Ramada Downtown Dubai

The 33-floor Ramada Downtown Dubai is one of the older hotels in the area, having opened in 2008. Compared to other Dubai hotels, the lobby is fairly small though it offers a bright space with lightly tiled floors, white pleather sofas with turquoise throw cushions, turquoise armchairs, freshly cut flowers, and small reception desks. Kenza, the hotel's only restaurant, features an understated Middle Eastern flair in its design with dark maroon feature walls, red and white leather chairs, and wooden wall decals. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, and the outdoor area has spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains -- particularly during the evening dancing shows. The modest, yet still well-kept, interiors throughout the hotel create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests are mostly family travelers due to the spacious rooms (with self-catering facilities), kid-friendly features, and central location.

Ramada Downtown Dubai has an ideal location for travelers looking to explore the attractions of downtown Dubai. The hotel offers a free shuttle service, running five times a day, to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa Metro Station, Dubai International Financial Centre, Bay Gate, and Jumeirah public beach. The Dubai Opera can be reached within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Guests enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains from the hotel, and can visit these two attractions within a 15-minute walk. The Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station is best reached via a 10-minute taxi ride, as the walk through the mall can be confusing and time-consuming. The Dubai Mall is a 15-minute walk along with Souk Al Bahar, an Arabic-style shopping mall. Jumeirah Open Beach is 20 minutes by car and The Walk, a strip of trendy shops, is a 25-minute drive away. Dubai International Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

The 181 guest rooms at Ramada Downtown Dubai are elegantly designed with bright accents. Expect wooden floors with white walls, brightly-colored feature walls, colorful patterned carpets, and pops of color on the bedspreads, throw cushions, and corner chairs. Rooms are spacious, starting at 60-square meters, with varieties including Junior Suites, One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, and a Presidential Suite. Connecting rooms are available for families and groups. All rooms feature dining areas, separate lounges, and kitchens with microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, hot tops, toasters, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, and eating/cooking utensils. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, work desks, telephones, safes, washers and dryers, iron and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, tubs, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are also provided. Views are either of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountains, or the downtown district, and some units have small furnished balconies.

Ramada Downtown Dubai's best feature is its location, but it still has some nice features that focus on tourists. The main restaurant, Kenza, serves a mix of international and Middle Eastern cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- note that no alcohol is served here. Room service is available 24 hours. The buffet breakfasts (not included in all rates) are extensive and include a large spread of hot and cold items including cheeses, fresh fruits, cold meats, eggs, pancakes, and a pastry station. Downtown Perk is small cafe in the lobby that serves beverages, pastries, and light snacks. Outside, the swimming pool area looks directly at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains and includes a few sun loungers and parasols; there is also a shallow kids' pool. The fitness center is shared with the neighboring residential property, The Residence, and includes a range of modern TechnoGym cardio and weight-training machines. There is also a badminton court and steam room in the changing rooms. For business travelers, three small meeting rooms and a business center are available; though the facilities aren't that impressive. Both indoor and outdoor kids' play areas are available. Valet parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free, along with a shuttle service to nearby attractions.