Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights

Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is a grand hotel that fits right in with Dubai's future-world skyline. Once inside, the light and spacious lobby makes a bright first impression, and includes interesting details like vertical gardens that help set it apart from the mall-like hotels elsewhere in Dubai -- in terms of style, if not size. All of the greenery, together with falling water, help to create a tranquil and subdued environment inside what is -- at the end of the day -- a massive business hotel. The overall style is muted and contemporary, with groups of square seating, Scandinavian-style chairs, and a reserved neutral palette seen throughout the hotel. Although smart, it's not a particularly charismatic property, and lacks a certain charm. The pool area is a little disappointing, and isn't as grand as at other luxury offerings in Dubai, but there is a popular swim-up poolside bar with food and cocktails. Outside, you can hear the hum from traffic on the main roads nearby. This property is a good option for business travelers looking for a quieter, more luxurious stay with easy access to the airport and financial district, though it also attracts couples and families.

Those looking to be within walking distance of the city's hottest neighborhoods may want to look elsewhere, as the hotel is situated in a more business-heavy part of the city. The Hyatt's Dubai Creek neighbors include high-profile corporate buildings, several high-end hotels, the Dubai Healthcare City facility, and the Wafi Mall -- the latter is a 15-minute walk away. However, as the immediate area can be trafficky, most guests will need a car or taxi to get around the city comfortably. The property is only about a 10- to 15-minute cab ride to the Dubai International Airport. There is a Green Line metro station about a 15-minute walk away, providing cheap transportation within Dubai for those who don't mind a hot walk to the station. It's about a 20-minute drive to the main tourist areas of the city, like downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. Those looking to shop and soak up the sun on the beach will likely want to head to the Jumeirah Beach Residence district, a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Each of the 461 rooms, including 74 suites, have the same minimalist style and airy feeling as the hotel's common areas. With high ceilings and furniture and walls in soft white and tan hues, there's a modern aesthetic that's sharp, but lacks much in the way of personality. Still, they are fresh, and the highlight might be the views of Dubai Creek or the city skyline from almost every room. Rooms have small, round yellow and gray chairs and tables, along with a desk and chair that come in the same clean, contemporary style as the rest of the hotel. Suites include a living area with a couch and chair. All rooms are spacious, with even the entry-level rooms having 409 square feet of space (38 square meters). Every room has a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi plus air-conditioning, iPod docks, safes, and Hyatt's own pillow-top mattresses. There are minibars with free soft drinks, and electric kettles in every room, and higher-category rooms include premium single-serve coffeemakers. The bathrooms are spacious and have a full bathtub and separate shower with marble and granite accents, sleek contemporary fixtures, and high-end Pharmacopia toiletries.

Compared to other similarly priced hotels in the area, guests get their money's worth at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. With its stunning panoramic views, the hotel's rooftop bar and lounge make the property special, and are popular with previous guests. There are three on-site restaurants that include a range of cuisines from Mediterranean to Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican as well as a lobby lounge and cafe serving coffee and pastries. A massive breakfast buffet is served every day and includes a range of hot and cold options for a fee. The hotel's Regency Club rooms and suites provide access to the 34th-floor lounge and bar, daily continental breakfast, all-day snacks and refreshments, free cocktails and canapes in the evening, and access to concierge services.The luxurious full-service spa offers body scrubs, facials, and aroma massages. La Vida Beauty Salon is on-site, offering hair and nail services to men and women. The 24-hour fitness center has flat-screen TVs, modern equipment, including cardio and strength training machines and free weights, and floor-to-ceiling windows where guests can look out onto the Dubai skyline while they work out. There's also a separate gym just for women. The pool is a little small for the size of the property, but has a large swim-up bar, with lounge chairs in the water, and tables and umbrellas surrounding it. There is free parking, and a complimentary shuttle bus to Burjuman Shopping Mall and Mirdif City Centre. In addition, there are more than 34,000 square feet (3,159 square meters) of meeting and event space, all of which are quite attractive. Every room and common space has free Wi-Fi.