Waterfront Rooms
Several guests describe spacious, clean rooms with striking waterfront views and generously sized balconies.
The First Collection Waterfront, Dubai, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Business Bay
The First Collection Waterfront is a modern hotel in Business Bay with clean, spacious rooms, waterfront views and balconies in some categories. Guests mainly come for the rooftop pool overlooking Burj Khalifa and the wide breakfast buffet, while the calm setting keeps downtown within taxi reach.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
1,144 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Breakfast Buffet
The buffet has a broad range of fresh options, including choices that suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Rooftop Pool
The smaller rooftop pool gives guests views towards Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline.
Helpful Care
Reviews include thoughtful support for accessibility, including help reaching breakfast items and toiletries placed at reachable levels.
Dining Options
Guests mention good buffet meals, room service, dinner and afternoon tea at the café, with food prepared for different occasions.
Family Friendly
The hotel has accommodated family celebrations with birthday cakes and room decorations, and reviewers found the staff kind with children.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm Location. Before arrival, confirm in writing that your booking is for the Waterfront hotel, not another First Collection location.
Check Inclusions. Verify the exact room view and whether Soluna Beach access is included, particularly when booking through a tour operator.
Plan Transport. Budget for taxis: reviewers found no nearby metro, while the Dubai Mall shuttle had limited departures and no return trip.
Request Quiet. Ask for a room away from elevators and noisy neighbours if sleep matters; one upgraded suite had repeated early-morning door slams.
Check Breakfast. If you need breakfast to go, reconfirm shortly before departure rather than relying only on an advance request.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Marasi Dr
Business Bay, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Soluna Beach
Some guests mention access to Soluna Beach as an additional property benefit, but inclusion depends on the booking.
spa session
A guest reported a professional, comfortable spa session during their stay.
24/7 gym
The hotel is mentioned as having a 24/7 gym alongside its café and smaller pool.
Common Concerns
Location Access
There is no nearby metro station, and the Dubai Mall shuttle was reported to run only three times daily with no return service.
Room Upkeep
Some guests reported unclean bathrooms, unrefilled dispensers, uncollected rubbish and sheets changed only after asking.
Room Noise
Noise has affected some stays, including neighbour noise and loud door slams near the elevators.
Bathroom Size
Bathrooms can be very compact, and one guest reported an unusually low showerhead and unstable water temperature.
Booking Clarity
Reviews report location changes, disputed room details and slow refund communication, especially through third-party bookings.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
The First Collection Waterfront is a modern Business Bay hotel that works well for travellers who want a quieter base near downtown rather than a metro-connected address. Guests can book rooms with balconies and waterfront views, use the rooftop pool overlooking Burj Khalifa, eat at the breakfast buffet, and arrange taxis or limited Dubai Mall shuttle trips. Breakfast is one of the strongest recurring themes.
Reviews mention a broad international spread, fresh choices and good value, while other guests enjoyed room service, dinner and café coffees. Rooms are often described as clean, comfortable and spacious, though not every category has a meaningful view and some bathrooms are notably small. Service is a real strength in many stays, including considerate help for guests with disabilities and warm support during flight disruptions or family celebrations.
The property also has a gym, spa and Soluna Beach access associated with some bookings. There are important booking and consistency warnings. A few guests reported being moved to another First Collection location, unclear inclusions, delayed refunds and poor follow-up.
Housekeeping, breakfast service and maintenance were also uneven in some stays, including a shower that remained unsafe after two repairs. Confirm the location, view, beach access and any special requests in writing before arrival.