Four Points By Sheraton Downtown Dubai

Like so many buildings in Dubai, the hotel’s glass-and-concrete facade looks anonymous, inside and out. Patterned marble floors and dark-wood veneer accents give the lobby a contemporary look, but it still feels more functional than distinctive. There are several leather chairs off to the side, but a family room connected to the hotel’s grab-and-go area, stocked with newspapers and magazines, might be a better place to relax with a coffee. The on-site restaurants are attractive venues, though Yesterday Restaurant & Pub’s replica of a British drinking establishment feels a bit kitschy, and the menus and buffets aren’t the best food offerings in Dubai. But the hotel is modern and stylish enough, drawing families, couples, and business travelers.

On an unexciting side street in one of Dubai’s central neighborhoods, there are plenty of restaurants and nightclubs within walking distance, along with the upscale shops of the BurJuman Center, which is within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. The Al Fahidi metro station is also within a 15-minute walk, putting farther-flung destinations, such as Burj Khalifa (45 minutes) and the lively and picturesque souks of Al Ras (20 minutes), within reach. The Walk, a clutch of trendy spots along Marina Beach, is an hour away by metro, or around 30 minutes by car. Jumeirah Open Beach, Dubai’s most popular, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while Dubai International Airport is 35 minutes away by metro, or around 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

Guest rooms have a warm, inviting vibe, with just enough style to feel fresh. From soft-golden walls to light-wood veneer furniture with contemporary lines, rooms are simple and welcoming, with retro flourishes in the chrome hardware on cabinets, nightstands, and desks. Wall art is presented in small frames throughout the room and matches the rust-and-tan arabesque curtains. Sheraton’s excellent Four Comfort Beds have duvets and padded leather headboards, and Classic Rooms offer a generous seating area with contemporary leather furniture. All rooms also have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, electric kettles with coffee and tea, desks, and minibars. Bathrooms are spacious, with bathtub/shower combos and large granite vanities, though showerheads could be updated, and the pump dispensers in the bathtubs lack elegance. Preferred Rooms have additional space but otherwise look exactly like Classic Rooms, while Studios and Executive Suites, with kitchenettes, can accommodate extended stays (Executive Suites have in-unit washer/dryers). Front-facing rooms might get noise from nearby construction and nightclubs -- rooms facing the back of the building are quieter.

The hotel has a large fitness center with a wide array of cardio equipment and weight machines, along with flat-screen TVs and free water. Upstairs, the rooftop pool serves shakes and smoothies poolside. The hotel has a small, dark-pink massage room and the Sami Salon, which offers beauty services for men and women. A breakfast buffet with a large selection is offered in Eatery Restaurant, but it's included only in certain room packages. Yesterday Restaurant & Pub serves average bar food and cocktails in a slightly kitschy replica of a British pub, while Centro Citta serves Italian dishes. The hotel has a family room stocked with magazines and newspapers, as well as comfortable leather chairs connected to its grab-and-go market. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hotel has an on-site business center, which includes courier services. There's a free scheduled shuttle to Jumeirah Open Beach and sights throughout the city. Room service, front desk services, and concierge services are all available 24 hours a day.