Roda Amwaj Suites

In one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Dubai, the Roda Amwaj Suites is an unpretentious apartment-style hotel that ticks all of the boxes for those seeking a home-like stay near the beach. The style throughout the hotel is pleasantly modern, though fairly simple. All-white walls, light tan couches, and low-hanging chandeliers greet guests as the enter the property, though ultimately the lobby and other common areas here are more functional than resort-like. This isn't surprising, as while the hotel is in a resort-packed part of Dubai, it's more geared to the self-catering crowd who prefer independent stays. As such, the atmosphere at the hotel is more condo than destination resort. KCal, an on-site fast food restaurant, has a casual and colorful atmosphere. There are two on-site pools, one for catching the morning sun, the other for the afternoon. They're surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees, providing a sense of privacy. Despite being near a busy beach area, the property is quiet because the high-rise block is well insulated against noise. Those looking for apartment accommodations for long- or short-term stays are drawn to the Roda Amwaj Suites. They're also great for larger groups and families who want to stay in this popular beach district in Dubai. 

The hotel is in the heart of the popular Jumeirah Beach Resident district just behind the The Walk, a stretch of restaurants and shopping next to the beach. It takes just two minutes to reach the beach on foot. On the other side of the property is a main road leading through Jumeirah Beach Residence, providing easy access to a lot of attractions, like the Dubai Marina district, which is about a ten-minute walk from the hotel. Dubai Marina has a beach and a lot of different cafes and restaurant options. Since Jumeirah Beach is located toward the southern end of Dubai, it is about a 30- to 40-minute drive from the airport. It will also take about a 30-minute drive to the major shopping malls such as Dubai Mall, and the financial district, including tourist sights like the Burj Khalifa. Unfortunately, guests will have a harder time accessing public transportation from the property, since the Red Line station on the metro is about a 20-minute walk. 

Roda Amwaj Suites offers a range of apartment configurations, many of which have either sea or marina views. Each of the apartments are modern and simple, though the lofts are the most attractive and pick up the most natural light. With all-white walls, light-colored fabrics, and either all-white or oak furniture, the rooms have an open and airy feel, though some are more sharp than others -- the Two-Bedroom Suite that we saw, for instance, was particularly basic and homey.

The kitchens, with gray and white tiles and granite counter tops, come with full refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers in addition to microwaves and washer/dryers. There are proper dining areas as well, some of which have chic marble tables. Larger apartments have two small living areas, with light gray couches and chairs, patterned rugs, and images of well-known sights around Dubai on the walls. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi all come standard. 

In the bedrooms, some apartments have tan leather headboards with silver patterned chairs and curtains to match, others have light gray fabric headboards and all-white furniture. Most rooms have balconies with ocean or marina views, and some come with small private pools. The Penthouse has a much larger kitchen and more upscale decor, including hardwood and marble floors. Apartments, with the exception of the Lofts, come with two bathrooms, and the larger of the two has a jacuzzi tub. It's worth noting that while apartments here are huge, those traveling with more than six guests will need to pay extra fees. 

While this is a large hotel, there aren't too many features on hand, given the self-catering status of most guests here. Still, for rates that are comparable to proper resorts in the area, what's on offer may be a bit underwhelming to some. The biggest highlight are the two on-site pools. One pool was built in order to catch the morning sun, and the other is perfect for the afternoon. KCal, the on-site fast food restaurant, serves nutritious meals under 300 calories and offers 24-hour room service, however guest have found it to be subpar. In addition, guests are welcomed with free drinks, fruit, and dates in the lobby upon arrival. Complementing that wellness ethos, the hotel has a spacious gym with a good selection of modern cardio and weight-training equipment. For a fee you can access the Club Lounge and have your own personal butler, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.