Hilton Dubai Creek, UAE

With the tourism industry providing one out of every 6.4 jobs in the UAE in 2009 and growing at an estimated 2.8 percent annually, Dubai’s hotel sector offers a sound hotel infrastructure that attracts business and leisure travellers alike. Established in 2001, the Hilton Dubai Creek occupies a unique position in the emirate’s varied hospitality-scape. With 154 rooms nestled on the shores of Dubai Creek in the heart of Deira’s business district, this boutique property strikes a cool, contemporary pose that belies the warmth of its hospitality. “An intimate property that is an antidote to the big, glitzy Dubai hotels.” says GM, Mike Nalborczyk, it proves that small can be not only beautiful but also stylish and sophisticated.

Blending gleaming steel and glass with minimalist touches of leather and beechwood create a mood of understated luxury and modernity. Designed by famed architect Carlos Ott, a distinctive style permeates to the signature Gordon Ramsay restaurant and the stunning panorama from the rooftop pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the skyline as well as the Dubai Creek, where traditional wooden dhows load cargo as they ply their trade on age-old routes to Iran and other destinations in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

Just as importantly, Hilton Dubai Creek encourages innovative levels of service from its staff. In the proverbial quality consistency advocated by the global brand that now boasts 3,400 properties globally, this is evident in the myriad small touches. Take the extraordinary bath-towel sculptures in each room, or the hand written thank you notes from the housekeeping staff. When five star levels are the norm, Nalborczyk adds that, “We focus on passion and guidance when training staff with an emphasis on understanding each of our guests needs.”

Four categories of accommodation await guests: Hilton guest rooms, deluxe and executive rooms as well as suites. All equipped with high-speed Internet access, a full-sized sunken whirlpool bath, a separate walk-in shower and scented toiletries, the black marbled bathrooms are perfect for diverse categories of guests to relax in unadulterated comfort. 

Decidedly at its most spectacular from the rooftop pool, a quiet enclave in which to swim or laze, the bartender can blend any drink to perfection or tempt with an array of poolside snacks. Downstairs, the Issimo Bar offers the opportunity to watch live televised sports from the comfort of black leather club chairs. For those in action mode, the well-equipped health club beckons while the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is only minutes away. “Basically the property has been conceptualised to cater to business as well as leisure guests. One segment should not overshadow the other”, claims Nalborczyk who has headed this gem of a boutique property since 2007, after four years of working at the Hilton Sydney. He also helmed the award winning Hilton Melbourne Airport and Hilton Sheffield in the United Kingdom.

With culinary supremo Gordon Ramsay overseeing all aspects of food and beverage, the Hilton Dubai Creek is renowned for its restaurants. For breakfast or casual dining the Glasshouse Brasserie is a must. Boasting a colour-coded menu to meet guests’ individual dietary requirements, welcome to an impressive range of choices. At breakfast, cooked-to-order dishes include specialities such as oven-baked smoked kippers and blue cheese omelette with fresh herbs. With its emphasis on modern Mediterranean cooking, the Glasshouse is a favourite with Dubai residents for its lunches, dinners and lavish weekend brunches. “Our association with Gordon Ramsay has been mutually beneficial since we successfully introduced this celebrity chef to the UAE, whilst he helped position us in the highest gastronomic echelons in the UAE,” he explains.

For instance, the award-winning Verre @ Hilton Dubai Creek was the first international restaurant opened by this Michelin-starred virtuoso. With Executive Chef Matt Pickop now at the helm, Verre remains a model for the consistency and attention to detail that Ramsay’s restaurants are famous for. The five-course Demi Prestige Menu is an excellent introduction to Verre’s modern European cuisine. While the menu varies seasonally, it always includes a selection of signature dishes accompanied by wines paired with each course by sommelier Garth Beer. For example, a cannon of lamb is matched with an Australian Grenache blend while a decadently rich Tarte Tatin is served with a Muscat de Beaumes de Venise.

The hotel is not only stylish, but strategically located – merely ten minutes from Dubai International Airport. It is also close to the city’s shopping malls as well as Dubai’s historic area and gold souq. “With visitors from new markets such as China and Brazil, as well as the growing business tourism sector, the hotel is poised for further success,” concludes Nalborczyk. Guests will leave Hilton Dubai Creek having enjoyed a sophisticated but welcoming stay experiencing the true heart and soul of Dubai.