Photo backdrop
The square frames the Burj Khalifa with palm trees, water features and a central walkway for striking photos.
Palace Hotel & Burj Khalifa
Downtown Dubai
Palace Hotel & Burj Khalifa is a characterful Downtown Dubai landmark for Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views, traditional Arabian architecture, and standout photos. You can also linger by the water for shisha and light food, or come for breakfast with a view.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
267 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Morning light
Morning brings soft light across the square, with spacious angles that work especially well for photos.
Arabian design
Traditional Arabian architecture, carefully considered interiors, music and water sounds give the hotel a distinct sense of place.
Fountain views
The hotel area is a strong vantage point for the Dubai Fountain show, with water and the tower in the same view.
Attentive service
Guests describe the staff as friendly, professional and attentive across reception and pool service.
Calm setting
Despite its central location, reviewers describe the palace as peaceful, green and calm among the skyscrapers.
Healthy options
The juice, smoothie bowl and wild tacos give visitors a fresh, lighter food option alongside the hotel setting.
Tips for a Better Visit
Come morning. Visit in the first half of the day: the sculpture is more likely open and the square has soft, flattering photo light.
Pose calmly. Keep photography still and posed rather than filming energetic reels or performances, as security may intervene.
Use Dubai Mall. From Dubai Mall, go left around the buildings and palace to reach the spacious square and its Burj Khalifa views.
Try evening views. For illuminated tower photos and fewer people, consider evening, while checking that the sculpture is open first.
Allow time. Arrive early if you want quieter photos; afternoons and evenings can become crowded at this popular backdrop.
Check access. If you are visiting for the pool, confirm access first, since one visitor found it blocked.
Plan the visit
Practical details
57VG+3QC
Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Shisha
A reviewer enjoys shisha with light food and drinks at a table by the water.
Better than Botox
“Better than Botox” is one reviewer’s favourite juice.
Breakfast
Breakfast is described as an attraction in itself, with a view and a broad international selection.
Common Concerns
Photo restrictions
Security may stop active filming or camera photography in some areas, including around the pool.
Evening closure
The sculpture can be closed in the evening, so an evening visit may not include every feature.
Slow service
One Suhoor review reported slow serving, with bread arriving ten minutes after hummus and mutabal.
Food quality
A Suhoor guest found the chicken chewy and not properly cooked, while another review mentioned cold food.
Pool access
A visitor was disappointed when the pool was blocked, so access may not always be available to visitors.
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The Bottom Line
Palace Hotel & Burj Khalifa is a Downtown Dubai landmark that works particularly well as a photo stop. The square gives you a framed Burj Khalifa backdrop with palm trees, water features and a central walkway, while the hotel’s traditional Arabian architecture adds character beyond the skyline. It is also close to Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain area.
There is more to do than take pictures. Reviews mention watching the Dubai Fountain show, breakfast with a view, and sitting by the water for shisha and light food. ” Guests who stay at the hotel praise the rooms, pool, spa and attentive service, with some rooms looking directly towards the tower and fountain.
Timing matters. Morning is the safest choice for soft light and an open sculpture, while evening brings illuminated views and can sometimes feel less busy. Photography rules are not especially relaxed: energetic filming was stopped, and camera use near the pool was questioned.
Pool access may also be blocked for visitors. One Suhoor review reported undercooked, chewy chicken and slow service, so food experiences appear less consistent than the setting.