It is also something of a re-assuring constant in an ever-changing leisure landscape.
At 41, the city’s first five star hotel is also witness to the evolution of a global destination - and has been ready and able to adapt as new names have emerged.
Among its major strengths, for example, is positioning - right beside the watery birthplace of the city, with stunning views across to Downtown and the shiny towers that have risen with a new generation.
It takes best advantage of this location through Vivaldi, the hotel’s stylish Italian restaurant, at least 50 per cent flanked by floor to ceiling windows.
The hotel uses this dining space well, not least with its vibrant Vivacious Friday evening brunch.
This well-curated fixture seeks to take your palate on a foodie journey through popular and less familiar Italian choices.
So while the busy open kitchen excels at pizza, pasta and moist, flavoursome focaccia, there are plenty of other dishes to transport your tastebuds.
White bait and crispy calamari and prawns have you beside the Mediterranean, while vibrant chicken cacciatore and decadent braised lamb with Roman sauce echo rural sentiments or ancient city flavours.
Vivaldi also majors on its range of salad options, including refreshing nsalata di finocchio agrumi e cipolla and insalata giardiniera,
Then there’s a charcuterie corner with spianata and coppa and, of course, a broad dessert station with Orio and mixed berry cheese cake particularly shining.
Table service is amiable and efficient and extends to chefs circulating with additional temptations such as oysters, tuna tartare and a show-stopping risotto with cauliflower in a parmesan wheel.
All in all it’s a relaxed and delicious affair in which dishes and drinks happen from 6.30pm to 10pm, soundtracked by a DJ touting eclectic aural fare.
You can continue your evening in Vivaldi once the cucina closes or head to one of the hotel’s other outlets.
By start contrast, Chelsea Arms is Dubai’s oldest British-themed pub and offers a delightfully dated escape that belies the wider hotel refurbishment of 2015.
Beyond a dramatically high ceiling entrance area flanked by a ballroom, events spaces and meeting suites, escalators and stairs lead to an expansive atrium-style lobby.
The sound of an elaborate water feature fills the air as you check-in, either at the main reception or in the adjacent Sheraton Club lounge.
It is here you’re likely to meet VIP Guests Manager Jocelyn, one of four staff members who have been with the hotel for more than half of its existence and collectively at least 100 years.
“Hotels like ours can only maintain the same level of quality of service through the years with some very experienced associates,” says hotel General Manager Ronan Fearon.
“Our most loyal guests are the ones who return year after year and month after month – and often it’s because of our associates who will be there upon arrival to welcome them ‘home’.”
They’ll be familiar with the Club Lounge; the comfortable quiet area serves drinks and refreshments, offers a calm place to catch the TV news as well as the location for afternoon tea - plus a weekly management cocktail in which loyal guests get to mingle.
Access to the lounge depends on your room type, but was included in the junior suite we called home for the night.
A generous bathroom includes a standalone tub and spacious walk-in cubicle with a reviving rain shower.
Junior suites also include extensive storage opportunities and a second room with a work desk and a second large screen TV with several comfortable seating options.
Both rooms offer a view of the Creek, which is easily explored either on foot or atop one of the bikes the hotel rents out beside the gym.
Here you will also find the spacious pool area. Distinctively triangular in shape and flanked by a generous number of loungers, it is served by a dedicated bar and bites menu.
A longer walk takes you down to the textile, spice and gold souks and the museums beyond where the creek eventually turns out towards the ocean. Dubai Metro Union station is also fairly nearby.
Much like this charismatic district, the 268-room Sheraton Dubai Creek describes itself as not old but historic and draws 50 per cent leisure against 50 per cent business travellers.
“Thanks to a number of facelifts, the hotel remains one of the most popular hotels in the area,” adds Ronan.
“The greatest benefit for all travellers is the hotel stands directly on the banks of the Creek and our rooms have panoramic views of that and the city skyline, including the Burj Khalifa.”
DETAILS:
TO discover room options, prices and availability or to book into one of the restaurants, click on www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbsi-sheraton-dubai-creek-hotel-and-towers/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
THE hotel offers a free shuttle to Dubai Mall, should your credit card need some exercise, and La Mer beach, if you need to feel the sand between you toes.
USERS of The Entertainer apps will find two-for-one food and beverage offers in the current edition for Vivaldi, Creekside Japanese Restaurant, Ashiana and the Pool Bar.