Park Hyatt Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai has something many other luxury properties in town lack: quiet surroundings. The hotel is located adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, a few minutes’ drive from the main road, which gives the property a private, secluded feel that is hard to find in a city hotel. The hotel is housed in several white-washed buildings with a strong traditional Arabic flair (think: horseshoe arches, minaret-inspired constructions, mosaics, and lovely gardens with elongated fountains). The grounds are quiet and relaxing, with manicured patches of grass, views of the marina, and a beautiful pool area surrounded by palm trees. Inside, wooden lattice window screens, gleaming marble floors, and ceiling crown moldings make for gorgeous spaces. Rooms have a more subdued style -- with muted colors and just a couple of Moorish touches -- but are just as luxurious as the exteriors.

The hotel is located a short drive from the airport, in a quiet area adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Deira City Centre Shopping Mall and the nearest Metro station are both a 20-minute walk from the hotel (mostly through the golf course), but little else can be found within walking distance. In a bustling city such as Dubai, this is a rare oasis -- but those looking to explore the beachfront area and the attractions may find it to be a little out of the way. While the tourist and business center of Dubai is about five miles away, there is generally heavy traffic in the area, so reaching the beachfront can take longer than expected.

Rooms at the Park Hyatt are large, stylish and luxurious without feeling overdone or pretentious. Neutral tones, plush carpeting, arched doorways, and wood accents make for classy, subdued decor. The overall style is upscale Mediterranean, but there are a few nods to the local style, with horseshoe-shaped doorways, and local contemporary art in every room. High-end amenities include large flat-screen TVs, minibars, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and espresso machines. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale, with deep standalone tubs, separate walk-in showers, double sinks, and an open plan with large windows overlooking the room (blinds can be closed for privacy). All rooms have balconies, most of them overlooking the marina or the golf course. Spa Rooms feature in-room steam rooms, and Spa Room guests get 50 percent off massages. Free fruit and bottled water are offered daily.

The hotel offers an array of outstanding dining options, including a French brasserie, a Thai restaurant, a Middle Eastern cafe, a bakery, and a pool bar with small bites. There are also three bars, each with its own vibe and decor. Luxurious Amara Spa offers several gorgeous treatment rooms, salon services, and a couple of courtyards with double loungers and gurgling fountains. The large, outdoor heated pool is surrounded by palm trees and padded loungers, and features bar service. A large, fully equipped fitness center is also available free of charge to all guests. The hotel offers a striking list of high-end services, including private fishing and yacht service, airport limousine service, free valet parking, babysitting, concierges, car wash service (for a fee), and cooking classes at Thai Kitchen Restaurant.