Savoy Central Hotel Apartments

The Savoy Central Hotel Apartments is situated in a fairly unremarkable seven-story beige building featuring inset balconies on the facade facing the street. The inside is bright and contemporary, thanks in part to extensive renovations finished in late 2014. A small lobby lounge area offers long, square couches for guests to relax, though people are more likely to congregate around the breakfast buffet or the rooftop pool. But guests are drawn in less by the amenities and more by the generously equipped suites that attract a range of travelers, including couples, families, and some business guests, some looking to save money with DIY cooking and others looking for a home-away-from-home during longer stays. 

This property is situated in Bur Dubai near Khalid Bin Waleed al Waleed, a busy main thoroughfare lined with banks and computer shops. The neighborhood features a dense road network packed with low-rise buildings, offices, and residences, though there are also plenty of shops and restaurants in walking distance from the hotel, including a 24-hour supermarket next door, ideal for guests who want to make use of their kitchens. While this is certainly not the glitzy part of Dubai -- indeed some areas feel a little rundown -- the spot is still somewhat popular among budget tourists and business travelers. Nearby attractions include Meena Bazaar (12-minute walk), Dubai Creek (15-minute walk), and the Dubai Museum (18-minute walk). The metro is a bit of a hike, about a 15-minute walk to Al Fahidi Station. It's at least a 45 minute trip to downtown attractions like Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall via public transit or a 15- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. Dubai International Airport will also take about 15- to 30-minutes via car. On-site parking is free, and the hotel offers free daily shuttle service to a nearby beach.

Compact but apartment-like, the generously equipped suites are made up of sitting areas with sofa beds, kitchenettes, and bathrooms. Decor is tasteful and contemporary, thanks in part to late 2014 renovations, with a neutral color palette of brown and beige enlivened by turquoise accents like upholstered chairs and throw pillows. Bedroom and sitting areas feature striped carpeting, while kitchen areas have tiled floors and dark brown wood laminate cabinets. Black-and-white tiled bathrooms are narrow and can feel a tad dated; they feature simple combination showers and tubs. All rooms are air-conditioned and have small desks and dining tables, 27-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, combo washer/dryers, and irons and ironing boards. Kitchenettes are equipped with microwaves, toasters, coffee/tea facilities, hot plates, and fridges with freezers along with cookware and dinnerware. Robes, hairdryers, and individual toiletries are included in bathrooms. Some interconnecting rooms are available and some rooms have balconies with space for two to sit.

For an apartment-style hotel, the Savoy Central has a nice set of amenities, though they're all fairly standard for properties in this area. There's a decent restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The buffet is not necessarily included in the room rate, but most agree it's reasonably price with a nice range of options, including cooked-to-order eggs. The hotel features a modestly sized rooftop pool with a cordoned off children's pool. It's surrounded by loungers (guests suggest arriving early to snag one) plus cafe tables and chairs. Spa facilities include a sauna and steam room, plus a decent gym with a range of cardio machines and weight-lifting equipment, including a full rack of free weights.  The hotel offers 24 hour reception, 24-hour concierge service, room service (during limited hours), currency exchange, and laundry and shoe-shine service. Babysitting can be arranged. The hotel provides free parking and free shuttle service to a nearby beach and can arrange airport transfers. Wi-Fi throughout is free.