The BA flight arrives Dubai very early, so we asked in advance for a 10am check-in, and we waited just an hour in the Executive Lounge until a room was ready. The only problem was that the TV did not work, and even next day the hotel staff could not fix it. So on day 3 we were upgraded to a creek view room. Two nights without TV were certainly worth the remaining 7 with a superb panorama.
The hotel is ideally located a short work from Union metro station and abra (small boat) stops across the Creek. Three times we used the free shuttle to JBR, walked around the beach and marina area, and made our own way back using metro or the Big Bus.
All the staff were courteous and helpful, especially those who sorted our room problem out, and those in the Executive Lounge. The evening buffet was as good as a restaurant so that, as is usually the case with Hilton, booking an executive room is effectively getting half-board, with beer or wine at dinner included.
There is a small heated pool on a roof terrace, and although a few people were lounging in the sun, we had the water to ourselves for a good long swim morning every late afternoon when we returned to the hotel.
All in all, a most enjoyable stay, and quite different from what we saw at the large tourist resorts at Jumeirah.