Elite Byblos Hotel

The check-in was the best part of my stay. The receptionist was warm, professional, and quick with my booking, and she even let me in earlier than expected and upgraded me to an executive room with a fantastic view. Thanks, Novem, for that lovely service. The location also worked really well for me since I was moving between meeting venues. Breakfast was a letdown, though. The choices barely changed, the restaurant sometimes got crowded, and the small space had to serve a lot of guests. The breakfast staff weren't very helpful, mainly because they were dealing with so many people.

Requests for basic amenities took too long, and some were only dealt with the next day. There didn't seem to be much urgency or attention to what guests needed, and the service felt disappointing from the parking area onward. Cigarette smoke was noticeable around Elite Byblos Hotel, even inside the room. That's particularly worrying for families with children. The hotel has potential, but it needs to improve its cleanliness, control the smoke, and provide better service.

We reached the hotel at about 3:00 PM on May 29, the stated check-in time, but waited more than an hour for our room. Each time we asked reception for an update, we heard that it was still being cleaned. The receptionist apologized and said they were short-staffed for the holiday, but guests shouldn't have to bear the consequences of poor staffing plans. The wait made for a bad start to our stay. Nobody gave us an estimated time, suggested another option, or offered even a drink while we sat in the lobby. For a place presenting itself as a luxury 5-star hotel, I expected better communication, planning, and basic care during a busy period. Waiting that long past check-in for a room we'd booked was unacceptable.

The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well looked after, and getting around Dubai was easy with taxis, buses, and the metro nearby. I especially liked the Al Barsha location for being out in the city, even at night, with bars and malls close by. I'd happily stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Dubai.