Rooms are positively palatial in size, and on the hotel’s top floor Birds Dubai’s serves “MediterrAsian” fine dining: think local oysters, seared lamb and black cod with miso and caviar.

For sightseeing with ease, this hotel is superb: you can gaze out at Downtown’s fountains and towers over breakfast, in the gym, or from the spa – with the likes of Dubai Opera and Sky Views Dubai ...