Heads on Beds: Premier Inn, Dubai

Does the popular no-frills business hotel work in this glitzy destination?

It may be low cost, but there is nothing lacking about the new Premier Inn in Dubai. The first of six new outings in the Middle East for the budget chain, Premier Inn brings welcome simplicity to the usual five-star swank on offer here.

This hotel should also create a new benchmark for value for money in Dubai and is likely to attract punters beyond the business crowd; during the first week of opening, the guests were a mix of business people on a budget, young families and groups attending sporting events. According to the company’s Middle East managing director, Darroch Crawford: “A lot of people who already work in the city have said relatives can’t afford to visit, so there’s a huge untapped area for affordable accommodation.”

At only 450 dirhams per room per night (£62) the savings are obvious when compared with the usual five-star offerings here, which start at around 3,500 dirhams (£450) and skyrocket.

But Premier Inn Dubai also offers a unique level of service for the brand. Just before visiting the hotel I had stayed at the Raffles Dubai and while the contrast was marked, in terms of service levels there was very little difference. The staff at Premier Inn Dubai are friendly, helpful and attentive and get it just right.

Track it down

The property is situated just off the Emirates Road, sandwiched conveniently between the Green Community (aka yuppy city) and the Dubai Investments Park (a financial hub). It is also close to Dubai Sports City, Dubai Media Production Zone and Jebel Ali Port and Freezone. Most of what visitors, both business and leisure, will want to see is only about 20 minutes away. But the traffic in Dubai is chock-a-block chronic. So a journey that takes 20 minutes during the day can take up to an hour or more during rush hours (6am-9am and 4pm-7pm).

Check-in check

The reception is manned by a team of friendly and efficient staff who are on hand 24 hours a day.

Room to manoeuvre

There are 308 identical rooms avoiding any room envy. Each is themed in the purple Premier Inn livery. All rooms are comfortable and large enough to accommodate a family of four. All come complete with a king-sized bed and a sofa that makes up into two extra singles if required. The en-suite bathrooms have bath and shower with Lux toiletries available in the wall dispensers. Tea and coffee-making facilities and a small desk and chair for working at are also standard. There is also a small refrigerator to store you own food and wine. All rooms are air-conditioned.

Get connected

All rooms have flat-screen 32in TVs, telephone and free in-room wifi broadband.

Fitness regime

There is no gym but the rooftop pool is long enough for lap swimming.

Raid the minibar

There isn’t one.

Breakfast news

Buy a selection of snacks from Costa Coffee in the lobby or call down for room service. For something more substantial try Bedouinn’s Bistro and the adjacent The Retreat Bar. There is also a pretty alfresco area for dining.

Rack rates

450 dirhams (£62) per room per night.

The address

Premier Inn Dubai, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai, POBox 35118, UAE (00 971 0 4 885 0999; premierinn.com).