TIME Dunes Hotel Apartments Barsha

Dunes Hotel Apartments Barsha is situated in a sleek, modern 15-story high-rise built in 2008. The small lobby is pleasant, featuring tiled floors with marbled accents and a long, sparkling chandelier -- though the striped pleather chairs verge on tacky. But the main color scheme here is neutral beige and brown, with decor throughout that's generally tasteful and contemporary, if unexceptional. If there's any hangout spot here, it's the rooftop pool where a transparent parapet is a nice change from the usual concrete walls that line many of Dubai's rooftop swimming holes. Guests are drawn to this hotel primarily for the spacious apartments, ideal for business travelers or families and bookable for long- or short-term stays. 

This apartment hotel is situated on a main road that runs through the centrally located Al Barsha district. The immediate neighborhood feels a bit industrial, with side streets mostly filled with other hotels, residential buildings, 24-hour supermarkets, and small cafes, but the enormous Mall of the Emirates, a Dubai landmark in its own right, is just a five-minute walk. The Mall of the Emirates metro station is about a 15-minute walk, with bus stops even closer. 

The area is fairly central for access to points both north and south. Southern areas like Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes via public transit or as little as 15 minutes by car. Downtown attractions situated north of the hotel, like Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, are accessible in about 40 minutes by public transit or as little as 20 minutes by car. Dubai Airport is about 50 minutes away via public transit or a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

The hotel offers clean, comfortable, and roomy studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a three-bedroom suite. Subdued white and beige decor and white tiled floors are paired with darker wood furniture for a look that's tasteful and contemporary, if somewhat sparse, particularly in larger apartments. But there are attractive details, like wallpapered accent walls behind the beds and patterned drapes. Modern kitchens feature plenty of counter and cabinet space, and they're generously equipped with cooktops and ovens or full ranges, mini-fridges or full-size fridges, sinks, microwaves, electric kettles, toasters, dishes and cookware, and even washing machines.

Rooms have safes, flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have small seating areas, and upgraded apartments add full living rooms, dining space, and/or balconies. Bathrooms vary, but tend to be contemporary with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers and toiletries, and some have bidets. 

Units can be rented for almost any length of time, from one day to a one year. Housekeeping comes daily for daily bookings or three times a week for monthly. Guests occasionally complain about noise from the busy road outside the hotel or from nearby construction. 

The hotel has a nice set of amenities for an apartment-style property. There's a well-maintained rooftop pool with a jacuzzi and lounge space, plus separate men's and women's steam rooms. The on-site gym is pleasant with floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall, wood floors, and modern cardio and weight-training equipment. There's a small but nice restaurant serving breakfast (not necessarily included in the room rates), lunch, and dinner. Room service is also offered. 

Reception is open 24 hours and staff can help arrange for tours, car rentals, or airport transfers. Laundry service is also available. On-site parking, shuttle service to area attractions, and Wi-Fi throughout are all free.