Right on the historic Shindagha waterfront, where Dubai's royal family used to live, this charismatic retreat lets you connect with Dubai's past in a beautifully restored barjeel (wind-tower) building. In typical local style, rooms wrap around a quiet courtyard and several feature romantic four-poster beds; suites have a majlis-style (reception room) sitting area. Rates include English or Middle Eastern breakfast.
On a steamy note, because of antiquated plumbing, several readers have reported that water from the cold taps runs warm during the summer months.