Dubai: 5 Places to Stay

Compared to Dubai's flashy skyscraper hotels, the waterfront Park Hyatt Dubai, which opened in 2005, is subtle and diminutive — which is exactly the point. While close to the city center, the 225-room, bright-white compound sits on a quiet stretch of Dubai Creek, sequestered from the streets by acres of gardens, with a stunning (and noiseless) view of Dubai's skyline. A Mediterranean-influenced design subdues the city's harried energy, using low archways and an intimate, candlelit lobby that's more sanctuary than waiting area. The serenity extends to the rooms — outfitted with clean-lined, angular wood furniture, silky fabrics in tones of cream and gold, sculptural objets, freestanding baths, and either balconies or lavish terraces with views over the creek. At the Amara spa, each of the eight treatment rooms has its own private garden; of the five on-site dining options, we like the modern European Traiteur restaurant for its enormous, impressively stocked wine cellar.

Insider Tip: For a decadent night in, order from the excellent room-service menu and have a moonlit picnic of mezze and wine on your terrace or balcony.

Room to Book: Park Terrace Suites, which have separate work and living areas and outdoor living rooms that look out over the lawn.

• 1. Park Hyatt Dubai
  Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-602-1234 dubai.park.hyatt.com