Banana Hotel

For business visitors to Dubai who want to shop or do other activities, this hotel is good value. Being close to the market area is a real plus. The building is established, but maintenance is handled well, and the prices are reasonable. I'd give it three stars.

At West Hotel Deira Dubai, room service entered my room without permission, which I found completely unacceptable. The reception staff were rude and showed little courtesy or respect. The hotel needs to train its staff in how to treat customers. It fell short on professionalism and basic hospitality, so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone wanting a comfortable, respectful stay.

The location in Naif, Dubai makes it easy to get around, with shops, restaurants, and public transport nearby. It's an older property, but kept clean and tidy, and the simple rooms are comfortable. Housekeeping keeps things in order, and staff are polite and responsive when you need help. A decent, good-value choice for a budget stay.

The nearby Indian cafes and restaurants are very cheap, and there are drivers across the road offering cut-price taxi rides. You can also get a feel for southern India through the residents without going there. That was the one saving grace. At $60 a night, I expected at least a decent bed. I slept well, but not thanks to the room or bed. Cockroaches could turn breakfast into a feast, the shower stayed cold despite repeated complaints, the room looked badly decorated, and they couldn't find a bulb for the table light. I never got an answer about whether I was insured.