Hi,

I have a very soft spot for the Conrad Dubai ( location re ease of access to the metro is excellent)

Other hotels

Doubletree M Square hotel - close to Burjuman mall and metro station- gets good reviews but the executive lounge is now closed
Canopy Al Seef- ideal for the Dubai Creek and Alseef area ( just walk outside and you are beside the creek . Nice rooftop pool. Close to burjuman metro ie abou a 10min walk but oudoors. Did have a couple pf minor service issues re deposit to charge incidentals ie pool bar drinks and laundry to the room but was solved. I was able to check-in at 0830 and get a 2pm check out with no issues so that was a good plus point. Good hotel but it is not the conrad
Al seef curio -more a hertiage style hotel

The hiltons by Habtoor ( Dubai Canal)- get mixed reviews
Hiltons by JBR ( close to the Dubai marina) but also get mixes reviews

The Marriott Grosvenor house ( by the Marina ) gets good reviews.

Unless you will be spending lots of time by the marina,jbr or palm, I do not think you can go wrong with the Conrad ( esp with lounge access)

Have not mentioned the waldorf palm as you wanted a city hotel..it is a beautiful hotel but not a good location for dubai sightseeing and you need to pay for Pearl Club access ( but it is very good)

Regards

TBS