Travel broadcaster Phil Blizzard discovers the ideal city centre hotel to take in the offerings of the Dubai Summer Surprise 2015.

The temperature outside was sizzling in the mid-40 degrees Celsius as I arrived at the Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre which is a 10 minute taxi drive from Dubai International Airport. On entering the lobby the cool air breathing on me was readily appreciated and I was pleasantly surprised by the ‘new’ fresher look to the hotel. Evidence of the extensive refurbishment programme untaken since my last visit.

Checkin-in was swift and efficient and I was soon in my room - spacious, contemporary in style and fittings. The predominant hue was black which made the accompanying lime green furnishings shine like a beacon. Talking of lights I must say the touch sensitive reading light at the side of the bed made a pleasant surprise. Simple to operate, in what these days can be a ‘technical jungle’ of electronics controls - for everything from the closing of curtains, the operating of the TV and the myriad of lighting options. My arrival was late, so to bed it was and next morning the breakfast at Medley was a real surprise, but more on that later.

Location, location, location is a well used mantra in the real estate sector of business and applies equally well to hotels. The Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre is in a brilliant location for several reasons. It is close to Dubai International Airport, it’s in the heart of the ‘traditional; business centre of Dubai and it is attached to one of the city’s premier shopping malls. It is alongside the famous Dubai Creek and Golf Club, perfect for golfing aficionados and also waterside leisure activities. However at this time of year the Deira City Centre Shopping Mall is perhaps a key reason for so many quests to stay at this hotel. There is direct and security controlled access to the mall which with the high summer temperatures is a blessing.

Upon entry to this shopping emporium visitors will discover, on the three levels, designer label boutiques, up-market shops dedicated to the sale of handsome time pieces,  jewellers, local artefacts and the latest technology to keep any gadget fan happy for ages. A melange of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants offers cuisine from across the world and a cinema complex shows the latest movies. All that and more and I have not even mentioned the Dubai Summer Surprises 2015.

This well established annual summer tourist attraction brings in record braking number of visitors from across the Gulf region and beyond for a full programme of entertainment in the shopping malls and different venues across the city. Visitors will also find retailer offering special Dubai Summer Surprise deals in their outlets. With all that on offer the Pullman Dubai Diera City Centre is in a great location, location, location anyone and everyone to partake in the Dubai Summer Surprises.

As for breakfast the hotel offers one of the finest breakfast buffets I have ever come across. There are live cooking stations, a fruit drink station with a wonderful array of wake me up juices and as for coffee and hot drinks one of the largest selections I have ever seen in a hotel. A real coffee drinkers delight, and as for the ‘Magarita” glass of yoghurt and fruit berries, that was definitely my favourite.

The Pullman Dubai Deira City has won the accolade of Dubai’s Leading City Hotel 2015 from the World Travel Awards.

For further information and reservations visit the website www.pullmanhotels.com or telephone +p71 4 294 1222