For my last night in Dubai, I moved to this property mainly because of it's close proximity to the airport and just because I was curious about this newest addition to the Hilton group of hotels in Dubai.

This property used to be a Hilton Garden Inn, but switiched to being a Doubletree property.  

Location

This property is located in what seems to be a new development area around the north of Dubai Creek.  There are still quite some open spaces which I am sure will be filled with new buildings.  Currently, the area is a mix of residential, shops and 2 other international hotel chains - Element by Westin and Premier Inn  (and further afield is the large Grand Hyatt).  Outside of this, the area is still very "local" as in the shops are catered to mainly the local residents in the area, which to me is always a nice point as you get to experience some good (and cheap) local food/cuisine. 

The hotel is easily accessible by both public transportation and car.  The closes metro station is the Al-Jadaf metro station of the Green line.  From the property to the airport by car, it is < 10 mins without heavy traffic.  By metro, it takes slightly longer due to the need to transfer back to the red line.  From here it is also quite easy to get onto the highway if you have a car (and for now parking around the area is free).

All in all, I would say if location is not super important, it is an ok from this point of view.   One good point of the hotel (to make it attractive I guess) is that they do have a couple of shuttle service to Dubai mall and to the La Mer beach area.  

Check In

I arrived late in the morning - and already noticed on my Hilton app that no upgrades were provided.  For me it was not a concern if a room was ready or not, as it was mainly to leave my bags before leaving again.  Anyway, arrived at quite a busy lobby since breakfast was still ongoing, however the front desk was free so I was attended to immediately.  All I can say that I was attended to by a very disinterested front associate - even when "forced" to acknowledge my status, it was in a totally disinterested tone.  Based on this I knew that asking for an upgrade will just be futile.  I was although asked interestingly if I wanted a twin or king room (which I thought was quite disrespectful based on seeing 2 male guests checking in) - I know what room I have booked.  

Anyway, without further informaiton, (e.g. breakfast times, etc) I was handed the cookies and key card.  One of the most disinterested check in experience, and sadly in general this was the same theme during the whole stay from most of the staff.

On a side note, digital key was available, but I doubt it will work immediately as the hotel needs to see and record your identification document.  

Room

The room was situated at the corner of the hotel with a view towards the metro station.  It was an open view (for now) since there's no other taller buildings surrounding the property.  The room was bright with the ceiling to floor windows.

Other than that, the room size was ok - with the usual long desk - functioning as the working desk, vanity desk, TV and coffee/tea making facility area.  The minibar was empty.  2 bottles of complimentary water was provided (which I understood is replaced daily).  There was also a small sitting area for 2. 

Internet speed was good and stable - log-in is with your last name and room number.  TV size was ok with the usual local and international selection.  Only that the TV remote was not that reactive, I believe due to the low battery (they strangely had the cover screwed, so you could not open it to remove the batteries - guess for thef reasons).  Anyway, every time when it did not work, a few tap of it did the job and the buttons would function again. 

Sleep quality was good, although I think they would soon need to swap the mattras as I think after a few months use it would have been over used.  For me it was just at the edge of the support system.  Furthermore, when getting in/out of bed, the bed frame would creak - luckily this did not when in bed.  Noise level from outside was close to none, but internal noise, it was on the audible side especially if the room next had someone talking in front of their door or knocking their door.  Luckily none of these happened in the middle of the night.  

Climate control was good - initially it did not work, even setting the temperature to 14 deg, the room just never cooled down (even after coming back a few hours later - the room was warmer than the hallways).  Reported this and luckily they managed to get it fixed and after that it worked well.

One major problem with the room are the electrical outlets - they are all standard UK types - why major, at least in my opinion, as an international chain, and also as a new hotel, most other hotels of this level in Dubai have a few outlets which are the multi-international type in the rooms.  Here it was just one type, quite a disspointment.  there was only 1 USB wall charger (ther other was the one found on the Hilton clock).  

The bathroom size was ok - with a walk-in shower.   Toileteries were the usual Crabtree and Evelyn products.  Shower pressure and temperature was good.  Although the towels quality - again as a new hotel, a bit dissapointed as it looks like it has been used for a long time and washed so many times it's not white anymore and showing wear and tear at the edges. 

Breakfast

The breakfast spread was sufficient for a Doubletree - with eggs to order.  Other than that, there were a variety of hot dishes and cold/continental options were also good.  Only small complain would be I noticed that they did not really clear used plates away on a regular basis, at some tables around you could see plates piling up with no one clearing them.  Also I think the breakfast room could get a bit crowded during the peak hours (since i went quite early, it was not an issue).

Street Eat

I had drinks at the hotel bar/cafe (the hotel had also a separate restaurant, same location as breakfast, without alcoholic drinks).  Prices at the place was ok - more or less the same as other properties.  The selections of the different drinks/wine and cocktails were ok.  Only I found that the amount of liquer in the cocktails to be minimal, had a Mojito and I was doubting if any rum went into it.  Although I did not have any food, from what I noitced, food looks good (at least well presented).

Service

This is where I think much improvements is needed for this property, especially the front desk associates.  As mentioned earlier, during check-in, a very disinterested associate.  Later that evening (due to the problem with the electrical plugs in the room) I went down to ask if I could borrow any adapter.  Initially I was sort of lied to about them not having any, however I insisted if they could check after explaining that I did not bring any with me (which I totally forgot on this trip), one appeared just under the drawer where a few mins ago I was told none was available.  Again this interaction was with another front desk agent that showed fully no interest of being there.  

Later on, half way having my drink at the bar, I thought I would check on the status of the repair for the airconditiong, this time with the another front desk agent, same situation - totally disinterested and I had to more or less insist that she call to check on the status, and it was only than that she made a call to check.

The same for most of the breakfast room staff - they all seem to not want to have any interaction with the guests.  

The only exception were 2 associates -  one was an associate whom I did not have any interaction but from how I saw him interacting with other guests, seem he was like some front office supervisor and the person checking me out - which was much more cheerful and more interactive and proactive.  

Pool

The hotel's rooftoop pool is quite good - the location is quite good as it does have the sun most of the day with some nice view towards the famous skyline of Dubai and towards the airport (this was the advantage of the now defunct Hilton Dubai Creek).  There is a nice lounge area in this area.  Only bad thing is that the rooftop bar was closed.  The gym and laundry room are also situated on this floor.

Just to also mentioned, the pool guard on duty was another of the more service minded associate of the hotel.

Closed rooftop lounge/bar:

Nice lounge area:

View of the Dubai skyline -the day ended with smog/sand pollution, so it was not that good

Overall

All in all, I would say this property from physical point more or less do meet the standard of a Doubletree, but main failure of this property from what I feel is service point and the physical condition of the rooms/amenities.  One of the reason I guess for this is because from what I noticed, the main business for the hotel seems to be tour groups - saw one leaving and that same evening another group arrived (mainly German/French groups). - which also explains why even though categorized as a new hotel, there's lots of wear and tear already.  

For me I am fine if this is the business direction of the hotel, however I think in order to maintain a at least some quality of the hotel, they should at least appoint certain floors for use for tour group guests and other floors for individual hotel guests.

As for HHonors elite beneifts - there's not much to hope for here.  Not even an upgrade to the next category is provided.  The hotel does participate in the current ongoing promotion that HHonors members get a 25% discount on F&B.  

I would return to this property only if the price is right, although it is a pity as there can be potential in this property to be much better with some additional care and planning of their business/guest service strategy.