Park Hyatt Dubai

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There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Dubai, and there is no shortage of the ‘me too' factor - huge lobbies, exquisite restaurants, quality service and endless facilities for both business and leisure travellers.

So when the Park Hyatt opened two years ago, a waterfront retreat adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, there were a few ‘so what's new?' mutterings.

Well, appearances can be deceptive. There is something different, better, warmer, cosier - maybe even unique about the Park Hyatt. From the outside, the location (ten minutes from the airport and close to the bustling Deira district) doesn't do it justice. Where is the luxury? Where are the beaches?

Step inside, and you have stepped into another world. There are 11 different types of rooms from the basic Park Room to the Royal Suite, but each have an element of class and discretion about them. Wandering around the hotel, you feel as though you have entered a renovated palace in the mountains of Southern Italy.

Admittedly, much depends on which room you have, as the views tend to vary. Close to the top end, and one of the very best, is the exclusive Park Executive Suite.

These 107 to 118 sq m suites feature a private patio and separate living, work and wardrobe areas. A cosy Mediterranean decor complements elegant interiors including comfy sofa and lounge chairs, work area with high-speed internet, full bar, bath with separate tub and walk-in shower and king bedroom.

Most of all, the Park Executive Suite feels like your own private apartment. The two huge balconies overlook the Creek, and are probably as close as you will get to the water from any other hotel suite in Dubai. In many ways, the Park Hyatt is as far away from the real Dubai as you can get.

One of the strange things about the Park Hyatt is that even though it is huge in size, there is deliberately little going on. Okay, there is the customary trip to the swimming pool (which is actually surprisingly small), and the usual walk around the corridors.

Otherwise, the most impressive restaurant is Traiteur, which serves modern European cuisine in striking architecture. A magnificent showpiece staircase connects the restaurant's two levels and gives great views of the kitchen. With a signature elevated show kitchen that literally positions Chefs ‘on stage', Traiteur is as much a feast for the eyes as the palate. It boasts an exclusive Cave Privee set amidst a 4200 bottle wine cellar, one of the most extensive cellars in Dubai.

There is also Café Arabesque, which celebrates the culinary delights of the Levantine region and influenced by the flavours of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. For a better atmosphere, the Thai Kitchen is impressive and has four live working kitchens-one each for wok, grill, steam and noodles, as well as a kitchen preparing traditional Thai desserts.

Most popular with visitors is The Terrace - overlooking the Creek, it features the spectacular raw bar offering a selection of caviar, oysters and Balic salmon accompanied by a vast selection of drinks. The Park Hyatt has managed to be ‘different' in a big way, and is certainly a prime choice for the more discerning traveller.

Verdict: I give it 9/10 - one of the best I've stayed in on most counts. The only letdown is the swimming pool, which is relatively shallow and small. Much depends on the view from your room, but suites such as the Park Executive are quite simply stunning.

Price: Park Executive Suite US$1566 per night.

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