Torch 77 by Saffron House

The view from the hostel was breathtaking, and the place was really well maintained. I stayed for a week at Torch 77 by Saffron House and loved it. There’s a welcoming living room and a large, fully equipped kitchen, and the staff are always friendly and ready to help. It’s inside the Torch Tower, so guests can use the pool, sauna, and gym. The location is perfect, just steps from Dubai Marina and an easy walk to the bus, tram, and metro station, which makes getting around the city convenient. I’d happily come back. Highly recommended for a Dubai visit!

The hosts made me feel at home, and the place had everything I needed. It was clean, tidy, and tastefully decorated. The location is great, next to Dubai Marina walk and near the metro. I’d stay again on my next visit!

This was my first time renting a hostel in Dubai. Before, I’d only stayed in hotels or apartments where I was the only person. The hostel is cozy, with incredible views of Dubai, comfortable beds, thick curtains for privacy, and friendly staff. My things didn’t feel secure. The wardrobes shared by everyone in the room didn’t lock. I had branded belongings there, including a LOUIS VUITTON bag and new LACOSTE and VANS shoes. It’s scary to think someone leaving could take them and staff might not be able to do anything. You hope the people around you are trustworthy, then suddenly realize they may leave with your things. You might not notice they’re gone right away. I also had a handmade soap gift set and toothpaste disappear from my bag after the girl from Kazakhstan who shared my room left. I’d put them in the bathroom with my things. I’d already noticed someone using my personal towel there several times, even though my child's name was embroidered on it. I started taking it out of the bathroom each time so no one could use it, and told the girl from Kazakhstan about the towel. I guess she saw I hadn’t made a fuss over that and decided to take the soap and toothpaste when checking out. I contacted the staff about the missing items, but they couldn’t do anything and only shrugged, saying it was outrageous. There were cockroaches in the toilet and kitchen several times. One nearly fell on my head from the ceiling when I went into the toilet. There wasn’t a comfortable place to work online on my laptop. The only table was often occupied, and people around me talked loudly and made noise while I was discussing work. I had to work every day in restaurants in Dubai Marina, where it was much quieter.

There was loads of storage, a really cool balcony, and a modern, clean living area. Maria the housekeeper looks after the place like it’s her own and feels like a hostel mom. I absolutely loved staying here and met some great people. Sending love from Michigan to both the James and owner Salim!