Originally Posted by nldogbert

Location This could be one of the better reason to stay at this property - the proximity to the airport and about 10-15 mins to the nearest Metro station and a bus stop opposite the hotel. Around the property there are quite a number of shops and restaurants. This used to be what I see as the starting point of development of Dubai, the Deira area, where the first few international hotel was built in Dubai. Check In Arrived late in the afternoon and there was only 1 person manning the front desk who was helping to checkin a guest. After about ~ 5 mins, even after completing the procedure, the guest in front of me was still asking lots of questions, etc. As I was waiting, another guest arrived and the front desk associate called in to ask for an additional associate to help which I was helped and from then it was about ~5 mins of checking in procedure and off to my room. Room Since the property follows quite closely the HH rules, no upgrades to Suites provided although it was available. However I did manage to get a high floor airport facing room - which I was OK with for the 1 night. Room size is ok - albeit slightly on the smaller side (even though it was a corner room). There was a small arm chair and a nice long functional desk. Coffee/tea making facilities were available in the room. There was also a minibar which was basically stocked with a few drinks (soft and juice).Temperature control was good, it was a smart system which if you leave your room it will be turned off automatically and when the room is occupied it will turn on. My only small complain here is the noise level of the blower which was quite loud even though set to low (strangely when you select the auto mode - when it does go low, the fan did seem to really go much quieter - so not sure what's the deal here). Despite being (very close) to the airport with at times planes taking off towards the direction of the hotel, due to the good window isolation, hardly heard any noise - the only noise was when traffic below blew their horn - which was luckily not often (mainly during morning and evening rush hour).Internet speed was ok - there was no option for premium internet for HH elite members - but it worked well and fast enough.The bathroom was on the smaller side with a walk in shower. The usual HGI amenities. Luckily the shower area was sufficiently spacious with good water and temperature control. Breakfast The breakfast area is not the biggest, but looks to be ok to accommodate what I saw was quite a rather heavy occupancy rate. The area is divided up into different sections which was good to divide up the crowd. Breakfast offerings was rather good for a HGI - a mix of western/asian and Arabic offerings with an egg station. They had the signature waffle station. Staff were friendly and attentive in clearing up and topping up when needed. Quality was good. Amenities The hotel pool and fitness center is located at the top floor (8th floor) of the hotel. Fitness center seemed to be well equipped for an HGI. Pool area is slightly on the smaller side, so if it gets busy I can imagine a difficult time to find a seat. However when I was there, it was not too busy (most probably because of the much lower temperature due to the previous days rain). There is a nice view of the Deira area and the airport - with views of airplane taking off. So it could be enjoyable or nuisance depending on how you view noise from the planes. There is a staff always available to provide the towers (and I guess act as a lifeguard?). Overall All in all, an OK property - the expected HGI service. Staff in general was friendly. For HH elite members, the only benefits are those that are listed, nothing more above that. One good point is parking is at least complimentary (although you do need to know how to get there - entrance is to the back of the hotel, but you can park temporarily in front of the hotel during check-in and than get directions to the garage)