Location. The Hallmark Hotel is located on the lively Al Rigga Street in central Dubai, United Arab Emirates, four blocks from the Al Ghurair Shopping Mall, and one kilometre from the waterfront. Dubai Airport is five kilometres from the hotel. Hotel Features. Leading from the lobby, with its dark wood panelling, contemporary ambience, and red leather sofas, a grand swirling staircase sweeps from the marble floor to the upper levels of this modern hotel. On the seventh floor guests can relax by the side of the rooftop swimming pool, and there are a fitness room, sauna, steam room, and massage treatments available. During the summer daily transfers to Mamzar Beach Park can be arranged by the hotel.

The Hallmark Hotel offers a variety of dining options, including the Star Café which is open round the clock and serves international dishes in a relaxed, informal setting. There is also a coffee shop, and a restaurant specialising in Italian cuisine.

The business centre offers conference rooms and a range of onsite services including photocopying, faxing, secretarial services, and Internet connections.

Guestrooms. The 119 air-conditioned guestrooms have smart, modern decor in natural shades of olive, cream, and chocolate brown. Amenities include satellite television, direct-dial phones with complimentary local calls, wireless Internet access (surcharge), complimentary bottled water, safes, and minibars. Bathrooms offer shower/jetted tub combinations, bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Expert Tip. Shopping is one of Dubai's most popular attractions and the lack of sales tax in the city keeps prices low. In early March the Dubai shopping festival takes place, and prices are cut in the malls. A good area for souvenir hunting is on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, where traditional Arabian goods are sold. Shops, malls and souks usually close on Friday mornings.

Room Types:

Standard room:   One king or one queen bed. Decorated with colour-coordinated fabrics, dark-wood furnishings, and long drapes. Air conditioning, wireless Internet, cable television with premium channels, direct-dial phone with free local calls, minibar, and wheelchair access. Bathroom with shower/bath combination, jetted tub, bathrobes, telephone, and hair dryer.

Driving Directions: From Dubai Airport (DXB): Distance to Hallmark Hotel is 5 kilometres, approximately 20 minutes' drive.

Getting there. Pre-paid taxis can be found at Terminal One's Arrivals hall, and the fare to the city centre is approximately 40 AED. Limousines can be hired in the Arrivals hall. Buses run to the city centre every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bus stations are located opposite Terminals One and Two. Buses 44, 33, 15, 11, and 4 run to the city centre from Terminal One, passing near to most major hotels. Bus number 2 runs to the city centre from Terminal Two, also passing near to most major hotels. Buses depart approximately every 20-30 minutes, and a single ticket costs 2 AED. Prices are all subject to change.

Getting around. Public buses offer a reasonable service between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Buses travel from Bur Dubai station, on Al-Ghubaiba Road, and Deira bus station, near the gold souk. Buses have separate seated sections for women and men, with women typically sitting near the front. Travellers should pay the correct fare to the driver. In older parts of Dubai, small wooden motorboats cross over Dubai Creek between early morning and midnight. Air-conditioned taxis are efficient, cheap and safe, and can be pre-booked by telephone or hailed in the street.