Cassells Al Barsha is a mid-rise, three-pearl hotel that attracts mostly tourists, plus a number of business travelers. The property is a bit average, with both dated and contemporary but underwhelming decor throughout. The lobby's brown-leather tufted couches are topped with jewel-tone throw pillows, the front desk is backed by wood paneling, and the Emarati eatery has patterned chairs in need of a refresh. However, the rooftop pool has attractive tiling and one restaurant has  stylish wallpaper, red and beige velvet armless chairs, and hanging lightbulbs. Travelers willing to overlook the disjointed, often outdated look will likely appreciate the decent list of amenities and its excellent proximity to the metro. 

Cassells Al Barsha's best features is that it sits on a corner in the Al Barsha neighborhood of Dubai, a quick five-minute walk from the Sharaf DG Metro station, which has access to most of Dubai. Reaching the Mall of the Emirates would only take five minutes on the metro or about 15 minutes if walking. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are about a 15-minutes metro ride. Families with children may want to check out Wild Wadi, which has 30 rides and attractions, and is about 10 minutes away by taxi. The hotel provides a free 20-minute shuttle to the Jumeirah Beach. Dubai International Airport is a 30-minute car ride.

Cassells Al Barsha Hotel has 312 rooms, 90 of which are suites called either Junior, Presidential, or Royal. Rooms are mostly contemporary, though the patterned carpet could use an update, and the rest of the design consists of dark-wood furniture, earth-tone linens, and light-colored walls. All have artwork and small sitting areas, while suites add separate living areas with dining tables and kitchenettes. Many are showing wear and tear. All, however, are spacious and outfitted with flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. They don’t all have balconies, and those that do are unfurnished. Bathrooms feature attractive tiling, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. The Presidential Suite has two bedrooms, while the Royal Suite has three. The suites are likely to have balconies, but guests should inquire first. Also note that supplies are limited in the kitchen facilities.     

The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool with an adjacent hot tub. The huge deck is lined with cushioned lounge chairs and towels are provided. A sauna and steam rooms for both men and women are available, as is a spacious gym with plenty of natural light, cardio machines, and weight-training equipment. There are a few dining options on the premises. Za’Abeel Restaurant provides the breakfast buffet, which receives mostly favorable reviews, except for the fact that it can be chaotic and busy at times. It also serves local and international fare for lunch and dinner. The Emarati restaurant has a warm design in burgundy and gold hues and serves both Arabic and international cuisine. Cafe 2 Go is open all day, serving beverages and light snacks; it’s a chain cafe, best known for featuring items made from camel’s milk.