Vida Dubai Mall

Most rooms are 28 sqm Deluxe rooms, with a king bed or two twin beds, and views of Downtown or Burj Khalifa. Each fits 2 adults and a child up to age 12 sleeping on the existing bed. A couple visiting for the view will choose a room with a Burj Khalifa view. A family with two children needs the Premier Suite City View: 54 sqm, a king bed and a sofa bed, for up to 2 adults and 2 children. Connecting rooms are also available.

Rooms have a coffee and tea maker, fast Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, an iron, a large TV, a minibar and a safe. All rooms are non-smoking, with smoking allowed only outdoors. Kids have Qix Club, an indoor playroom for ages 4-12. The pool is an outdoor infinity pool on the 6th floor, the gym is open 24/7, and guests can take bikes to explore Downtown. The hotel has no spa.

There are two restaurants. Origins on the ground floor is an all-day dining restaurant with international cuisine and outdoor seating facing Downtown. Flo Pool Bar & Lounge on the 6th floor, by the pool, serves light bites, drinks and shisha, with views of Burj Khalifa. Guests wanting more variety can head to Dubai Mall, and food delivery can also be ordered and picked up in the lobby.

The downsides: the standard rooms are relatively small, at 28 sqm, and a family with two children is left with only the suite option. There's no spa and no beach, and only two restaurants, so anyone looking for a long, pampering vacation entirely within the hotel will find less on offer. Pets are not allowed at the hotel. On the other hand, for anyone coming to Dubai to go out, shop and see Downtown, and who needs a convenient base next to the mall, this fits well.