Ramada by Wyndham Deira

A compact hotel squeezed between surrounding businesses and hotels, Ramada Deira has a modern exterior and smart, though generic, interiors. A reasonably-sized lobby with polished tile floors includes a modest seating area of contemporary chairs. Amenities, carpeted hallways, and dining areas are all clean, but the property as a whole lacks much character. Unlike many other Dubai hotels and resorts, there are few outdoor common areas and views aren’t particularly striking. Aircraft noise from the nearby airport occasionally can be heard. This isn’t an obvious choice for families with children who want a relaxing destination vacation, but it’s suitable for business travelers wanting easy access to the airport or for tourists who simply need a comfortable place to sleep without many other frills. 

The hotel is located in a bustling section of Deira, on a busy main road lined with shops, offices, and restaurants. The area isn’t Dubai’s glitziest and may not suit travelers who want to experience the city’s luxurious side, but there’s no lack of activity nearby. The Reef Mall and Al Ghurair Centre are both under 10 minutes away on foot, and many of Dubai’s famous souks are also within walking distance. The hotel is situated a considerable distance from the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Financial District, which can be reached in 30 minutes via a metro station, which is a two-minute walk away. The popular Jumeirah Beach is at least an hour away by public transport, or 25 minutes away by car. The Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Decor is on the simple side and some rooms could use better carpeting, but they’re tasteful enough and spacious, with large beds, comfortable armchairs, and warm lighting. Big windows provide adequate natural light, but unexceptional views. Large closets provide ample space for storing items. All rooms include air-conditioning, work desks with electric outlets, flat-screen TVs, safes, ironing equipment, and free Wi-Fi. Only Executive King Suites come with minibars, but all rooms have tea-and coffee-making facilities.  Bathrooms are spacious, but basic, with plain cream tiles and white fabric shower curtains. Sink areas can be small in the Standard varieties, and guests have also noted that some bathrooms have an odd smell. Bathrooms come with bidets, shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Features here are focused on convenience. Guests can choose between Filipino cuisine at the casual Barrio Fiesta restaurant or Middle Eastern fare at the extremely popular and slightly more formal Reem Al Bawadi restaurant. The former doubles as the hotel’s breakfast room; breakfast is included with rates and the buffet is simple, without much variation, but decent. There’s also a small lounge area in the lobby for tea, dates, and light snacks. Room service is available 24 hours.The outdoor pool on the roof deck is on the small side and could use some re-tiling. The surrounding deck chairs get claimed fast, and guests should expect kids and families populating the area during the day. There’s an adjacent hot tub, but it’s tiny. The gym isn’t huge, but it has clean wooden floors and provides the usual range of equipment. There are several meeting rooms, which accommodate conferences or personal events, though the spaces look dated with tired carpets and old-fashioned table settings. There’s also a business center with internet access. Self-serve laundry and laundry services are both available. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are both free.