Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Clustered around Jumeirah Lakes Towers, the Movenpick's high-rise structure is aptly modern. Sheer surfaces, curves, and floor-to-ceiling windows mimic surroundings, however, while interiors are smart, they're generic. The lobby's high ceilings overlook glossy marble floors, and a 24-hour coffee shop that serves ice cream at its daily free Chocolate Hour. In addition to frozen treats, guests can cool off at the stylish rooftop pool. The hotel's proximity to Jumeirah Lakes Towers' office complexes make it a popular pick for business travelers, but the Movenpick equally welcomes leisure couples and families. While the free ice creams are promptly dished out, the slow check-in service requires more patience.

The hotel's location isn't for everyone, although its proximity to Jumeirah Lakes Towers' offices is a pro for corporate travelers. Jumeirah Lakes Towers metro is a seven-minute walk. Though not physically far from Dubai Marina, promenade, and Mall, walks take 25 minutes and require crossing the Sheikh Zayed Road highway, although a footbridge is perfectly safe. Dubai's taxis are cheap, and the 10-minute drive is a more-comfortable alternative. Free shuttles run to Riva Beach Club at Palm Jumeirah. Drives to Jumeirah Beach take up to 20 minutes. The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, is a 30-minute drive, as are Dubai Mall and the city's downtown business districts. A supermarket is right by the hotel. Dubai Airport is a 40-minute drive.

Rooms here are contemporary but generic, outfitted in a gray and brown color scheme with pops of pistachio in the patterned bed runners and matching curtains. Dark-wood dressers, desks, and oversized headboards provide a good amount of storage space, and all rooms have at least a small sitting area with a table and two armchairs. Uninspiring modern artwork decorates the walls, while floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light. Entry-level Superior Rooms start at 377 square feet (35 square meters), and amenities include large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Movenpick chocolate, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities and safes. Larger Deluxe Rooms have more extensive living areas and furnished balconies, and Premium Rooms throw in free breakfast. Polished bathrooms have shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, but water temperature isn't always steady. All have AC, slippers, and robes, in addition to bidets, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Suite bathrooms have deep soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers, and these rooms start at 678 square feet (63 square meters). They also have full living rooms and Nespresso machines. Most rooms offer sensational tower and lake views, but note that some face the noisy highway. 

A solid list of amenities at the Movenpick are equally catered to corporate and leisure travelers. Nosh has impressive international buffet stations, and the breakfast particularly hits high marks. Urban Bar & Kitchen has TVs for sports and an array of alcoholic drinks, while the 24-hour Crema offers coffee, sandwiches, and pastries, plus the chain's signature ice cream at a free daily Chocolate Hour. The long rooftop pool is small but serene, surrounded by cushioned loungers, umbrellas, and wicker seating. Hush Spa's pampering ranges from massages to facials, and a sauna and hair salon accompany it. The modern fitness center is a bright space with Technogym equipment. Five meeting rooms and a business center are on-site. Daily free shuttles run to Riva Beach Club at Palm Jumeirah. A full concierge accompanies an on-site ATM and currency exchange. Valet parking and Wi-Fi are free.