Al Bandar Rotana – Creek, Dubai

BACKGROUND

This year has seen a rush of hospitality activity on both sides of Dubai Creek and this 190-room hotel, which is accompanied by 90 Arjaan by Rotana studios and apartments, stirs competition in the established Deira district.

WHERE IS IT?

On Baniyas Road, close to Dubai Chamber of Commerce and other five-stars, such as Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers and Hilton Dubai Creek. The entrance is convenient off the main road and you’re 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE?

From the lobby water features to the quick, quiet lift, it’s soon apparent that this hotel raises the contemporary hospitality bar. Throw into the mix Rotana’s F&B, which invariably is well thought through, and this hotel has the ingredients for success (online reviews have been positive, with many citing the friendly staff ). Book the Business Escape package and receive late check out, premium wifi, lounge access, breakfast and 15-minute neck massage.

ROOMS

We stayed in an eighth floor corner room (#812) which was fine, but it’s worth booking any of the 58 Club Rotana rooms ( floors 11-16), as that will get you access to the Club lounge on the 18th floor. The desk had a wide socket, with room for two USBs, and the bathroom has a button you can press which will magically deploy a shutter (if you have children, that will keep them entertained for several minutes).

FOOD AND DRINK

The 18th floor Gusto Italian is worth visiting for the nocturnal dhow views alone – although the food is really good too. Menus are presented on orchestral-style stands and you receive a ‘Ciao’ stamp to further augment the sense of occasion.

We enjoyed the burrata, seafood soup and Porterhouse Steak (Canadian) which I shared with my partner, though it would have fed three, while my son tried his

Book the Business Escape package and receive late check out, premium wifi, lounge access, breakfast and 15-minute neck massage

best to finish the generous Carbonara. The terrace should be a hit in winter, and the Club lounge also has a terrace. The wine list wasn’t extensive but looked decent, I almost went with a glass of South African Kumala but instead opted for a more appropriate Valpolicella.

Breakfast is in Salt & Pepper, up a short escalator from the lobby, and while it’s neatly presented in sections, I felt some of them could have been closer together (eg fruits/ cereals). Club guests have the option of food upstairs. Morgan’s Gastropub – “Classic British with an American twist” – lies in the corner of the lobby. On arrival we had a light lunch in Vanilla which serves sandwiches, salads, fresh juices and healthy mocktails by reception.

MEETINGS

Six rooms are available with high-speed wifi and the largest, Al Waha, can host 78 theatre style.

LEISURE

The Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club has a good-size gym with Technogym equipment, and I liked rowing to a Creek view. The only aspect that didn’t thrill me was the narrow pool, which looks a casualty of the light-filled atrium design. In the corner is the Deck Pool Lounge for drinks and snacks.

VERDICT

This hotel will satisfy Rotana loyalists and its modern services may well tempt non-Rewards members.