The welcome
After a minor detour around the perplexing roads surrounding the new high-rise Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, we drive up the sizeable slope to its entrance. The valet is beneath an impressive domed atrium, matched in scale by the expansive lobby. It’s not quite the rainforest-in-a-hotel madness of the nearby Grand Hyatt, but it’s still sizeable. We’re taken up to the 32nd-floor Regency Club Lounge for check-in, although the grandeur is tempered by a 30-minute wait for our room to be readied.
The neighbourhood
Situated in Healthcare City, this addition to Hyatt’s Dubai portfolio is in a bit of a no-man’s land visually, but only a short drive to Creek Park, Wafi mall and the Metro, and easily accessed from the E11. The airport is about 10 minutes away.
The room
Our 17th-floor executive room, in shades of creams and browns, is big enough to park a car in. It boasts an airy lounge, spacious king bedroom, two bathrooms and a dressing area with a work desk. Jumbo Sony televisions in the lounge and bedroom have bluetooth, USB and HDMI connectivity; the tech continues into the main bathroom, with a third TV screen in the mirror framing his-and-hers basins. The deep bath is beneath a large window that allows views while you bathe. From the lounge and bedroom, the outside eye candy takes in Downtown Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Khalifa. In a rare act of five-star-hotel benevolence the minibar is stocked with complimentary soft drinks, a KitKat and mints. Wi-Fi is reliable and strong throughout the hotel. Sliding leather-panelled blackout shutters are great for lie-ins.
The scene
There’s a broad spread of nationalities, although during our visit, wedding and engagement functions ensure a high percentage of Emiratis. The second-floor outdoor pool bar is busy but nicely chilled out.
The service
Mostly faultless, with a few exceptions. A mix-up in our spa reservation – somehow booked at a time before check-in – is solved by a friendly Greek receptionist, and the 55-minute Swedish massage (Dh465) is solid. But there’s barely any service at breakfast in the Regency Club Lounge (no napkins, and we have to hunt down our own cutlery); and in the main restaurant, Sufra, we’re greeted for a late dinner by a less-than-polite waiter who informs us the restaurant is closed, despite all the hotel literature stating it should still be open.
The food
The closing-time hoo-ha at Sufra is eventually resolved, and we’re glad once the food arrives: the shrimp flat bread (Dh52) served on a chopping board is the pick of the mains on an international and Middle Eastern menu. Also on the lobby level is Market24, a bright, welcoming deli that’s open all hours. A succinct à la carte menu spans all-day breakfasts to posh pub grub. It also displays and sells a range of European produce, from acacia honey to fruit vinegars, plus an array of cakes and sweets.
Loved
The room, its views, the pool bar and the food in both restaurants.
Hated
The wait at check-in and Sufra misinformation was avoidable.
The verdict
A towering presence on this part of Dubai, this Hyatt largely lives up to the Heights in its name.
The bottom line
Doubles rooms at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights (www.dubaicreek.regency.hyatt.com; 04 553 1234) cost from Dh500 per night, including breakfast, non-alcoholic minibar, Wi-Fi and taxes.
aworkman@thenational.ae