The lobby of the Dream Palace Hotel is an eclectic mix of furnishings, ranging from Art Deco-style chandeliers to a pair of large gumball machines. The carpeted and white-walled lounge space has little furniture, despite its large size: a few upholstered chairs, a wooden bench, and a coffee table with a TV in the corner. The coffee bar is similarly stark and simple, with a glass case for pastries and a few clusters of tables and small leather chairs. The self-proclaimed Asian restaurant has a bit more character, with an orange wall, a stone accent wall, and vases on the tables, but the furniture looks straight out of a cafeteria and the buffet set-up indicates that the hotel is predominantly popular with budget European tour groups. The rooftop pool, with its turf deck and wood and metal furniture, has a nice view of the area but dirt and mold are visible in places.

Located on a quieter road in the Deira area of Dubai, the Dream Palace Hotel is surrounded by a few other hotels, apartment buildings, and office buildings, as well as a rather unattractive parking lot. The closest metro station is about five minutes down the road, as is a large supermarket. Sights such as the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah beaches are more than 30 minutes away via a direct line on the metro. Business travelers have quick access to Deira and Bur Dubai, both within a five-minute drive, but the Dubai International Finance Centre and World Trade Centre are about 20 minutes away. The airport is about a 10-minute drive away and the Reef Mall is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel offers free parking.

There are 147 rooms at the Dream Palace, ranging from basic to suites, none of which are particularly charming. The decor is mostly neutral, with artwork above the beds, dark wood furnishings, and patterned drapes, but the carpet and furniture appear a bit dusty and there is some mold visible in cracks in the tile in some bathrooms. Still, all have flat-screen TVs, individually controlled air-conditioning (though some guests say it doesn't work), shower/tub combination, signature toiletries, slippers, safe, hairdryer, mini-fridge, and kettle for coffee and tea. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. It's worth noting that a number of guests complain of housekeeping issues and musty smells, and some have complained of bed bugs.

The Dream Palace Hotel has convenient, if not fancy, features. There's a rooftop pool with a great view of Dubai in the distance, as well as a sauna, hot tub, and a small fitness center. A coffee lounge serves drinks and snacks throughout the day, and a self-proclaimed Asian restaurant serves a buffet that's especially popular with the tour groups that stay in the summer. There is free parking on-site, Internet access for a fee, a small business center, a banquet room, laundry and dry cleaning services.