs. Firstly, you should check the location of the property, as cheaper stays are often farther from premium areas. For instance, staying in Deira or Bur Dubai is within your budget, but you might have to travel more to reach tourist attractions like the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall.
The next point to consider is the room type, with dorms or hostel beds being the most affordable option. On the other hand, private guesthouse rooms are more expensive, but sometimes you may still get them for under $50 if you’re lucky. However, you should expect limited amenities as hotels at this price typically do not offer a pool or gym. That said, while hostels may offer shared kitchens, guesthouses usually have more modest offerings.
When booking, you should always check if the property includes municipal taxes or tourism-related fees in its offer price. Not paying attention to the taxes can lead to pushing your effective cost above $50. Lastly, be very mindful about your booking strategy. Utilise price filters, set alerts on apps, and keep an eye on non-refundable rates if your travel dates are fixed.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that it is challenging to find cheap hotels under $50 in Dubai, but being strategic can actually pay off. From affordable hostels to small budget hotels and guesthouses, these options provide humane, safe, and affordable accommodation for all. So, if you are somebody flexible with your check-in dates and can stay in older districts, while compromising a little on comfort, you can always opt for these budget hotels in Dubai. So, what are you waiting for? Explore Dubai and make the best memories without paying luxury-hotel prices every night!
