The 43-story skyscraper housing this hotel looks impressive from the outside, even if the small lobby doesn’t feel quite as majestic. Marble floors, bursts of abstract and colorful art, and photos of the Emirati royals line the functional space. The Eatery, one of the hotel’s five restaurant and dining venues, sits just off the lobby, while Z Gallery & Lounge, a vibrant and cozy space, exclusively for Business and Platinum SPG guests, offers places to relax. Level 43, the hotel’s rooftop lounge terrace, has stunning views of the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline and the Dubai coast, and draws a crowd from across the city. This hotel draws mainly business travelers, though couples and families are welcome here too.

Amid the towering skyscrapers lining busy Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is convenient to many of Dubai’s major landmarks, including the Dubai International Financial Center, which is within a 15-minute walk or a five-minute drive. The Financial Center metro station is a five-minute walk away. The world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, is about 20 minutes away on foot. Jumeirah Open Beach, the city’s largest free beach, is within a 10-minute drive, and the trendy shops of The Walk are about a 30-minute drive away, depending on traffic. Dubai International Airport is about a 30-minute metro ride, or 20 minutes in a taxi.

Rooms are simple and elegant, with dark-gray accent walls, dark wood veneer furniture, and black-and-white photos hung tastefully about the room, creating a contemporary, homelike vibe. The furniture’s chrome hardware has a retro flair, while block-patterned rugs with pops of cool blue liven up the largely brown, black, and white spaces. Rooms are large, starting at 431 square feet, and have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, individually controlled air-conditioning, safes, desks, free bottled water, and electric kettles with tea or coffee. Rooms feature Four Points’ great Four Comfort Beds in twin or king sizes with duvets and white leather headboards, and every room has at least two contemporary leather chairs arranged near the windows. Bathrooms feature tan marble tiles, granite vanities and bathtub/shower combos, though the fixtures are a bit dated, and the pump dispensers in the bathtub look cheap. All rooms have balconies, and some Classic Rooms offer views of Dubai and the coast, while all Preferred Rooms have excellent views and lots of space. Business Rooms have separate bedrooms. One-Bedroom Apartments are also available, with eat-in kitchens and extra bathrooms, which should suit families, groups, and long-term guests. Cribs are also available upon request, and roll-away beds come with an extra charge.

Level 43 Rooftop Lounge & Terrace draws a crowd from all over Dubai and can get crowded. Blade Runner views of Dubai’s skyline along Sheikh Zayed Road are excellent, even if the drinks are pricey. A breakfast buffet is only included in some room packages, and is served in The Eatery -- the space is small, and there can be a wait for a table at peak morning hours. The hotel also offers Italian and Moroccan restaurants, as well as Charlie’s Pub, which has a selection of imported beers. The hotel’s Fitness Point offers a futuristic-looking gym with an above-average selection of equipment, and includes a sauna and wood-paneled massage rooms that get lots of natural light. There is a small rooftop pool and terrace with great views across Dubai to the coast, plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing, and a kids’ pool. Five attractive on-site meeting rooms and a spacious business center can be booked and are available to Business Room guests, while Business Room and Platinum SPG guests both have access to Z Gallery & Lounge, an exclusive area lined with contemporary art and comfortable seating, free snacks and refreshments, and a private, free breakfast buffet. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, there is 24-hour room service, and the 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services while laundry and dry cleaning can also be arranged. There is a shuttle to the beach and airport transfers can be arranged, though there are limitations on both and guests should check with the hotel.