The hype
Immaculate service and stunning Creek views, but the location is isolated from the main tourist hubs like Downtown and the Marina.
Intercontinental Dubai Festival City
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a luxury stopover near the airport with direct mall access and a killer skyline view, but don't care about being on the beach.
Why People Love It
- The glass-bottom pool hanging over the building's edge
- Direct, air-conditioned connection to Dubai Festival City Mall
- Pierre's TT – a Michelin-selected dining experience by Pierre Gagnaire
Quick Take: It’s a polished corporate oasis that feels like a resort until you realize the pool is shared with the Crowne Plaza next door.
Reviewed by @may.catague: I took the family for a weekend staycation here and we honestly didn't want to leave. The staff treated my son like a VIP, and watching the city lights come on from our room was the highlight of the trip. Perfect spot for families.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying 5-star prices for a pool experience that can feel like a 4-star family resort during peak hours.
- You have a 24-hour layover and want luxury near DXB airport
- You love shopping and want to roll out of bed into IKEA or Zara
- You appreciate a high-end Club Lounge with actual dinner-worthy food
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff are proactive about replenishing toiletries and water.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Marble surfaces are kept polished, and grout lines are clean.
- Maintenance: High standard, though some wear and tear on carpets in hallways is occasionally noted.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count white linens and fluffy, oversized towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby has a signature 'expensive hotel' scent; rooms are generally fresh, though smoking rooms exist (avoid if sensitive).
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- IMAGINE laser/fire show (evenings)
- Flight path noise (near DXB)
- Connecting doors in some rooms leaking hallway noise
Before you book
Good to know
- A Tourism Dirham fee of AED 20 per bedroom per night is charged at check-in
- The hotel is dry-connected to the mall, so you never have to step outside in the summer heat
- Breakfast at Anise is expensive (~AED 145) but massive; consider booking a rate that includes it
What to pack
- Earplugs if you plan to sleep before 11 PM in a Creek-facing room
- Modest clothing for the mall connection (shoulders/knees covered is respectful)
- Swim goggles to look down through the glass-bottom pool
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club InterContinental rooms on high floors (20+) for the best skyline views and lounge access
- Creek View rooms for the laser show (if you don't mind the noise)
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms with the 'dotted' sun-shading window decals
- City View rooms on lower floors (often just look at the highway/parking)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor room with a clear, unobstructed view of the Creek. Please ensure the window does NOT have the dotted sun-protection decal. If possible, away from the connecting doors for better sound isolation.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool really glass-bottom?
Yes, a section of the pool cantilevers over the building edge with a glass floor, but the water can be a bit murky, making the view less terrifying than expected.
How far is it from the airport?
Very close—about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from DXB International.
Can I walk to the Burj Khalifa?
No. It looks close across the water, but it's a highway-heavy 15-20 minute drive. Walking is impossible.
Is there a free shuttle?
Yes, there is often a complimentary shuttle to La Mer Beach and sometimes the airport, but schedules change—verify at the concierge.
Is it good for families?
Surprisingly yes. The mall connection, 'Planet Trekkers' kids club, and family-friendly pool (despite the sharing) make it easy.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there are several licensed bars and restaurants, including the Belgian Beer Café nearby and Pierre's TT.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The Club Lounge on the 26th floor is widely considered one of the best in Dubai—upgrade for the afternoon tea and happy hour, it pays for itself.
- ✨
Walk through the mall to the 'Festival Bay' promenade at sunset for a free view of the IMAGINE show without the hotel crowds.
- ✨
There is a 'secret' hard-to-find elevator that takes you directly to the promenade level near the Belgian Beer Café.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'City View' is essentially a 'Highway View' of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic.
💡The mini-fridges in standard rooms are sometimes not cold enough for medication (ask for a medical fridge).
💡You have to walk through the lobby to get to the pool, which can feel awkward in a robe.
💡The window cleaning cradles can sometimes obstruct views for days at a time.
💡The 'dotted' window stickers are a major complaint for photographers trying to capture the skyline.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental Dubai Festival City is located and what's nearby.