Howard Johnson by Wyndham Bur Dubai

Housed in a modern building directly on Bur Dubai’s main thoroughfare, this Howard Johnson doesn’t quite stand out among other similarly priced hotels in the neighborhood. It offers an array of nice on-site amenities, but it is generic overall and a little rough around the edges. It is a good pick for travelers on a budget and for families (children under 17 stay free when sharing a room with an adult), but some may find it lacking in charm and character.

Decor is chain-like throughout. Some rooms feature a couple of nicer touches -- such as cream-colored padded headboards, and large windows -- but common spaces are overall a tad uninspired. The lobby is one of the few spaces that have some local flair, with a couple of wood latticework details, but little else. The space also features floor-to-ceiling windows, a large crystal chandelier, and wooden wall panelling -- but is somewhat dark and has only a couple of sofas in a small nook. The hotel’s event spaces were renovated in the early 2010s and have a fresh look, with ceiling moldings, plush carpeting, and more elegant decor.

The hotel is located on Khalid Bin Waleed St, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. The Bur Dubai area is somewhat popular with budget tourists and business travelers alike -- but this part of the neighborhood is a little run-down and unattractive. There are a few cheap eateries and a handful of computer stores nearby, but little else. The only main attraction within walking distance is Meena Bazaar, a popular market chock full of rugs, textiles, and traditional ornaments. The hotel is equidistant from two metro stations, but they’re both a 15-minute walk away through nondescript streets. The airport is just under six miles away, but the roads around it can get heavy traffic, and getting there could take longer than expected.

The hotel offers a number of room types, including queen and king rooms, and Junior Suites. Most units have contemporary decor, with large padded headboards, brown accent walls, and wooden furniture -- but the style can feel a little generic and uninspired, especially in the most basic units. A few rooms have partial sea views, yet most overlook busy Khalid Bin Waleed or a small back street. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, free bottled water replenished daily, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is available for a steep fee, which is common in Dubai. Bathrooms are clean but average, with large shower/tub combos and hotel-brand toiletries. It is worth noting the fact that smoking is allowed in many rooms, so those looking to book a non-smoking room may want to specify it upon making the reservation. Children under 17 stay free when sharing a room with an adult.

Despite its small size, this property offers a variety of dining options, including a Chinese restaurant, an Indian lounge with live music, and a lobby cafe serving light bites and coffee. The nightclub is open late, and features DJ nights and live music. The fitness center, although small, is clean and equipped with several strength-training and cardio machines, as well as a sauna. One of the hotel’s nice perks is the rooftop pool, complete with a whirlpool. There aren’t many loungers available, and the deck is small, but it offers a quiet respite from the neighborhood’s heavy traffic and busy streets. The hotel also offers airport shuttle service, on-site parking (though spaces are tight!), and Wi-Fi, all for an extra fee.