City Seasons Hotel Dubai

Compared to the glitzier options in downtown Dubai, this is a relatively modest and quiet property among many other similar hotels in the area. It’s especially tasteful for an airport hotel, with large ceiling lights, intricate golden banisters, and an elegant cream, brown, and gold color scheme in its lobby. Hallways are simple, and all the spaces are well-maintained. There aren’t many public areas, though some guests can be seen lounging around the cafe area in the reception. Overall, this is more of a functional hotel than a destination property, and most travelers here are simply in transit.

The hotel is located next to several main roads (including a busy highway) in the Deira area of the city and surrounded by office buildings and other hotels. It’s most convenient for its proximity to Dubai International Airport, which is a six-minute drive away (airport shuttles are provided by the hotel.) Traffic and airplane noise can cause minor disturbance.Aside from the City Centre Deira mall (nine minutes away on foot), there’s little to see within walking distance. Getting to most of Dubai’s iconic attractions requires a car or public transport; there’s a metro station a nine-minute walk away. 18 to 20 minutes by car, or 35 to 40 minutes by public transport, will reach downtown Dubai (including the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa) and the Jumeirah Mosque. Jumeirah Beach is a 26-minute drive away, or an hour away by public transport. 

At 408 square feet, even the Premium category rooms here are spacious. They’re classy but not old-fashioned, with subtle patterned carpeting, light wood work desks and headboards, and richly colored linens accented with gold. Coffee tables and chairs fit easily in the spaces. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows, many providing excellent views of the airport’s landing strips. Premium and 430-square-foot Deluxe Rooms come with one king or two twin-size beds, and guests report that beds are exceptionally comfortable. Larger Seasons Suites have king beds, while Family Suites have both king and twin-size beds. Deluxe Rooms have small balconies, and all Suites come with larger terraces, all of which are clean but don’t have much seating.  Rooms feature air-conditioning, plasma TVs, free newspapers, ironing equipment, safes, and decent Wi-Fi. Tea-and coffee-making facilities and minibars (stocked with soft drinks only) are also provided. Suites have additional living or dining areas, plus two TVs and CD players.Clean, well-lit bathrooms come with light-color tiles and granite sink tops. All have vanity mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers. They also have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads, though the showers’ water pressure could be stronger. Smoking rooms are available, so guests should specify their preferences beforehand.

Guests expecting the over-the-top features that Dubai hotels are known for may be disappointed by the comparatively simple range of amenities here, but there are a solid selection of dining and leisure options, especially by airport hotel standards. Pasta and Pesto serves tasty Italian favorites in a refined space. The larger, but slightly dated, New Season Restaurant has optional alfresco seating and offers an international buffet. Breakfast, which can be included with rates, is the usual range of eggs, fruits, salads, breads, cereals, and pastries. The 24-hour Al Nakheel Lobby Lounge serves pastries, light snacks, and coffee and tea on comfortable cushioned chairs. Room service is available 24/7. Note that the hotel doesn’t stock or serve alcohol.The clean, covered rooftop pool provides good views of the city, but the area is small and doesn’t allow for much sun, so it doesn’t get too much use (this could be a plus for some). The fitness center is modern and well-equipped with a range of machines; personal training services can be provided for an additional fee. There are also a sauna and a hot tub area. The Lily and Peach Spa offers affordable facials, massages, and other body treatments. None of the wellness facilities are open 24 hours. Several meeting venues offer audiovisual equipment, video conference capabilities, and stages. A ballroom is also available for formal events. Laundry services and free underground parking (with valet assistance) are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.