Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park - Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

WHATS THE PROBLEM?
Posted: Sun, Jul 20 2008
OK so whats the problem with this hotel?. We just stayed there for 3 nights but have to admit that after reading reviews on Trip advisor we did try unsuccesfully to change. Don't be put off by its exterior, this is one of the oldest hotels in Dubai and it looks it but the interior is fine. The usual marble floors and comfortable seating greet you in reception and it has some lovely traditional features. The staff without exception were friendly and helpfull, they spent hours booking restruants for us with no complaints. The room was well furnished and clean as are the communal corridors. Be warned the third bed for our son was a camp bed which was incredibly hard, we requested a second mattress for this and it was there in 15 minutes. Breakfast was fine though we never ate in any of the other restruants. The pool area is dated and in need of a make over but the pool itself was clean. I admit that that the bar areas at the rear are a little bit scruffy but the new lounge bar off reception is elegant and stylish, we went there each night and it has a great atmosphere with friendly and efficient staff. As many people will know if you want to get about in Dubai you have to get a taxi, this is not expensive and they are available at all hours from reception. A visit to the sister hotel the Habta Grand is a must, you can get a shuttle bus from reception, we spent a day there. So overall we had no issues with this hotel, it does what it says on the tin and wouldn't be to bothered if we had to stay there again. Oh yes prostitutes! not sure what they should look like but as far as we know we never saw any and certainly weren't approached by any. Good tip for a meal is the Glass House in the Hilton Dubai Creek. It shares a kitchen with Gordon Ramseys " The Verve". The food is excellent at half the price!

Decent hotel
Posted: Tue, Jul 08 2008
If this hotel would be situated in Europe, it would be a fine 4-5 star hotel, but since it is in Dubai it is an okay hotel. Ofcourse you can't compare it with Jumeirah hotels or Burj al-Arab, but it is a decent hotel. Service is good at reception and the restaurants and bar. Rooms are large and clean. I did not experience any problems and the pick up service from and to the airport was good. If you don't want to spend to much money on a hotel in Dubai, it is a good place to stay. It is not on a perfect location, but for a couple of euro's or dollars you are everywhere with a taxi.