MENA Plaza Hotel Al Barsha

We’d traveled a long distance with children and booked only an hour before check-in. At the desk, we were told we had selected a smoking room, which may have been our mistake. We explained the situation, and the staff insisted that was what we had booked, despite seeing that we had children with us, including one of my sister’s kids. We checked the room, but the cigarette smell was too strong. When we came back to cancel, a non-smoking room suddenly became available. The front desk staff member, ZOEY, came across as unprofessional, unapproachable, and unwelcoming. I don’t recommend this hotel.

There are stairs at the hotel entrance, something I wish had been clearly mentioned before booking. I wouldn’t have chosen the place had I known. We also ended up in a new room with an unpleasant smell, but since it was our last night, we just wanted to sleep somewhere quiet. Noise from outside was extremely bad at night, made worse by a balcony door that wouldn’t close properly. We told reception; one person called it a maintenance issue, and another said it would be fixed at 9am the next day, but nobody came. When we raised it again after being out, reception told us to chase it ourselves. We asked to move rooms and were first told none were available, then one appeared a few minutes later. The location near the mall is convenient. The small pool was acceptable and had towels. I don’t recommend the hotel. I’ve stayed in better places in Dubai for less.

Mr. Richard gave outstanding service and made our experience even better. The location was just right, the rooms were comfortable and clean, and the food was great for an affordable price. Highly recommended!

The rooms may be spacious, with strong AC and comfortable beds, but the staff and service didn’t meet the standard of a four-star hotel. Before arriving, I booked by phone and asked the reservation team to ensure a clean smoking room with working air conditioning and an iron. After paying, I called three times to ask about the iron and slippers. The smell in the room was awful, like dead rats, and it wasn’t clean, so I cancelled. They returned the money to my account. The front desk manager didn’t seem to care that I’d cancelled, and didn’t apologize or try to resolve anything. He said they often deal with guests returning money through the ATM, implying guests stay and then cancel. The way guests are treated felt very unprofessional. I wouldn’t advise anyone to book here.