Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartments

Flora Creek, with its gently-curving facade and discreet lattice-work accents, lacks the architectural flourishes evident in so many Dubai hotels. As a result, this place won’t exactly wow you from the street. But the big, bright lobby is a welcoming space that sets the tone for the property as a whole. Decorated in a clean, contemporary way with lots of metallic and wood elements, it has comfortable, plushly upholstered couches for lounging and an attractive cafe for casual dining. You'll find the guest gathered here to be a mixed group: including corporate travelers drawn by the property's business amenities, families lured by the large apartment-style accommodations, and even long-stay types who enjoy Flora Creek’s homey comforts. 

This four-pearl apartment-style hotel fronts a busy street in the popular Deira district, close to Dubai Creek. Local sites -- like the Deira Clock Tower and Deira City Centre shopping mall -- are within walking distance; and from the latter’s metro station, you can reach the airport in just 10 minutes. However, this place is relatively removed from major tourist attractions. For instance, the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Public Beach, and Dubai Fountain are all more than a 20-minute drive away.

• Six-minute walk to Deira City Centre
• 12 minute walk to the Deira Clock Tower
• 10-minute drive to Dubai International Airport
• 13-minute drive to the Spice Souk
• 14-minute drive to the Gold Souk
• 14-minute drive to Dubai International Convention Centre
• 16-minute drive to the Dubai Museum 
• 21-minute drive to the Burj Khalifa
• 22-minute drive to the Dubai Mall
• 22-minute drive to Jumeirah Public Beach
• 27-minute drive to Dubai Fountain
• 34-minute drive to the Mall of the Emirates 

Flora Creek faces stiff competition, but the quality of its recently refurbished (and immaculately clean) units sets it apart. Choices range from 743-square foot studios with screened-off sleeping areas to two-bedroom/three-bathroom apartments with separate living and dining rooms that cover a whopping 12,700-square feet. All are air-conditioned, sound-proofed and decidedly modern in soothing neutral tones balanced with dark woods and brightened by pops of color. Moreover, even the smallest boasts a large balcony and a living area complete with an L-shaped couch, a flat-screen satellite TV with on-request DVD player, and free Wi-Fi.  All also have above-average kitchens: in addition to the standard microwave and small appliances, each features an induction stove, a functional fridge, a washer/dryer and a solid selection of cookware. The tiled four-piece en-suite baths with their bidets and shower/tub combos are equally well outfitted and stocked with thoughtful extras (like robes and slippers). Note, too, that guests here enjoy other upscale hotel perks -- such as daily housekeeping and evening turndowns -- that you don’t always get in apartment-style digs. The combination, not surprisingly, makes them popular with parents. Special family units are available, and cribs or cots are available at extra charge.

No one would mistake this for a full-service resort; however, it does have a few key amenities -- an indoor pool and a recently renovated wellness center among them. The former, which is pretty but rather underwhelming, has a little lounge area for adults as well as a play corner for kids; the latter has a serene spa offering a full menu of treatments plus a well-equipped fitness room with steam bath and sauna. There is also an on-site salon catering to both men and women. The corporate travelers who frequent Flora Creek will particularly appreciate the hotel’s business center, video-conferencing facilities, and selection of meeting rooms with up-to-date technology. All guests, meanwhile, can enjoy the international dishes (served either buffet-style or à la carte) at the smart-looking Olive Tree restaurant. Light bites are sold in the lobby cafe, and round-the-clock room service is available. Other hotel features include a 24/7 front desk with concierge; laundry and shoeshine services; free in-room mineral water and daily newspapers; free underground parking; and free Wi-Fi for unlimited devices with guaranteed coverage throughout.