Elan Rimal 5 Suites

The walls don’t seem to meet at 90-degree angles, and there’s an awful smell everywhere. Security is pretty bad too: they’re super strict for no reason and can’t even keep packages at reception. But it’s what we have, I guess, so I shouldn’t complain.

We stayed four nights at Upgraded with Full Sea View Rimal 5 Suites, and there were problems from the booking process through checkout. The building smelled really bad in the corridors and elevator. Accessibility was also very poor, despite us requesting it when we booked. My elderly mother uses a wheelchair and couldn’t manage stairs or long distances. Maintenance work was underway, but nobody told us. As a result, we had to split up, with one group staying in the apartment with her while the others used the stairs to get around. The parking problem was never resolved, from check-in until we left. There was no proper reception. An agent we didn’t know asked us to send ID electronically over WhatsApp, which felt suspicious. The agent wasn’t available or helpful, and our concerns and requests were ignored. The person who met us at check-in was different from the one messaging us on WhatsApp, and both were different from the number in the booking app. At check-in, the agent said we didn’t need to pay a security deposit and that he’d inspect the apartment on our last day. He said we wouldn’t be charged if nothing was damaged. Nobody asked us for a deposit during the first four days, but at the end of the fourth day the WhatsApp agent suddenly demanded AED 3000, in cash or through a payment link. That seemed very suspicious. The booking hadn’t mentioned extra charges, and we were told the deposit might not be returned until a week after we left. The 20% property service charge was included in the price, but we never received any service from them. The deposit also wasn’t in the property’s policy, and they wanted cash rather than a credit card. Some furniture was damaged, so check it and take photos before accepting the apartment, in case they charge you for repairs later. Toiletries were provided only once, when we checked in, even though we stayed four nights. There was no free cleaning during the stay, although the price included an AED 450 cleaning fee per stay.

Good place, with good people in the apartment and security. It’s clean, and you have everything you need.

The building has too much trash and smells really bad. The night security guard is very bad. Please change the guard on the night shift.