Fiona,
How long are you staying for and are you on biz or holiday?
Creek Hilton has a new exec lounge (well its prob 2 years old now) and it's fine with good canapes and drinks from 6-8pm although it's a while since I was there so things may have changed.
It's a great location for downtown and the Creek (obviously) but Jumeirah is (again obviously) much better for the beach and it is right in the middle of 'New Dubai' ie Marina and JBR which is walking distance and full of cafes, restaurants etc.