Designed like a cross between a hotel and a luxury apartment building, this smart-looking property greets guests with a chic gray and black lobby of gleaming tiles, a sleek front desk, and an enormous contemporary chandelier. The modern theme continues throughout the interiors, with clean and carpeted -- albeit slightly dark -- hallways and tasteful dining areas. This isn’t one of the sprawling, amenity-packed resorts that attracts tourists to Dubai, but families and couples appreciate the cleanliness, space, and convenience it offers. It’s also a practical option for guests on business and travelers in transit. 

The hotel's immediate surroundings aren’t remarkable, but it’s located near several busy roads in a bustling section of Deira, and within walking distance to offices, shops, and eateries. The Khalifa Al Tajer Mosque is a three-minute walk away, and a handful of metro and bus stations are within five minutes on foot. The property is especially convenient as an airport hotel, as terminals at Dubai International Airport are an eight-minute drive away. Airport transfers are provided for a fee. Travelers should note that the glitzier downtown Dubai area and the city’s main attractions, like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, are a good 15 minutes away by car or 40 minutes away by public transport. Beaches are also far away; it takes 20 minutes by car or about an hour by public transport to reach Jumeirah Beach.

Apartments are available with one, two, or three bedrooms, and all varieties are large enough to accommodate large leather couches, dining tables that seat four to six people, and ample closet space. Cool tile floors make the living and eating areas feel airy, and carpeted bedrooms are cozy with large king or twin-size beds. Cribs and rollaway beds are provided on request. Wood furnishings are well-maintained, and there are nice touches like modern art prints and colorful rugs in the rooms. All apartments have balconies, but some views are lackluster. 

All apartments are well-appointed with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, and free daily newspapers. The full kitchens are slightly dark but include microwaves, toasters, four-burner stoves, refrigerators, cookware, and dishware. Light snacks and tea-and coffee-making equipment are provided in minibars. Three-bedroom apartments come with fruit platters on guests’ arrival. Rooms have washing machines and sewing equipment; irons and ironing boards are available on request. 

En-suite bathrooms are huge and clean. They come with large mirrors, bidets, shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. Smoking rooms are available. 

Along with apartments with full kitchens, the hotel also offers Ambrosia restaurant, where international cuisine is offered for three meals a day, including a sizable breakfast buffet that can be included with rates. The space, overlooking the pool, is pleasant but not fancy, with upholstered seats, jute ceiling decor and drapes, and buffet items served in silver tureens. Lighter snacks and beverages can be found at the Sugar & Spice Lobby Lounge, a small but sleek coffee shop. Room service is available 24/7.

The outdoor pool is heated -- which can seem unnecessary for the warm climate -- and small with limited seating around it, but it’s well-maintained and rarely crowded. Poolside showers are a plus. A hot tub and sauna is available for free use. The gym is well-lit, well-sized, and has a solid range of equipment.

Additional amenities include three meeting and/or banquet rooms with audiovisual technology, a game room, and a small gift shop. There are photocopying and faxing services, but no business center. Babysitting and laundry services are available. No reservations are required for on-site parking, but fees do apply. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.