The hotel’s steel-and-glass skyscraper looks lifted straight from the late ’90s, and the hectic lobby, while clean and covered in various shades of marble, doesn’t feel particularly modern or luxe. There are a few upholstered chairs scattered about the lobby, but the area is busy with guests day and night, and it’s not the nicest place to relax. The Lobby Restaurant, with red contemporary chairs and tables and an outdoor terrace, serves pastries and coffee throughout the day. There are three other restaurants on-site with nice views of Dubai, though decor is a bit chunky and dated. The Turkish Rooftop Shisha Lounge, with stuffy tents, is meant to evoke desert grandeur. The hotel attracts primarily business travelers, though families and couples will feel welcome here too.

Nestled among the stretch of skyscrapers lining busy Sheikh Zayed Road, the Emirates Grand Hotel is convenient to many of Dubai’s major landmarks, including the Dubai International Financial Center, which is right behind the hotel (a five-minute walk). The Financial Center Metro station is right outside the hotel, and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is one stop away (18 minutes door-to-door), while the photogenic markets of Al Ras are 30 minutes away. Jumeirah Open Beach, the city’s largest free beach, and the Dubai Mall, the Middle East’s largest mall, are within a 10-minute drive, while the trendy shops of The Walk are a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Dubai International Airport takes 30 minutes to reach on the metro, or about 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

Guest rooms are modern and large, starting at 431 square feet, though the decor is more functional than stylish. Living areas have neutral walls with contemporary wood-veneer furniture, chaise-style seating and cushioned leather desk chairs, subtly patterned tan carpets, and bright, orchid wall art. Comfortable twin or king beds consist of duvets, soft orange-colored throw pillows, bed runners, and decorative, built-in wood headboards with etched glass panels. All rooms have safes, flat-screen TVs, desks, and tiled full kitchens with light wood cabinets, microwaves, full-size refrigerators with non-alcoholic minibars, and washer/dryers. The hotel claims that all guest rooms offer dining space for six, but that isn't true of the Deluxe and Executive Rooms. Bathrooms are large, with light tiles surrounding bathtub/shower combos, though some could use a regrouting, and fixtures could use an update. Executive Rooms have almost identical decor to Deluxe Rooms, though they offer a bit more space. One- and Two-Bedroom Suites are also available. The hotel provides smoking and non-smoking rooms, but guests have complained that their choices are not always accommodated.

The hotel has a large, modern fitness center with an array of cardio- and weight-training equipment, and there is a tennis court for guests in an adjacent building. The stone terrace surrounding the outdoor pool is sparsely furnished, though offers views of Dubai and the coast, as well as a snack bar. There's 24-hour room service, and three restaurants on-site, including the Lobby Restaurant, where breakfast is served. Tal Al Amar has a children’s play area, and offers Lebanese dishes until late, while Panorama Restaurant has international cuisine. The Turkish Shisha Lounge on the hotel’s roof offers good views of Dubai’s skyline, but the tents are stuffy and the bright-green terrace is unattractive. Emirates Grand Spa provides an array of spa and massage services, though its blue-lit massage rooms have a nightclub vibe that aren't that conducive to relaxing. Wi-Fi is free only with certain room packages, and can be spotty depending on the room. Guests should also keep in mind that alcohol is not served on-site.