HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS DUBAI AIRPORT BY IHG, Dubai

The hotel sits directly across from Terminal 3, making it ideal for transit passengers and early flights. The free shuttle runs every 30 minutes around the clock, picking up from Terminal 1 (Arrivals) and Terminal 3 (Departure area opposite the RTA bus stop). Emirates Metro Station is about 700 metres away on foot, connecting you to the Red Line for easy access to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and other landmarks. Nearby attractions include Deira City Centre (3 km), Dubai Festival City (3 km), and the Museum of the Future. A pharmacy, major supermarket, and currency exchange are within metres of the hotel.

Rooms are equipped with a work desk, mini fridge, in-room safe, black-out shades, and soundproofed walls to minimise airport noise. Bathrooms include a walk-in shower or bathtub, hairdryer, and oversized towels. Some rooms feature a sofa bed or sleeper couch. Connecting rooms and cribs are available on request. While the decor is functional and may show some wear in older rooms, the beds are consistently noted as comfortable, and air conditioning is effective. For the best experience, request a room on a higher floor facing away from the highway.

Breakfast offers a hot and cold buffet with options like eggs, sausages, pastries, cereals, fruit, and a grab-and-go alternative for early risers. The Great Room restaurant, open 06:00-22:30, serves international cuisine for lunch and dinner, with halal, vegan, and gluten-free options available on request. The Brick Wall sports bar features draft beers, cocktails, house wines, and a pub-style menu, along with live sports broadcasts. Off-site restaurant delivery can also be arranged. Breakfast boxes can be ordered at reception if you need to leave before the buffet opens.

The fitness centre is equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and free weights. Water and towels are provided. For relaxation, the hotel offers a sauna and a full spa and wellness centre (both at an extra cost). Leisure activities include billiards, darts, happy hour, and live music or sport events - some free, some paid. There is no swimming pool. The rooftop setting makes the gym a pleasant space to unwind while watching aircraft movements.

The hotel offers a 24-hour business centre with copier, scanner, and office supplies, plus five naturally lit meeting rooms on the top floor (largest holds 171 delegates). The free airport shuttle runs 24/7 to Terminals 1 and 3; a separate complimentary shuttle also serves Deira City Centre and Dubai Festival City malls. Reception is staffed around the clock and can assist with currency exchange, tours, and express check-in/out. Security features include CCTV, key card access, and a safety deposit box. Accessibility is well-covered: wheelchair-accessible rooms and public areas, visual alarms in hallways and rooms, and audible smoke alarms. Languages spoken include English, Arabic, Hindi, French, and German.