Al Khoory Executive Hotel – Al Wasl

The Al Khoory Executive Hotel is a four-story property that sits on a quiet corner removed from most attractions in Dubai. The design throughout is modern and bright, with lots of natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows and cheerful decor in vibrant colors. Reception and the adjacent Spices restaurant have green glass and lighting that are particularly striking, as is the green, orange, and red mosaic tiling in areas of the fitness center. Some of the upholstery and linens in both common spaces and rooms are dated, however. Since the hotel lacks a pool and doesn’t serve alcohol, most guests use it as an affordable base for exploring Dubai. Additionally, many guests are business travelers attracted to the property's business center, meeting rooms, and banquet hall.  

Situated in an older part of town, the Al Khoory requires a taxi to get to most tourist attractions in Dubai. It's convenient, however, for those going to the Iranian Hospital a five-minute walk away. Although there's not much in the immediate surrounds, several restaurants and bars can be reached in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. A 24-hour supermarket is within walking distance, too. The nearest metro -- Trade Centre Metro Station -- is about 30 minutes away on foot, but bus stations are closer. The beach can be reached in a 15- to 20-minute walk, and Jumeirah Mosque is 10 minutes away on foot. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are around a 17-minute drive, and The Mall of the Emirates is another five. Dubai International Airport is 20 minutes by taxi.  

The 208 rooms at the Al Khoory are all decorated in bright, cheerful color schemes of either highlighter-yellow, green, or peach. The design is mostly contemporary, consisting of multi-hued wood floors, light-wood furniture, and somewhat dated bed runners and seating upholstery. Large canvas prints of close-up flower shots hang above the beds. Rooms are divided into 127 Superior Rooms, 48 Deluxe Rooms, 17 Executive Rooms, and 16 Suites. Executive Rooms have private terraces with dining sets, and the Suites have separate living rooms, DVD players, and free breakfasts included in the rates. Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and kettles alongside tea and coffee. Guests will find safes in the closet, but will need to request an iron and ironing board. Marble-accented bathrooms have shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

While there's no pool on-site, the hotel has a decent list of features. The all-day restaurant, Spices, serves both European and Middle Eastern cuisine and garners favorable reviews. Al Dallah is the hotel’s version of a casual lobby lounge albeit without alcoholic beverages. Instead, it offers tea, juice, and snacks, including pastries. Room service is available during select hours. The spacious gym has floor-to-ceiling windows on two walls that let in lots of natural light, in addition to an array of cardio and weight-lifting equipment. Flat-screen TVs and a water cooler are helpful extras here. A sauna and steam room are on-site, as well as separate prayer rooms for men and women. For corporate guests, there are a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room with vibrantly hued furniture and carpeting. Wi-Fi is free.