4 Deira
oparK hyaTT dubai luXury hoTel $$$
Map p208 (%04-602 1234; http://www.dubai.park
.hyatt.com; next to Dubai Creek Golf & yacht
Club; r from Dh1275; iWs) The mile-long
driveway through a lush date-palm grove
is the first hint that the Park Hyatt is no
ordinary hotel – an impression quickly
confirmed the moment you step into the
domed and pillared lobby. Tiptoeing be-
tween hip and haute, Park is Hyatt’s luxu-
ry brand, and it’s evident in the details: the
light-flooded rooms are artfully styled in
natural tones, tactile textiles and subdued
arabesque flourishes. Count the dhows
from your Creek-view balcony, rinse off
the jetlag in the rain shower or huge oval
tub and luxuriate in the multiple award-
winning Amara Spa.
radisson blu hoTel h oTel $$
Map p206 (%04-222 7171; http://www.radissonblu
.com; baniyas rd; r from Dh675; iWs) This
Creekside stalwart was the city’s first
five-star hotel when it opened in 1975. As
such it’s old-fashioned but fits as comfort-
ably as your favourite jeans. Rooms are
snug but have been fast-forwarded into
the 21st century, boasting a good range
of business-class amenities and small,
furnished balconies. Other trump cards
include a location close to the souqs and
dhow wharves and, best of all, the restau-
rants: Sumibiya (p55) for Japanese, China
Club (p55) for yum cha, Shabestan (p54)
for Persian and Yum! (p57) for noodles.
The 24-hour gym has a separate work-out
area for women.
hilTon dubai creeK h oTel $$
Map p206 (%04-227 1111; http://www.hilton.com; bani-
yas rd, rigga; r from Dh850; iWs) In a build-
ing designed by Bastille Opera architect,
Carlos Ott, this sexy glass-and-chrome
hotel offers a smart alternative to the con-
servative white-marble opulence of Dubai’s
other high-calibre establishments. After
a day of turf-pounding you can retreat to
rooms with wood-panelled walls, leather-
padded headboards, grey-granite baths,
and fabulous beds with feather-light du-
vets. Your flatscreen TV may have a gazil-
lion channels, but you’ll probably prefer the
Creek views.
Villa 47 b&b $
Map p208 (%04-268 8239, 050 634 1286; www
.villa47.com; cnr 19 & 47 Sts, al-Garhoud; r incl
breakfast Dh300; iW) A superb find if you
don’t need buckets of privacy, this B&B is
just two rooms in a bougainvillea-draped
private home on a quiet street, yet close to
the airport. Your outgoing hosts Ancy and
Thomas make a mean Indian or English-
style breakfast and will happily help you
plan your day. The Irish Village pub (p57)
and restaurants are close by.riViera hoTel h oTel $$
Map p206 (%04-222 2131; http://www.rivierahotel
-dubai.com; baniyas rd; r from Dh600; iW) Next
to the Carlton Tower Hotel, the Riviera has
updated all their rooms, which are now
a delight with soothing colour schemes,
plush carpeting and classy slate-grey-and-
cream bathrooms. The front rooms have
Creekside views – make sure you request
one when you book. No alcohol.sheraTon dubai creeK
hoTel & ToWers luXury hoTel $$$
Map p206 (%04-228 1111; http://www.starwoodhotels
.com; baniyas rd; r from Dh1050; iWs) Floor-
to-ceiling windows provide mesmerising
Creek vistas at this classic business-class
property. Rooms don’t get kudos for creative
design, but amenities such as flatscreen
TVs, DVD players, cushy bed linen and mar-
ble baths provide extra comfort. There’s a
well-equipped gym and unusual triangular
pool. The Club Class provides 24-hour pri-
vate butler service.landMarK hoTel h oTel $$
Map p206 (%04-228 6666; http://www.landmarkhotels
.net; baniyas Sq; r from Dh600; iWs) Just off
Baniyas Sq, this is one of the better hotels
in a hyper-busy Indian business district.
Rooms are furnished in mass-market blond
wood, but they’re clean, have satellite TV
and enough room to feel comfortable, if not
to do cartwheels. The tiny rooftop pool pro-
vides an atmospheric panorama of Deira,
especially during the call to prayer when
mosques’ loudspeakers compete in a blar-
ing cacophony.al-busTan roTana h oTel $$
Map p208 (%04-282 0000; http://www.rotana.com;
Casablanca St, al-Garhoud; r from Dh800;
iWs) Everything works like a well-oiled
machine at this warm and welcoming five-
star hotel near the airport that mainlys
leeP
ing(^) Deira