Landmark Plaza Hotel - Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

I have just returned from a weekend in Dubai, we wanted to stay central for easy access to the shops. Didn't realise that we would end up in Russia though!! The hotel is above 3 floors of Russian owned shops (including 4 fur coat shops!) The hotel staff all speak Russian and the cooked breakfast items sounded very Russian!! As for the room, that was adequate and yes the shower leaks! Just put some towels on the floor and it's alright. The room was large and clean. The decor was a tad dated, but we didn't spend much time in there so no real bother! The coffee shop was a real winner, fresh juice, decent coffee and proper tea on demand. Plus there was a computer with cheap internet access. The location is outstanding, just one block from the abra station (the boat that goes across the creek to Dubai side). The Gold Souk a five minute walk the other way and plenty of good restaurants in close proximity. In a place where you get where you pay for, this is a decent shopping base for those on a budget.

I've read a few negative reviews about the Landmark and so I wasn't sure what to expect! For the money though, the hotel rooms were extremely nice. We had one of the rooms on the 10th floor and even had a view of the river from our balcony. The rooms themselves were spotlessly presented with brand new furniture, fittings and new flooring. There is also a mini bar (no alcohol) which is very reasonably priced. The fridge also gives plenty of space to pop in your own beverages. Most handy. As we were aware, there is a new metro station being constructed outside the hotel. However when we were there the noise generated was no worse than the general street noise. Staff were extremely helpful and polite. No, their english might not be the best but it was good enough to help us with everything we needed. They were very attentive and looked after all our requirements well. A few people have moaned about the breakfast. There was melon, toast, cerial, pastries, cakes as well as the cooked breakfast (which was not the best I must admit). I thought it was perfectly adequate to fill your travelling tummy, but not excellent. Cakes and pastries particularly handy to nick for consumption during the big bus tour!! The bathrooms were a wee bit small, and the shower did indeed leak water all over the floor. However, we simply mopped the floor with our bath mat after each use and found that meant there was no mess. The location of the hotel is absolutely brilliant. Within walking distance to the creek, Gold Souk & Spice Souk. Also convenient for the stop to get you on the big bus tour. I don't think we could have asked for more for the money we paid. The room was cleaned every day to our satisfaction, and we geniunely could not find fault with this place. It'll be even better once the metro is complete. Worth a go for those on a budget.