The 2017 World's Best City Hotels in North Africa and Middle East

So many new hotels have come to this dynamic part of the world, where cities have sprung from the middle of the desert — which is why we decided to create a new category this year. And our readers’ choices spanned multiple countries, from a glass-and-steel high-rise in Dubai to a Moroccan hotel modeled after a royal residence. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, located on the water in Abu Dhabi’s Ras Al Akhdar area (close to the business district), is beloved by readers for its on-point service and spacious, spotless rooms. “This place has it all,” said one T+L voter. “Outstanding and consistent restaurants and bars, shopping in the concourse, and first-rate nightlife venues with unbeatable views.” Two hotels in Israel made the list, including the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, which is set in a meticulously restored 1920s building in the heart of the city. Tel Aviv’s sleek Norman Hotel, where travelers rave about the rooftop deck and infinity pool, also scored a top 10 slot. Lebanon was represented thanks to the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, a jumping-off point for the city’s fashionable nightlife and restaurant scene as well as mountain and Mediterranean excursions. (Beirut was the No. 3 City in Africa and the Middle East.) The Four Seasons brand also nabbed the No. 8 slot with their Nile Plaza property in Cairo, where sense-of-place experiences include spa treatments like the luxurious milk bath with honey and essential rose oil. Egypt also had another winner — the historic Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, where many explorers stayed in the 19th century and Agatha Christie wrote her novel Death on the Nile in 1937. For more on our winners in this category, scroll down.

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10. Four Seasons Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut

Score: 90.44

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9. Armani Hotel, Dubai

Armani Hotel Dubai in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Armani Hotel Dubai

Score: 91.07

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8. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Four Seasons

Score: 91.43

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7. The Norman, Tel Aviv

The Norman Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of The Norman

Score: 92.13

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6. La Mamounia, Marrakesh

La Mamounia Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of La Mamounia

Score: 92.31

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5. Sofitel Winter Palace, Luxor, Egypt

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor

Score: 92.40

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4. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

Burj Al Arab Jumeriah Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Burj Al Arab Jumeriah

Score: 92.72

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3. Royal Mansour, Marrakesh, Morocco

Royal Mansour Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Royal Mansour

Score: 92.89

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2. Waldorf Astoria, Jerusalem

Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

Score: 93.03

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1. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi

Jumeriah at Etihad Towers Hotel in North Africa and Middle East — Courtesy of Jumeriah at Etihad Towers

Score: 95.81

With 382 guest rooms and suites and over a dozen restaurants and lounges, this waterfront property in Abu Dhabi could pass as its own little city. Still, guests feel far from forgotten. “The staff was willing to assist with any request,” noted one T+L reader. “The experience was fantastic.” While business travelers frequent the property, it also has serious leisure draws such as its three pools, a private beach, and a 13-room spa that caters to frequent travelers with its jet lag massage and relaxing hammam rituals. Take in the city at the Observation Deck at 300 with a beat-the-heat Etihad Sparkler, made up of fresh juices and purées, in hand.

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