Built in 2001, the Hilton Dubai Creek occupies a distinctive piece of sleek modern architecture designed by award-winning architect Carlos Ott, comprising 14 floors of towering glass and steel. Inside, the lobby has smart leather couches, shimmering chrome pillars, and polished black stone projecting a chic and professional atmosphere -- though dark materials and low-level lighting gives the reception area an almost brooding quality. As a popular stopover for business travelers, the vibe is luxurious and classy but can feel transient and impersonal -- a world apart from the resort hotels on the other side of town.   

The Hilton Dubai Creek is located in the Old Dubai district of Deira overlooking Dubai Creek and surrounded by apartment blocks, offices, and other high-end hotels. While the property affords some stunning views overlooking the creek and is a 10-minute drive -- in good traffic -- to the airport, there's little in the way of nearby tourist attractions. There's a pleasant stroll along the creek though not much else within walking distance, although Union Square Metro station is 15 minutes away on foot and connects with downtown Dubai in about 20 minutes. A free shuttle service is also available to the property's sister hotel on Jumeirah Beach.

The hotel has, for Dubai, relatively few rooms: a mere 150. All are spacious with huge floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views over the creek and city beyond. Furnishings include sleek black leather seating and executive-style glass-paneled tabletops while decor is smart and business-like. Sleek 32-inch flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi come as standard, but Internet is charged by the hour or day. Marble bathrooms are particularly sleek and modern with glass tops and steel basins, while some provide jetted tubs as well as walk-in showers. 

The Hilton Dubai Creek features particularly outstanding dining in the form of its Table 9 restaurant -- considered one of the finest places to eat in Dubai and boasting menus from world-class chefs. The airy and bright Glasshouse Brasserie also provides good quality meals and an excellent wine list in less formal surroundings. There are also two bars on-site: The Edge Bar, next to the hotel's modest-size rooftop pool with spectacular views over Dubai; and the Issimo Bar, a stylish venue with live sports and quality bar food. While there is a small fitness room, the hotel lacks any kind of spa facilities. There is pesky fee for Wi-Fi.