Hilton Dubai The Walk

Next to many similar high-rise structures in this beachside residential area of Dubai, this hotel is a fairly nondescript building linked by a footbridge to its next door sister property, the luxurious Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort. Though the hotel lacks the grandeur of many similar properties in the area, its interiors are tastefully decorated with contemporary decor -- plum-colored armchairs, drum-shade chandeliers, and wood-panel walls. Public spaces include a small lobby with lounge areas, two restaurants, and a chic 35th-floor lounge with great views over the surroundings. Guests also have access to the amenities of its next door neighbor, and though The Walk might not be as glamorous as its five-pearl sister property, it offers more space, which attracts families, large groups, and extended-stay visitors.

The hotel is situated on "The Walk," a popular and lively strip with many cafes, restaurants, and shopping in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area. This waterfront neighborhood is full of apartment towers and high-rises and home to several upscale and luxury hotels. Tourists wanting to shop will find many boutiques and stores right at their doorstep as well as the Dubai Marina Mall, 15 minutes away on foot. Many of Dubai's top sights and attractions are a short drive away, including the Palm Jumeirah Island (15-minute drive), Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort (20-minute drive), the Burj Khalifa (25-minute drive), and the Dubai Mall (25-minute drive), though travel will take considerably longer via public transportation. This location is not ideal for business travelers, however, as the business district is 25- to 30-minute drive away. There is a bus stop a four-minute walk from the hotel, but the closest metro station is about a 15-minute walk. The Dubai International Airport is about a 30 to 40-minute drive away.

The hotel's 364 spacious apartments range in size from Studios to duplex lofts to four-bedroom units and feature stylish, contemporary decor. Apartments are filled with modern furnishings in a color palette of whites paired with beachy blues and greens, which coupled with lots of natural light streaming through large windows, gives the apartments a fresh and clean feel. All units have full kitchens that include ovens and dishwashers as well as an array of standard amenities like flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and Nespresso coffeemakers (most also have combination washer/dryers). Many offer lovely views over the sea. The bathrooms have vessel sinks and neutral-colored tiles with granite accents, plus separate tubs and showers and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Travelers should note that there is a large ongoing construction site next to the hotel that might cause noise issues. Guests seem to disagree on the severity of the issue, but higher floors are worth requesting.

The hotel has a modestly sized outdoor pool surrounded by plush chaises and umbrellas. There's also a sleek and modern fitness center filled with equipment and cardio machines with personal TV screens. The 35th-floor Pure Sky Lounge is a bar and restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. There are also two family-friendly restaurants: Crave, serving Italian-inspired dishes, and Hartisan, which features local delicacies and traditional comfort foods with seasonal ingredients. Guests can also utilize the amenities and services offered at the hotel's neighboring sister property, the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, which has several more restaurants, including an Argentinian steakhouse, a sports bar, and a wine bar, as well as a spa and a larger pool with a snack bar and kids' pool. Wi-Fi in public areas is free, but in-room access requires an extra fee.