Did a three day/2 night visit to Dubai. Decided to stay in the original downtown of the old city for my first day/night so chose the Arabian Courtyard, an older affiliate property located across from the history museum which was my primary destination along with a couple of smaller ones in the district. The hotel is circa 60s but has local character and has been modernized without destroying this uniqueness. There is no complimentary shuttle from the airport but they offer four trips a day to DXB at fixed times. I took advantage of the 11a trip to position me at the airport from which I hopped the Metro to get me to the Pullman for my second night. While you don't get elite benefits at this property (though I did get an early check-in at 10a) you do earn Accor points.

Had a very good stay at the Pullman Dubai Creek. As a Platinum was upgraded to a room on the exec floor and use of the lounge. Staff was friendly and helpful. The adjacent mall offered lots of eating options and leads to the metro station which gets you to other parts of the city or the airport. Was given a late check-out and as my flight was just after midnight, allowed to use the lounge through the early evening before heading to DXB.