Raintree Hotel, Deira City Centre

Raintree Hotel is a contemporary hotel with pops of color and snazzy elements throughout. Velvet seating arrangements in the lobby, a curved staircase with glass railings, geometric patterns, and a ceiling painted blue with white clouds add fun decorative touches, while a variety of dining options and amenities keep things practical. Although an all-day eatery, spa, and rooftop pool are available, most guests who stay here are either exploring the area during the day or have quick overnight stays due to long layovers or early-morning flights. Fortunately for the passengers with next-day flights, the atmosphere is quiet. On the downside, there's not much of interest in the immediate area, and some furnishings and bathrooms look like they're in need of an update. Additionally, some past guests have complained of foul odors, such as lingering cigarette smells in non-smoking rooms. 

Set in the Deira area of Dubai, Raintree Hotel has a location that's convenient for travelers wanting to be close to the Dubai International Airport, as it’s a five-minute drive away. However, there's little else of interest in the immediate vicinity aside from City Centre Deira shopping mall (few minutes' walk) and its metro station (10-minute walk). Sights on this side of Dubai Creek include the Dubai Gold Souk (11-minute drive) and Deira Waterfront Market (12-minute drive), while across the creek are the famous Burj Khalifa (15-minute drive), Mall of the Emirates (20-minute drive), Jumeirah Beach (20-minute drive), and Palm Jumeirah (25- to 30-minute drive).  

The design varies by room category, but generally they're outfitted in contemporary, attractive decor consisting of clean-lined wood furniture, checkered carpets, and beige walls. Pops of olive-green, shades of blue, or red are found in padded faux-leather headboards, drapes, bedskirts, carpeting, and seating. Rooms are fairly spacious and all have work desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Closets have safes, ironing facilities, and bathrobes. Larger suites with living spaces and iPod docking stations are available. Lower-category bathrooms have either rainfall shower or shower/tub combos, while upgraded units have separate showers and tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Unfortunately, some of the furnishings are looking a bit worn, and occasionally, past guests have complained of foul odors either in bathrooms or from cigarette smells in non-smoking rooms.

A welcome feature of the Raintree Hotel is its quiet rooftop pool and adjacent whirlpool. Although on the small side, it's pleasant and rarely used, but surrounding walls mean there are no views. The pool is surrounded by cushioned loungers with towels. For additional relaxing, a small spa offers a good amount of treatments, as well as a sauna and steam room. A small but decently equipped gym is open 24/7. Multiple dining venues are on-site, including the all-day Chill Restaurant which serves international fare buffet-style for breakfast and lunch, and a la carte for dinner. Open 24 hours, Emerald Cafe is a casual spot for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. Old Bull Pub is casual sports bar with TVs and occasional live music. It has a menu with grilled food and an international selection of beers. Jalsa the Lounge is a dance club where DJs perform.Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.