Dubai Crowne Plaza

Stayed in a few hotels in Dubai on business recently and the Dubai Crowne Plaza was the most disappointing, so much so I'm writing this! The hotel boasts five stars and the facilities available certainly support that rating. But what the hotel really lacks is atmosphere. The entrance to the hotel is set off (on the wrong foot) by 2 enormous 3 story escalators up to the lobby, which is large and spacious but just lacks any kind of character.

The staff are professional, but not welcoming or particularly friendly.

The pool is a good size but often not enough loungers for the number of people. Also the service/food at the pool bar is terrible (ordered 2 meals here and never even got one of them and the other was just terrible - I mean who uses chicken PASTE on a club sandwich??).

This hotel certianly serves it's purpose, but for the money there are better places to stay. I'd recommend the Towers Rotana, about 800M down the road. You loose a star and save some money but this hotel has real character. Great food (Teatro highly recommended), a good pool and after 3 days of staying there, the staff know your name!

Well, you could say Dubai Crowne Plaza is the best of the business type hotels. Like a more upmarket version of Holiday Inn. However, in comparison with the rest of Dubai it has more to go in the light of improvements. One issue that cannot be resolved is the location. The hotel is based on the outskirts of the Diera area, so walking is absolutely out of the question, hence cabs are necessary to get anywhere. The cabs are cheap enough with a standard fixed fee of a couple of AED, not even 50p!

The staff are helpful, but can get agitated at times, including asking not to take pictures in case it bothers the rest of the tourists!

The hotel provides no entertainment for its residents as such, however there is a nightclub located in the arrival lounge.

We stayed around the xmas and NYE period, but did not attend the NYE celebrations in the hotel itself. Crowne plaza used the Bollywood theme for.

There is a swimming pool located on the roof in front of the main towers. The hotel also has squash courts, a gym, massagers, sauna and steam rooms.

One point to note is that if you would like net connection in your room, it will be no faster than 28kpbs so don't bother trying to do anything as it is just wasting money as the clock ticks! There is an internet area in the reception with fast running broadband and all common messaging programs installed.

The hotel itself has many restaurants with different cuisines. However, my favourite has to be Al Dana restaurant. I think every Tuesday and Thursday nights are seafood nights. The hotel sets up a seafood station with a chef ready to serve you the shellfish you please or cook any fish you choose. The buffet is large and has good quality food. To decorate the themed night, the hotel also provides a grand display of ice sculptures.

Overall, I'd recommend this hotel to those who aren't too interested about their accommodation, but would like a comfortable nights sleep and no problems on holiday!

Stayed at the Dubai Crowne Plaza for 5 nights in June 2004.

This has to be one of the best hotels I have stayed in anywhere in the world. The service, the rooms, the staff, everything was incredible.