Novotel Bur Dubai — Hotel in Dubai

I wasn’t staying at Novotel Dubai, I had just popped in for a quick coffee while exploring the area. But what was meant to be a short stop turned into a genuinely heartwarming experience, thanks to a barista named Daphne.

Daphne welcomed me with a bright smile that felt truly sincere. There was a calmness and warmth about her that instantly made the café feel like a comforting corner of home. She took the time to greet every guest, not just with politeness, but with genuine interest and joy. It’s rare to find someone who treats every person not just as a customer, but as a guest in her care.

Daphne clearly takes pride in her craft. Whether I ordered a classic cappuccino, a flat white, or asked for something a bit more creative, she prepared each cup with care and precision. I could tell she wasn’t just making coffee, she was creating an experience. Every cup was consistent in quality, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. On one occasion, I asked for something off-menu, and she happily recommended a specialty she enjoys making. It turned out to be one of the best coffees I’ve ever had.

What stood out even more was how she took a moment to ask how my day was going, even though I was clearly not a hotel guest. We had a short, warm conversation that felt completely unforced. She gave a couple of great tips for nearby places to check out and even asked if I’d like some water or something light to go with my drink. That kind of attention to detail is rare.

It was clear that many guests felt the same. I watched her interact with different people from all walks of life—families, business travelers, tourists and she treated everyone with equal kindness and respect. Her ability to connect with people, paired with her professionalism and warmth, makes her an invaluable part of the Novotel team.

In a city full of impressive places and people, Daphne stood out for her authenticity. If you ever find yourself staying at Novotel Dubai, don’t miss the chance to stop by the café and be served by her. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just in need of a comforting cup, Daphne will not only make you a great drink, she’ll brighten your day.

Thank you, Daphne, for making my morning in Dubai so memorable. You are a true gem!!! #DaBrewQueenDaphne #EspressYoSelfDaphne #SteamQueenDaphne...

First two positives about the hotel from my experience: Jeff at reception Young African life guard at the roof pool

Unfortunately, there were too many negatives to list. However, main ones being: Terrible cleaning service. Did not give toilet tissues and bath towels, so I had to ask on two or three occasions for them, but it did not come and had to be re-asked or took a lengthy time. Breakfast was really poor. There were flies on the selection of meats, such as mortadella etc. Tea was not hot, hardly any selection of hot items and was one of the biggest disappointments of my stay, starting the day off really badly as there were not many alternative options near the hotel. The iron was broken in both rooms I paid for, it burnt the clothes. Had to ask for water repeatedly, as there was only one bottle in the mini-fridge. No other items. Got room service on the first night for some chips, nuggets and some grilled meat pieces. Got charged over £70 (360AED), really unjustified for the quality and quantity of food. The rooms had broken lights, a broken safe, and one of the sinks had low pressure. The rooms were not cleaned properly prior to our arrival (sticky stains). The room cards repeatedly kept on failing, and I had to repeatedly go down to the front desk to get them fixed. The room was not set up as we had asked and paid for. We told the staff via e-mail to have the sofa bed ready and they confirmed, but upon arrival, it was not done. The fire alarm went off around 1am with a notice on the speaker to evacuate immediately. I tried to gather family, but then saw only a handful of people from my floor were evacuating. Everyone else was confused, as no further instructions were given. I then took it on myself to find the stairs, went down to reception, but regrettably they said they did not know what was going on - HOW CAN THIS BE WHEN WE ARE BEING TOLD TO EVACUATE? In the end, it turned out to be a false alarm, however, I had to get the information and then informed other guests on my floor, as the staff did not come up, nor make further announcements on the speaker.

There are some other gripes, but I am too tired to write. Please do your own research before booking. I was very disappointed and most likely will not...

My recent stay at the Novotel Bur Dubai was nothing short of fantastic. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was greeted with warm hospitality and impeccable service. The hotel boasts a convenient location, making it easy to explore the vibrant city of Dubai.

My Room: I did manage to snag a 1st-floor room with a balcony. My room was comfortable, clean, and well-equipped with all the necessary amenities.

Dining: The breakfast at the Novotel Bur Dubai was a definite highlight. The spread was impressive, featuring a wide variety of options to cater to all tastes. I particularly enjoyed the selection of cheeses, the freshly made eggs, and the fluffy pancakes. They also had a good mix of Indian dishes like chole, parathas, and idli, which was a pleasant surprise.

Service: The room service was prompt and efficient, and all my requests were handled with a smile. The staff, in general, were courteous and always ready to assist.

My Only Complaint: If I had to point out one minor issue, it would be the water bottle situation. While I appreciated the fact that they provided unlimited water bottles for free, they were only 500ml each. This meant I had to constantly call housekeeping to request more water, which was a bit inconvenient. I wish they would consider providing larger 1L or 2L bottles instead.

Overall: Despite the minor water bottle issue, my stay at the Novotel Bur Dubai was exceptional. The hotel's excellent service, delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms made for a memorable experience. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a pleasant stay in Dubai.

Pro Tip: If you're planning a stay at the Novotel Bur Dubai, I highly recommend requesting a room on the 1st floor. Apparently, these rooms come with balconies that are as big as the rooms themselves – a...