The main draws at Hawthorn Suites are the excellent location, the spacious suites, and the competitive prices. Those expecting the pampering found at Dubai's luxury hotels will be disappointed, however; the property feels like a converted apartment complex and is better suited to more self-sufficient guests. The entrance to the hotel is right in the covered parking area. The interior decor throughout is streamlined and IKEA-style; it's modern, with bright color accents, but a bit spare for some tastes. During our visit, there seemed to be both leisure and business travelers. The location is best-suited for those who want to visit The Walk and the beach, but it's also reasonably convenient for travelers with business at the Jebel Ali industrial area to the south. It's usually not too difficult to snag a lounger at the pool, but as the pool isn't that large it can get busy. 

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the public beach and right at the southern end of JBR The Walk, where you can find an array of big-name restaurants and popular retail outlets. It's also in a prime location for the Dubai Marina and the upcoming Bluewaters Island, soon to be home to the biggest observation wheel in the world. The city’s other main tourist attractions are between a 15- and 30-minute drive from the property but it’s not too costly to use local taxis.

• 10-minute drive from Ibn Batuta Mall 
• 15-minute drive from Jebel Ali Free Zone 
• 20-minute drive from Emirates Mall
• 30-minute drive from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall
• 40-minute drive from Dubai Airport
• 40-minute drive from Al Maktoum Airport

The Hawthorne suites by Wyndham has 188 streamlined rooms decorated with whites, grays, and bold pops of color. The decor may look too spare to some, though the hotel works to maintain its freshness; though the hotel only opened in 2013, floors and sofa upholstery were updated in 2015. All rooms have mini-fridges, coffee/tea facilities, and bottled water; most have kitchenettes with tableware, cookware, microwaves, sinks, and two-burner stoves. The main categories are Deluxe Rooms (55 square meters), One-Bedroom Suites (95 square meters) and Two-Bedroom Suites (125 square meters). 

Every room has a work desk, free Wi-Fi, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and a separate living room. Tile bathrooms have shower/tub combos and bidets; slippers and robes are provided. 

When booking a sea-view room be aware that nearby construction obstructs most of the view. Some rooms have balconies. 

The main restaurant at the hotel serves all three meals, and half- and full-board rates are available. The buffet-style breakfast isn't typically included in the rate and can be pricey (100 AED per person as of 2015). It includes pancakes, waffles, and pastries, but it's not a high point and many guests feel it's not worth the cost.

The spa offers a full range of treatments, and guests get free access to the steam room, sauna, and hot tub. There's also a salon. The smallish rooftop pool gets sun most of the day (not a given in Dubai, where the tall buildings can create shade), and towels are provided. A snack and juice bar is on hand, but there's no alcohol served. Loungers and umbrellas were upgraded in 2015. 

Although the hotel claims to valet park, the parking attendants have a tendency to ask guests to park their own cars instead.