Where to Stay in Sharjah. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Hotel Categories

Luxury Hotels (5-star):
Premium services, amenities, spas, multiple dining options. Examples: Hilton Sharjah, The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah, and Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa.
Mid-range Hotels (3-4 star):
A balance of comfort, services, and value. Examples: Novotel Sharjah Expo Center, Holiday Inn Sharjah, Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah, and Copthorne Hotel Sharjah.
Budget Hotels/Hotel Apartments:
Affordable rates, basic amenities, often with oneself-catering facilities. Examples: Centro Sharjah (by Rotana), Golden Tulip Sharjah, Al Salam Hotel Suites, and Crystal Plaza Lodging.
Hostels:
Hostel options are very limited in Sharjah. Travelers seeking this experience may look to neighboring Dubai.

Other Accommodation Types

Unique Local Accommodation:
The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah offers a luxury boutique stay in restored traditional Emirati houses, providing cultural immersion.
Self-catering Places:
Serviced apartments are widely obtainable on platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo. They offer space and self-catering facilities.
Homestay/Community Tourism:
Homestay options and community-based tourism are not common offerings in Sharjah due to local regulations and cultural norms.
Camping and Outdoor:
Desert camping is popular as part of guided desert safari tours outside city limits. Organized campsites are rare.

Neighborhood Guide

Sharjah's diverse neighborhoods each offer a distinct character and proximity to multiple attractions.

Al Majaz Waterfront/Al Qasba

Pros

Central, lively atmosphere
Numerous dining and entertainment options
Picturesque landscape and a good mass transit system

Cons

Can be busy
Traffic during peak hours
Potentially higher accommodation costs

Heart of Sharjah

Pros

Immersive cultural experience
Close to museums and souks
Unique architecture, generally quieter

Cons

Fewer modern amenities nearby
Limited nightlife (Sharjah is conservative)

Al Khan

Pros

Beach access, family-friendly
Slightly more relaxed pace

Cons

Further from the center of cultural attractions
Transport needed for touring the city

Additional Considerations

Safety Considerations:

Sharjah is very safe. All listed it's generally safe in these areas for tourists. Standard precautions for crowded areas.

Nearness AND Atmosphere:

Al Majaz/Al Qasba are lively; Heart of Sharjah is quieter culturally focused; Al Khan is residential and relaxed. All accessible by bus or taxi.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help you secure the best accommodation for your trip.

Booking Timing & Fluctuations

High Season (Nov-Mar): Book several months in advance, especially for holidays.
Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Oct): Reserve ONE-2 months in advance for better rates.
Low Season (Jun-Sep): Last-minute deals are available, but book a few weeks ahead for good prices.
Prices Depending on the time of year: Highest in winter, lowest in summer. Prices surge during events/holidays.

Platforms & Policies

Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com are reliable for hotels/apartments.
Direct Booking: Hotel websites may offer loyalty perks or exclusive packages.
Negotiation: Not customary for established hotels; costs are usually fixed.
Policies: Vary by hotel/platform. Always check deposit and cancellation terms.

Affiliate Booking Options

Hotel & Apartment Search:

Booking.com - Global platform for diverse lodging.
Agoda - Strong being in Asia, great for regional options.
IHG Hotels - Book without a third party with InterContinental Hotel Group.
Vrbo - For vacation rentals and apartment stays.

Budget & Unique Stays:

Hostelworld - While hostels are limited in Sharjah, this can be useful for surrounding areas or other destinations.
TrustedHousesitters - Look into for house or pet sitting exchanges, though highly niche for Sharjah.

Important Note

Licensed Apartments:

Properties listed on platforms like Airbnb in the UAE are often licensed hotel apartments, ensuring legal short-long-term stays.

Local Agencies:

Local real estate agencies also list apartment rentals.

Desert Camping:

Integrated into tour packages for wild camping experiences rather than organized sites.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are top picks across different categories, for a visit that corresponds with your needs.

Budget & Mid-Range Picks

Budget Stays

Comfortable and affordable options.

Crystal Plaza Hotel (Al Qasba): Good access to entertainment.
Al Salam Hotel Suites (Al Qasba): Apartment-style.
Centro Sharjah (by Rotana): Near airport, value and up-to-date facilities.

Mid-Range Options

A balance of comfort and amenities.

Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah: Reliable with good amenities.
Novotel Sharjah Expo Center: Modern for business or leisure.
Copthorne Hotel Sharjah: Pleasant views of Khalid Lagoon.

Luxury & Family Choices

Luxury Hotels

High-end experiences and services.

The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah: Unique heritage luxury.
Hilton Sharjah: Excellent facilities and Khalid Lagoon views.
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa: Beachfront with extensive amenities.

Family-Friendly Stays

Properties with amenities for families.

Hilton Sharjah: Pools, kids' club, generously-sized rooms.
Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah: Beachfront with family amenities.
Sharjah Luxurious Hotel: Beach access and pools.
Serviced apartments: Offer more space and self-catering.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

Solo Traveler Recommendations:
Hotels in Al Majaz or Al Qasba for easy dining and entertainment, with good public transport links.
Long-Stay Accommodations:
Serviced apartments are ideal. Examples: Al Bustan Tower Hotel Suites, Ramada by Wyndham Sharjah, Citymax Hotel Sharjah. They often include kitchenettes and laundry facilities.

Culturally Significant Properties

The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah:
Offers a luxurious stay within restored heritage homes, providing a deep look into traditional Emirati culture and architecture. An experience in itself.