Arrival/Check-In: The Jumeirah service desk was easy to find as I exited the airport Customs area. Even at 5 a.m. there were three people eager to assist me. My pre-arranged ride was just outside, and I was at the hotel within five minutes. The lobby featured contrasting décor in black, red and chrome, with regionally commissioned artwork throughout. At that time of morning, though, what delighted me most was the welcoming staff and the accommodations made for my early arrival. I was guided to my room within moments.

Guest Quarters: My deluxe room was long and spacious, featuring décor consistent with the design of the lobby. At the front of the room was a small sitting area with a sofa, chair and a 42-inch plasma TV. Further into the room, closet space lined the wall, and an L-shaped desk created a nice, clean workspace that included international outlets. Complimentary WiFi was available throughout the hotel.

A comfortable bed with plush linens sat in front of another large TV, adjustable to be viewed from either the bed or the desk. Perhaps my favorite feature of the room was the phone, which controlled the lights, temperature and the curtains.

The bathroom featured a large, deep bathtub and a separate rain shower with Acca Kappa bath products. A curtain separated the bathroom from the main room; when opened it created a loft-like floor plan.

Services/Amenities: During my stay I discovered more features of the hotel than were evident at first glance. Directed to the Nomad restaurant for breakfast, I found myself surrounded by an oasis of gardens and pools. Noticing tennis players walking by, I learned the hotel’s Aviation Club features 13 tennis courts, swimming pools, and squash and volleyball courts. The club, along with Century Village, a complex of 10 restaurants with outdoor seating, and the Irish Village Pub are directly attached to the property and hardly noticeable from the grounds of the Nomad.

As the property had opened shortly before my visit, many of the facilities I enjoyed, including the gym and the Akaru Spa, were in temporary locations but were scheduled to expand.

I did not have the opportunity to dine at the other restaurants but took a peek at the view from Cu-ba, the rooftop bar and restaurant, complete with an infinity pool that dangles over the lobby.

The Experience: Overall, I was delighted with my stay at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. The property offers features one doesn’t expect from a hotel within three miles of a major airport, including more than 10 restaurants within walking distance and a large athletic facility.

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