V Hotel Dubai enjoys a prime location in Business Bay, right along Dubai Creek, sharing the Al Habtoor City complex with Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City and Al Habtoor Palace. Interestingly, the latter was previously part of Hilton’s luxury LXR portfolio until it departed from the brand last year.
This marked our sixth stay at V Hotel, and while we’ve had memorable experiences here before, this visit left us with mixed feelings. Let’s take a closer look at what impressed us and what fell short.
V Hotel Dubai: What Changed in 2025?
During our previous stays — including one just last year — we were warmly recognized as returning guests. Check-in usually began with a cheerful “Welcome back,” setting a positive tone for the stay. Unfortunately, this time was different. When we asked a question during check-in, the receptionist responded with, “Have you stayed with us before?” A clear sign that guest history had either not been noted or was no longer accessible in their system. While staff turnover is expected, we missed that personalized touch and sense of recognition that had previously made us feel valued.
That said, check-in itself was smooth, and we were soon on our way to our upgraded King Grand Deluxe Suite — a welcome surprise we had already seen in our Hilton Honors app. We had originally booked a standard King Deluxe Room, so we were excited to try this new suite category for the first time.
V Hotel’s design remains bold and futuristic, clearly tailored for a younger, trend-focused crowd. Expect dramatic black hallways, edgy lighting, and quirky details throughout. If you prefer a more classic and elegant ambiance, you might be more comfortable next door at Hilton Al Habtoor City.
Our suite was spacious and featured the same futuristic design we’ve come to recognize from previous stays at V Hotel. The layout followed an open-concept style, with the bathtub and sink integrated into the main room, while the toilet and walk-in rain shower were tucked away in a separate enclosed space. The wardrobes were cleverly hidden behind large mirrored panels, adding to the suite’s sleek aesthetic.
Unlike some of the other suites we’ve stayed in at V Hotel — with round beds — this one had a standard king bed. One unique feature of this suite was a separate “party room” equipped with lounge-style couches and a bar area, large enough to comfortably host 15–20 guests. While it’s a fun concept for those looking to entertain, we didn’t have a use for it during our stay.
Located on the 26th floor, the suite also offered an excellent view of the Hilton pool deck and the surrounding cityscape — a definite highlight.
In the evening, we also received a sweet welcome treat featuring pralines, chocolates, and cookies, accompanied by a personalized welcome card. However, once again, there was no mention of our previous stays or recognition of our loyalty.
Dining and Executive Lounge Experience
One notable upgrade that we already experienced during our last visit is the Executive Lounge on the 30th floor opened at the end of 2023, available exclusively for Hilton Honors elite members. The space is very spacious, beautifully designed, and offers breathtaking views over the city — an ideal spot to relax and escape the afternoon sun.
The lounge offers three daily services:
Breakfast buffet from 6:30 to 10:30 AM
Afternoon tea from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Evening happy hour with buffet and alcoholic drinks from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
While the selection during each service wasn’t extensive, the quality was excellent. Everything was fresh, well-prepared, and we appreciated that the offerings varied from day to day — something that added a pleasant sense of discovery each time we visited.
The only real downside is a policy change that may disappoint frequent guests: as a Diamond member, you’re no longer entitled to complimentary breakfast at the hotel’s main restaurant unless you choose to pay for it separately. If the breakfast there is still similar to what we remember from past visits, the variety is significantly wider than what’s offered in the lounge.
During happy hour, the lounge buffet included a nicely curated spread: cold appetizers, fresh salads, one soup, three hot dishes, and a selection of desserts. It’s a comfortable, peaceful way to enjoy a light dinner or pre-dinner drinks while watching the sunset over Dubai.
Hotel Facilities and Leisure Options
V Hotel offers a solid range of leisure facilities, starting with a well-equipped fitness center and spa located on the 7th floor. The hotel also has its own outdoor pool deck — though relatively small, it’s perfect for a quick dip or a bit of sunbathing. For a more expansive pool experience, guests have access to the adjacent Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City pool deck, which features multiple pools, cabanas, and a more resort-like atmosphere.
For those seeking a beach day, V Hotel provides access to the private beach at Habtoor Grand Resort. A complimentary shuttle service is available, but advance reservations are required and can be arranged through the concierge.
The hotel complex is also home to the region’s first permanent theatrical show, La Perle, which has been captivating audiences for several years. This unique water-stage spectacular blends acrobatics, aerial stunts, and visual artistry into a truly unforgettable performance. If you enjoy artistic theatre, La Perle is an experience not to be missed.
If you enjoy walking outdoors, the banks of Dubai Creek — just steps away from the hotel — offer a pleasant and scenic route for long walks. We really enjoyed spending time along the waterfront, watching the city evolve and exploring the new developments in this part of Dubai.
Conclusion
Our fifth stay at V Hotel Dubai left us with a mixed impression, shaped largely by some notable changes since our last visit. On the positive side, the Executive Lounge on the 30th floor — introduced before our last stay — continues to be a standout feature. Spacious and stylish, it offers sweeping views of Dubai and a comfortable environment throughout the day, with excellent service and a carefully chosen selection of food and drinks.
Another highlight is the hotel’s value for money — especially in the low season. In May, we paid around $100 per night, which is excellent for a property of this standard in Dubai. However, like most hotels in the UAE, V Hotel’s pricing fluctuates significantly with the seasons, reaching $300–$350 per night during the peak months from December to February.
On the downside, we felt the shift in customer recognition and service culture. Despite being returning guests, there was no acknowledgment of our loyalty — a contrast to the warm, personal welcome we’ve received in the past. Additionally, the removal of complimentary breakfast access in the main restaurant for Diamond members could be a dealbreaker for some, especially in a destination like Dubai where food is a central part of the hotel experience.
That said, both Hilton properties in Al Habtoor City continue to uphold a strong standard and benefit from a fantastic location along Dubai Creek. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, the area is a convenient base for exploring everything the city has to offer.
