Arabian Boutique Hotel - فندق أريبيان بوتيك — Hotel in Dubai

Despite the exceptional service provided by the staff, my recent stay at the hotel was marred by several significant inconveniences.

First and foremost, I must commend the fantastic team at the hotel for their warm, friendly, and accommodating demeanor. Their level of hospitality certainly met the high standards expected in Dubai, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for making our stay as enjoyable as possible.

However, the unfortunate proximity of the hotel to a nearby event significantly impacted our experience. The entire area was cordoned off, depriving us of the opportunity to have a simple stroll along Dubai Creek to the Souk as we had to make a detour around the cordoned off areas.

Returning to the hotel proved to be a challenge as well. We were repeatedly met with shouts of "it's closed!" from event security when attempting to access the premises, and the limited entry and exit points made it difficult for guests to navigate. Even when trying to use an entrance closest to the car park, we were rudely shunned away by security who claimed it was reserved for VIPs.

The hotel management could have certainly done more to alleviate these issues. Simple solutions, such as providing guests with lanyards to identify themselves to security, could have improved the situation significantly. Additionally, the lack of available parking exacerbated the problem, forcing us to contend with long queues at public car parks due to the event.

Our departure was similarly plagued by difficulties, as our Emirates chauffeur struggled to locate us amidst the chaos caused by the inaccessible car park. Despite this, I must commend the staff who assisted us during this stressful time.

In hindsight, had I been aware of the event and the resulting inconveniences it would cause, I would have reconsidered my booking decision. It was truly a regrettable experience that tarnished an otherwise...

So, "all five stars" if this if what you are looking for, but this is what to know before you go.

If this is the location and budget you need, and you're not willing sacrifice excellent service, cleanliness, great water pressure, a comfortable bed, room to unpack and basic amenities, this is the place. The food at the on-site restaurant with dishes that present and taste better than what you would expect at a ritzy, more central-Dubai hotel, will bring a smile to the most discerning critic (for breakfast, lunch or dinner).

However, some rooms have no windows, or design that attempts to compensate for not having them. Other easily fixable design challenges may frustrate you, like a much needed slip-prevention matt in the wonderfully large, multi-head, shower (also, only two of our three heads worked ) are common.

While it's obvious some attempts at design appear, that is not their current priority. Our room had an impressive blue Murano glass style chandelier as a design centerpiece. Sadly it looks awkward and out of place. Nothing else in the quaint decor accents or gives a nod to its presence. It's typical of many contradictions that seem consistent in this hotel's DNA.

The rooms we saw that do have any windows offer little privacy. Other potential issues to know. There is no drop-off area if you are coming by a motor vehicle, and no gym. The outdoor seating is not inviting or comfortable and a bit grungy.

If you need a solid, clean, economic place to sleep, get dressed and have a good bathroom during your stay, this is a great option. The friendly and helpful nature of the staff, while modest in hospitality experience,...

Very nice concept but poor execution.

We booked a "Junior Suite" described on Booking.com as "Entire unit located on ground floor" with "Garden view" and "Inner courtyard view". However it was on the first floor, with view on a balcony and ongoing construction as they opened a new building next to the original one and sold the rooms before fully finishing it. The second one is not as nice as the first one. They don't show any photos of the new building online.

The hotel is surprisingly not suitable for heat: single glazed windows and old doors that let the heat come in, so the old AC even at full power is insufficient and it felt too hot in the room, already in late April. The bathroom lacks AC and is even hotter, no cold water either. The traditional door lock is cute but it is in metal so it gets burning hot under the scorching heat of Dubai. It is also impractical: if someone leaves the room they cannot close the door properly from outside (at the risk of locking in the person who stays inside) so all the heat enters the room. There is also no shade on the balcony. Uber and Careem cannot come in front of the hotel so you have to walk and wait under 40°C without shade: they should add a sun protection along the canal promenade leading to a dedicated taxi and Uber/Careem pick up area under the shade (even open without AC would do the job). So don't come outside winter.

Staff members were all very nice and tried to help but their English was sometimes poor and they could not do anything about the above issues when I...