Arrival/Check-In: The Jumeirah service desk was easy to find as I exited airport customs. Even at 5 a.m. three staff members were ready to help, and my pre-arranged ride waited just outside. I reached the hotel within five minutes. The lobby’s bold black, red and chrome décor is accented with locally commissioned artwork, and at that early hour the warm welcome and prompt attention to my early arrival stood out. Staff escorted me to my room within moments.
Guest Quarters: My deluxe room was long and airy, mirroring the lobby’s contemporary design. A small sitting area near the entrance included a sofa, chair and a 42-inch plasma TV. Further into the suite, a wall of closet space and an L-shaped desk provided a tidy workspace with international power outlets. Complimentary Wi-Fi was available throughout the hotel.
The bed was comfortable with plush linens and faced a second large TV that could be angled for viewing from the bed or the desk. A convenient in-room phone controlled lights, temperature and curtains, which I found especially useful.
The bathroom offered both a deep soaking tub and a separate rain shower, stocked with Acca Kappa bath products. A curtain between the bathroom and the main room could be opened to create a loft-like feel, enhancing the sense of space.
Services and Amenities: The hotel revealed additional features beyond the obvious. Breakfast at the Nomad restaurant felt like an oasis, surrounded by gardens and pools. Walking past the grounds, I noticed tennis players and learned that the adjacent Aviation Club includes 13 tennis courts, swimming pools, and squash and volleyball courts. Attached to the property are Century Village—a cluster of 10 restaurants with outdoor seating—and the Irish Village Pub, all within easy reach yet subtly integrated into the hotel’s grounds.
Because the property had recently opened, some facilities such as the gym and the Akaru Spa were operating from temporary locations, with plans for expansion. I didn’t dine at the other restaurants during my stay, but I visited Cu-ba, the rooftop bar and restaurant, which features an infinity pool that overhangs the lobby and offers compelling views.
The Experience: Overall, my stay at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel was very positive. The property delivers amenities you might not expect so close to a major airport: numerous on-site and nearby dining choices, extensive athletic facilities and attentive service. It’s a convenient, well-appointed option for travelers seeking both comfort and access to recreation within a short distance of the airport.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Al Garhoud
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
tel 971 4 230 8555
jumeirah.com