Al Nabila Hotel

The mattress was very comfortable, the only positive for me. There’s no mini bar or coffee and tea service in the room, and the TV channels are only Arabs. The room has carpet, the bathroom amenities are very poor, and there are other issues too.

Worst hotel I’ve stayed in over 35 years. The photos make it look clean and luxurious with a 4 star rating, but once you arrive it feels like a 1* hotel. They don’t answer room service calls, and there are no slippers, toothbrush or toothpaste, or laundry bags for dirty clothes. The carpets stink, and the walls and cupboards are rotten and mouldy. I booked five nights, but have found another hotel for tomorrow onwards. I don’t know how I’ll get through tonight with this 50 year old carpet and its heavy smell.

The breakfast looked like leftovers, and the staff kept hovering around us for tips despite the poor service. The room itself was dirty, smelled strongly of cigarettes, and the bathroom reeked of sewage. There was no toilet paper, conditioner, or drinking water, and staff refused our request for more towels. We paid $250 USD a night and had been promised extra beds in each room. Instead, one room got blankets spread on the floor, while the other had a mattress much too large for its frame. It felt unstable enough that children could fall and get hurt. The bidet and toilet tap were broken, and after a plumber tried to fix the bidet, he left a huge mess and walked away without cleaning it up. This stay left us angry, uncomfortable, and feeling completely ripped off. The lack of cleanliness, safety, professionalism, and respect was appalling. I would never return, and I strongly warn others away.

I paid $75, which felt far too expensive for what I got. The room had no internet, and when I asked, I was told it only worked in the lobby. Even after breakfast, I couldn't find a chair or sofa to sit and make calls or rest. I was told those were available only at night, for reasons I don't understand. The old room smelled mouldy and looked out onto a shabby building. I asked to switch after the receptionist had said there were two rooms available, but once I saw the first room, he said the other one was no longer available. It had no towels at first, though I got some after phoning the office, and there were no tissues, mini fridge, or water. The air conditioning rumbled constantly, and an adjustment didn't help, so I had to turn it off. Noise from other ACs came through because the room wasn't insulated, and it seemed to be at the back of the hotel. The pillows and mattresses were too firm for a comfortable night's sleep, and I woke with neck and back pain. Breakfast was just okay apart from the bread, which was only white. The coffee was instant in small sachets, the tea was black tea bags, and neither was freshly made. Napkins were available only on request. Some staff spoke to me with an attitude. I'm not sure I'd recommend this hotel, especially to someone coming from the west.