Make no mistake – this is a huge hotel. It may have been eclipsed in sheer size by neighbouring behemoths, but the 560 rooms and 12 restaurants inside the Crowne Plaza put it on the map as one of the largest properties in the city. The grand lobby area, which is reached via steep and skinny escalators, has aged well on the whole, although the once-swish decor is looking a little tired. Standard rooms are on the small side, while the itsy-bitsy bathrooms are dated. The views, however, are as good as any in Dubai. It’s the range of facilities that keep business and leisure tourists alike loyal to the Crowne Plaza. Both the health club and pool are spacious and casual, and the club floor features an executive lounge allowing VIP visitors to eat away from the chattering masses. The central location means you should only ever be about 15 minutes from any attraction or landmark, be it a Creek crossing to the souks and airport or a quick blast up the highway to the Marina and beach areas.
The essentials
• Metro stations are walking distance away and have made the central location even more accessible.
• The Dubai World Trade Centre is almost directly opposite making this a good option for attendees of the many conferences and events in this part of town.
• Zinc nightclub and Trader Vic’s bar are busy most nights of the week. Head to these spots for lively partying or slip into Oscar’s Vine Society for more subdued entertainment.
• The Crowne Plaza is part of the Sheikh Zayed road strip of super-tall hotels and office blocks. Step out of the back of the hotel and you’re just a short walk from the Satwa district. This low-rise neighbourhood is home to interesting dining and shopping facilities and offers a stark contrast to the glossed façade of Dubai.
Details
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: 04 331 1111
Travel: Sheikh Zayed Road
No. of Rooms: 568
No. of Floors: 23
Hotel Rating: 5 star
