Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay

Pros

One of Dubai's first and oldest high-end hotels
Overlooking Dubai's creek, in the bustling Deira district
All rooms have furnished terraces with creek views
Impressive range of eating and drinks options
A 15-minute drive to Dubai International Airport
Gym, sauna, and steam room plus squash court on-site
Dinner cruises aboard traditional Arabic Dhow boat

Cons

Unrenovated rooms feel old-fashioned
Local traffic can be busy
Away from glitzy downtown Dubai and tourist area

Bottom Line

While still an upscale hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek is one of the older hotels in Dubai and is starting to show its age in places. It remains, however, a perfectly pleasant place to stay, with ample eating and drinking options and lovely creek views. Recently renovated rooms have a smart and contemporary feel; those awaiting renovation, however, appear dated. While the location isn't ideal for those interested in Dubai's beaches or its glitzier side, the hotel is a good value for those who want to explore Old Dubai.

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Hotel & Amenities Photos

Ambassador Suite

Restaurants and Bars

Executive Suite

Standard Room

The Hotel

Amenities

Presidential Suite

Deluxe Suite

Amenities

Fitness Center
Internet
Pool
Spa

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Scene

One of the city's oldest hotels, with a well-preserved Old Dubai ambience

Built in 1975, the Radisson was Dubai’s first five-star-designated hotel and today is one of the older hotels in the city. Although its striking, geometric facade still stands out among the surrounding buildings, it is far removed from the cavernous and glitzy high-end hotels Dubai is now known for. Interiors, however, are pleasant and well maintained, with polished stone tiling, Middle Eastern decorative art, and ornate wrought-iron that combine to create a quintessentially Old Dubai ambience.

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Location

Creek-side setting in Old Dubai's Deira district, 15 minutes from the airport

The hotel is located on the busy Baniyas Road on the Deira side of Dubai's creek. Immediately in front of the hotel traffic can get congested. A pleasant pathway runs alongside the creek right across the road and is a great place for a stroll or jog. This area of Old Dubai is great for exploring on foot, with plenty of gold, spice, and textile markets (souks) within walking distance. Union Metro Station is also under five minutes away on foot and connects to the more touristy downtown areas in 20 to 30 minutes, while Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

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Rooms

A mixture of old and dated and modern, renovated rooms, all with creek-view terraces

Many of the hotel's 276 rooms are decorated in a tired style, with old-fashioned furnishings and mismatched, dated interiors. However, a rolling renovation project has transformed others into sleek, contemporary spaces with modern furnishings. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, as well as bathrobes, slippers, and minibars. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained, while all rooms have the real bonus of opening to a small soft-furnished terrace with at least partial views of the creek.

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Features

Impressive range of eating and drinking options, including a British-style pub

The hotel offers a number of eating and drinking options, from Chinese, Japanese, and Persian food to a cozy British-style pub (complete with dart boards and pints of draft beer). There's also a 10th-floor jazz bar with superb views over the creek. Dinner cruises are also available aboard a traditional Arabic Dhow boat. Other facilities include a fitness center, sauna and steam room, and even a squash court; however the swimming pool and tennis courts were under reconstruction at time of writing.

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