Sea View Hotel

The Bur Dubai area doesn't have a surplus of amazing hotels, and the Sea View is another notch on the area's underwhelming mid-range list. As such, it shares much in common with the other basic, stylistically dated properties in Bur Dubai. Upon entering the hotel, guests are met with a cramped lobby with marble floors and a tall atrium directly above that creates an office building-like vibe. Expect to see lots of polished brass and outdated colors -- a hint of what's to come in the hotel's other common areas and rooms. This is a busy property, and noise is also an issue, especially at night when the hotel's nightclub and bars are in full swing. The Sea View is connected to the luxury Melia Dubai Hotel, which brings in more noise. The hotel has a surprising number of destinations for a mid-range property, and thus draws an international clientele -- expect to see business travelers, couples, and families from across the Middle East South Asia, and elsewhere.

Located on busy Al Mina Road, the Sea View Hotel overlooks Port Rashid, Dubai Maritime City, and the Port and Customs Office, removed from the new, glitzy parts of Dubai. Directly in front of the hotel, the view is dominated by the port, so it’s not immediately the most attractive location, although some might enjoy the views of the docked cruise liners. While much of Bur Dubai is walkable, this hotel is removed from the central part of the neighborhood, and none of the metro stations are within an easy walk. Expect to drive or take lots of cabs. The Dubai Heritage Village is a seven-minute drive, as is the bustling Meena Bazaar. The Dubai Museum, the Grand Mosque, the BurJuman Mall, and Gold Souk are all about 10 minutes away by car. Jumeirah Beach is a 10- to 15-minute drive depending on traffic, and the hotel offers free transportation there. The main financial district as well as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are a 20-minute drive from the property. The airport is nearby, and only takes 15 minutes to reach in a taxi.

The Sea View's 107 rooms are compact and done in a mix of styles, all of which look traditional and dated. Some rooms have light wooden furniture, green pleather bucket chairs, heavy drapery, and standing lamps in the corners. Meanwhile, the larger suites have dark cherry wood furniture, with red and gold couches, ornate maroon rugs, and dark red and tan drapery, giving them a more stern look. Framed landscapes are hung above the beds, further contributing to the older style. Standard features include small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and mini-fridges with free bottled water. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only available in guest rooms for a fee. Like the sleeping areas, bathrooms are small, and feature shower/tub combos, decent-size marble vanities, and a simple selection of toiletries. The tan marble fittings aren't exactly modern, though the Suites do include jetted tubs in extra bathrooms.

The Sea View stands out because of its many dining and drinking options, and almost unheard of number of options for a three-pearl hotel. There are five restaurants, including a Chinese restaurant and Indian restaurant, plus three bars and lounges, and one nightclub. The latter is quite popular, but can mean lots of noise throughout the hotel. In addition, there's a 24-hour coffee shop and room service is available around the clock. There is also a direct connection to neighboring luxury property Melia Hotel, which has its own restaurant and rooftop bar. The fitness center is small, but is one of the hotel's few modern spaces and has cardio machines as well as a universal pulley machine. While there is a rooftop pool, the area is rather cramped, has limited seating, and is in need of an update -- much like the rest of the property. The views of the port are nice, and the free transportation to Jumeirah Beach is a plus. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, though the area is often crowded and busy.