Desert Pearl Apartments

The apartment itself was nice, and the location is good, with plenty of shopping nearby. But after four days, I felt the advertising photos didn’t match what I found. The building looked old or broken and wasn’t in good shape. The pool was basically unusable because the water wasn’t clean, the sunbeds were in poor condition, and men kept staring. I only saw security twice during my stay, so there wasn’t really 24-hour security, and the garbage wasn’t taken out often. I complained to the landlord but didn’t feel taken seriously. Those positives are why I gave it three stars.

My room wasn’t very clean, and towels and toiletries weren’t provided, so bring your own. I’d also suggest bringing bedsheets. The location gets 4/5 from me because there’s no beach, while cleanliness is 2/5 and service is 2/5. I’m not sure I’d stay again, though a friend had a cleaner room with a pool view than mine. I’d describe this as a compound apartment rather than hotel apartments, since there isn’t much service. Rooms vary in size, view, and condition, so ask the person you’re booking with for actual photos of the room. Most have a fridge, plates and utensils, a washing machine, and an oven; some also have a microwave. There’s a pharmacy and supermarket at the gate, and plenty more cafes and supermarkets on the street. There’s a pool, including a small one for kids, but the main pool isn’t very big.

The complex feels old and really needs rebuilding. At least there’s a gym and pool, and it’s easy to get to shops. There’s a nice bakery next door, and the beach is about a 15-minute walk away.

It’s a residential building, not a hotel, but good for the price.