Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, a megacity of roughly 10 million people in the city and more than 20 million in the metro area on the Buriganga River. It combines Mughal and colonial monuments, the crowded lanes of Old Dhaka, Louis Kahn's parliament building and some of South Asia's best biryani and street food.
Accommodation overview
Dhaka's accommodation splits by district. Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara hold the five-star hotels, serviced apartments and embassy-adjacent business stays. Motijheel and Paltan suit budget and commercial travellers near the central business district. Uttara and Airport Road are practical for early or late flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Old Dhaka has few quality hotels, so most visitors stay in Gulshan or Dhanmondi and travel in by ride-hailing. Budget rooms run about BDT 2,500-6,500 (approx USD 20-55) a night, mid-range BDT 5,000-14,000 and luxury BDT 16,000-60,000, with VAT and service charge often quoted separately. Traffic is severe, so choose a hotel close to the day's appointments and book ahead in the cooler November-February season.
- Budget
- BDT 2,500-6,500 (approx $20-55) per night (Motijheel and Uttara budget hotels)
- Mid-range
- BDT 5,000-14,000 (approx $41-115) per night (serviced suites and older business hotels)
- Luxury
- BDT 16,000-60,000 (approx $130-490) per night (Gulshan, Airport Road and Minto Road five-star hotels; VAT and service charge are commonly quoted separately)
- Where to stay
- Gulshan-2 and Banani for restaurants, embassies and safer walking; Airport Road or Uttara for early flights; Motijheel for business; Minto Road for Old Dhaka access
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Hotel Pacific Downtown
Budget hotel in the Motijheel commercial area, useful for business at nearby banks and for onward travel to Old Dhaka and Sadarghat.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Pacific Uttara
Budget hotel in Uttara Sector 3, close to the airport, handy for overnight layovers.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel D Palace
Airport-area hotel in Ashkona next to the Hajj Camp, minutes from Shahjalal International Airport. Best for short transit stays.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range
Hotel Sarina
Business hotel in Banani beside the diplomatic enclave, Baridhara and Gulshan Lake, with an outdoor pool, gym and sauna. A long-standing upper option when Gulshan five-star rates are out of budget. Also reachable on +880 2 222275122.
Check rates on Booking.comSix Seasons Hotel
Upscale Gulshan-2 hotel on Road 96 with a full-service spa, three restaurants and free parking, close to Gulshan Lake and Gulshan Ladies Park.
Check rates on Booking.comLakeshore Hotel Gulshan
Gulshan hotel and serviced-apartment property on Road 41, near Amari and the Westin. Direct reservation lines: +880 1911426100 and +880 1911426103.
Check rates on Booking.comDhaka Regency Hotel & Resort
Resort-style hotel on Airport Road in Nikunja-2, minutes from Shahjalal International Airport. Alternative phone +880 1713332651.
Check rates on Booking.comLong Beach Suites Dhaka
Serviced-suite hotel in Gulshan-2 on Road 104, suited to stays of a week or longer thanks to kitchenette-equipped suites.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Purbani International
Long-established hotel in Dilkusha, the Motijheel commercial district, convenient to banks and the Old Dhaka fringe. Fax +880 2 223382314.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka
Five-star hotel on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue between the Karwan Bazar business district and Farmgate, with an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, spa and six dining venues including Jharna Grill and Cafe Bazar. Suited to business travellers who want central access rather than the Gulshan diplomatic area.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Dhaka
Marriott-operated five-star hotel on Gulshan Avenue overlooking Gulshan Lake, close to embassies, banks and the Gulshan-2 circle restaurant belt. One of the main international-chain addresses for business and diplomatic visitors.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Dhaka
Former Sheraton and Ruposhi Bangla site, reopened as the InterContinental on 19 December 2018. Sits on Minto Road near Ramna Park and the government district, a practical base for Old Dhaka sightseeing and ministry meetings.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden
Landscaped five-star property on Airport Road facing the cantonment area, roughly midway between Shahjalal International Airport and central Dhaka. Popular with airline crews and corporate guests for its gardens, pool and easy airport access.
Check rates on Booking.comLe Meridien Dhaka
Marriott-managed five-star hotel on Airport Road near Kurmitola, a short drive from the airport. Suits early-flight and late-arrival travellers who want an international-brand base away from Gulshan traffic.
Check rates on Booking.comAmari Dhaka
Five-star hotel with 134 rooms and suites on Road 41 in Gulshan-2, about 8 km and 20 minutes from Shahjalal International Airport per the hotel. Includes Amaya restaurant and a family-oriented pool and leisure offer.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Dhaka with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka
Five-star hotel on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue between the Karwan Bazar business district and Farmgate, with an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, spa and six dining venues including Jharna Grill and Cafe Bazar. Suited to business travellers who want central access rather than the Gulshan diplomatic area.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Dhaka
Marriott-operated five-star hotel on Gulshan Avenue overlooking Gulshan Lake, close to embassies, banks and the Gulshan-2 circle restaurant belt. One of the main international-chain addresses for business and diplomatic visitors.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Dhaka
Former Sheraton and Ruposhi Bangla site, reopened as the InterContinental on 19 December 2018. Sits on Minto Road near Ramna Park and the government district, a practical base for Old Dhaka sightseeing and ministry meetings.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden
Landscaped five-star property on Airport Road facing the cantonment area, roughly midway between Shahjalal International Airport and central Dhaka. Popular with airline crews and corporate guests for its gardens, pool and easy airport access.
Check rates on Booking.comLe Meridien Dhaka
Marriott-managed five-star hotel on Airport Road near Kurmitola, a short drive from the airport. Suits early-flight and late-arrival travellers who want an international-brand base away from Gulshan traffic.
Check rates on Booking.comAmari Dhaka
Five-star hotel with 134 rooms and suites on Road 41 in Gulshan-2, about 8 km and 20 minutes from Shahjalal International Airport per the hotel. Includes Amaya restaurant and a family-oriented pool and leisure offer.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Rates in this file are indicative ranges at 1 USD = 122.7 BDT; confirm the exact rate on the hotel website before paying, as VAT and service charge are often quoted separately
Dhaka traffic is severe: a hotel within 2 km of the day's appointments saves hours, so choose Gulshan for embassy work and Motijheel for banks
For a dawn flight, stay on Airport Road or in Uttara; the airport is typically 20-60 minutes from Gulshan depending on traffic
Carry the passport and visa page for hotel registration, and confirm the airport pickup driver name and number with the hotel in advance
Hilton Dhaka (Gulshan Avenue) and Swissotel Dhaka were announced but not confirmed open at time of research; check current opening status before planning around them
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.