Winchester Grand Hotel Apartments

How "grand" the Winchester's apartments are is probably best left to interpretation. The property underwent a full renovation in 2012, though interiors are still in need of some attention. Still, the hotel has its upsides -- one of which is the sun-drenched outdoor rooftop pool with a built-in whirlpool. While plastic loungers here are scarce, the area is clean and well-maintained. The lobby's woods, russets, and blacks are dreary, but it wouldn't be Dubai without some marble to class things up a bit. While the hotel welcomes some corporate guests, the majority are leisure families and couples drawn by the apartment layouts and affordable rates.

Navigating Dubai's traffic is challenging, but streets in the older Bur Dubai neighborhood are smaller, and sand-colored buildings here are more traditional, if a little dilapidated. A wealth of Indian restaurants and the nearby Meena Bazaar earmark its "Little India" moniker. The nearby BurJuman shopping mall's stores and food court are a 10-minute walk. The Burjuman metro station is the same distance. Allow between an 11- and 16-minute drive to reach the Gold and Spice Souks, Al Mankhool Road, and former Iranian quarter, Bastakiya. Free shuttles run to Dubai Mall, Dubai Creek, and famous Jumeirah Beach, taking similar times. They also drop guests at the Al Fahidi metro, which is a 12-minute walk from the hotel. Taxis are abundant and generally cheap in Dubai. Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is a 15-minute drive away. Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive, or 26-minute metro ride.

Rooms are generic in design, with function trumping style, though they're brighter than common areas. Ranging from Studios to Three-Bedroom Apartments, they're all well-equipped with sitting areas, dining tables, and kitchenettes. Dark or black wood furniture and beige tile are standard, and color schemes range from cheerful lime-green and purple to more dated orange and gold. Kitchenettes with granite countertops have electric stovetops --many of them rusted and in need of replacing -- tea- and coffee-making facilities, microwaves, fridge/freezers, and a small selection of dish and cookware, but note there are no dishwashers or dish soap provided. An added perk are the washers. Other amenities include phones, flat-screen satellite TVs, desks, ironing facilities, and AC. Tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos with plastic curtains and a small selection of toiletries, plus hairdryers and daily replaced towels. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

Amenities aren't extensive here, but they're sufficient for most travelers not seeking a spa or fine dining. The rooftop pool is long and narrow, and has a built-in whirlpool. There are some loungers, chairs, and umbrellas, but they're limited. Other wellness facilities include a steam room and sauna, and a gym with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a few cardio and weight-training machines, and free weights. The restaurant's wood-paneled walls and brown striped chair cushions are drab, but the reasonably priced buffet meals get a few cheers. There's a strong focus on Indian cuisine, thought still a good range of international fare. Breakfast offers American, continental, and Asian dishes, but it's not included. Room service is available 24/7. The free shuttle service is well-received, particularly considering Dubai's heat. Parking, dry cleaning, and babysitting are at a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, albeit the speed is slow and it can be unreliable.