Hotel Review: Grand Hyatt Dubai
I joined someone who didn’t have any status with Hyatt Gold Passport for a stay at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
A Grand Twin room had been reserved, and that is exactly what was received. The price difference between the “Grand” and “Creekside” type rooms for our dates came out to about $50 a night, and because the only notable difference between the two was the view out the window (Creekside offering a view of the creek), we stayed with the basic room which worked just fine.
The bed was comfortable and the room was quiet and clean. I was pleased to find that the room was nice and cool, even when the temperatures soared outside.
The floor to ceiling windows had a great view even if it wasn’t of the creek. A huge dust storm swept through the area while I was there, and through the windows I could see it cover the whole area and then after a few hours the view finally reverted back to its regular dusty appearance.
Wifi was free for all guests, and worked great. There was complimentary bottled water in the room too, which was replaced twice a day. The bathroom had double sinks and a large soaking tub.
The property is quite large, with 674 rooms. Rather than feeling overcrowded though, it was like an oasis in the desert.
With the temperatures regularly at 100+ degrees, I spent a lot of time in the pools which this hotel definitely does right. The 65 foot indoor pool is connected to the Ahasees Spa, so you walk through a candlelit hallway to the locker rooms and then into the indoor pool area. There was hardly ever anyone in the indoor pool during my stay, so I usually had it all to myself. In the evening the staff lit pillar candles around the pool too, and it became even more peaceful.
The cool water is temperature controlled, and there’s even an underwater sound system so you hear spa music when diving under or swimming laps.
The indoor pool had doors leading to the outside areas. On my way to the other pools, I was surprised to see a brightly colored peacock strutting just outside the door.
There are three outdoor pools, a waterslide, and the toddlers’ pool has a shaded area to protect delicate skin.
I ordered drinks from the poolside bar which came quickly, and since the outdoor pools are open 24 hours a day I was able to swim under the stars!
Breakfast in the morning was about $35 a person, served in the Market Cafe down on the first floor. In order to get there I followed leafy green lined paths that meandered around the the first floor, and lead over small bridges. There’s an indoor waterfall too. For those who are desert weary, the lush greenery and waterways are a welcome sight.
The breakfast spread was quite impressive, with freshly squeezed juices, plenty of fruit, pastries, cheeses, meats, etc.
Later in the day I enjoyed tea and chocolates at Al Nakheel, near reception.
I had dinner at Manhattan Grill, one of the hotel’s 13 restaurants. There were many other restaurants I didn’t get a chance to try but I would definitely stay at this hotel again, and perhaps try out one of the 39 suites that the property has. Diamonds with Hyatt used to get free airport transfer and champagne in the minibar, but they have discontinued both. I’d like to try out the club lounge though.
The only real drawback to staying at this hotel is that there was not much nearby that I could walk to. Cabs are cheap though, so I didn’t find it a problem. Other than that, the staff was warm and friendly, the room comfortable, and the hotel more like a resort with all the shops, restaurants, pools, etc.
Hyatt Category 4. 15,000 points for a free night, or 7,500 points + $100 Cash & Points redemption.
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