The hype
Unbeatable location for shoppers and budget travelers, but the rooms are showing their age.
ibis Mall Avenue Dubai
$50-80/ night
Book this if You want to sleep 5 minutes from Ski Dubai for the price of a hostel private room.
Why People Love It
- Free access to the Novotel Suites pool and gym next door
- Walking distance to Mall of the Emirates and Metro
- Reliable 'Sweet Bed by ibis' mattresses
Quick Take: A glorified dormitory with excellent mattresses and a location that punches way above its weight class.
Reviewed by @sweetclarbs: I needed a quiet place to focus, and this stay was perfect. The desk setup was super comfortable, and having the Mall of the Emirates right next door meant I could grab anything I needed. Plus, the Italian restaurant downstairs surprised me with amazing pizza!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The AC vents can be noisy and some bathrooms have a lingering damp smell.
- You plan to spend 12+ hours a day exploring Dubai
- You need a clean bed near the Metro for under $70
- You want pool access without paying resort prices
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally efficient, though they sometimes miss dusting high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but aging. Grout lines can be discolored and some guests report a musty drain smell.
- Maintenance: Wear and tear is visible. Scuffed walls and chipped furniture are common.
- Linens & towels: Clean and crisp, but towels can be on the thin/scratchy side.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh, but hallways can have a mix of old carpet and faint cigarette smoke.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Corridor conversations and slamming doors
- Loud AC vents
- Traffic noise on lower floors facing the road
Before you book
Good to know
- Tourism Dirham fee is 10 AED per room/night, payable at check-in
- You must walk to the Novotel Suites next door to use the pool and gym
- No valet parking – self-parking is free but spaces are tight
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the thin walls)
- Universal travel adapter (outlets can be limited)
- Flip flops for the pool next door
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (6th) facing away from Sheikh Zayed Road for less traffic hum
- Corner rooms near the fire exit often have slightly more quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator (constant dinging and foot traffic)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't using them (sound leaks through the door)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room on the highest possible floor, far from the elevator, and preferably not a connecting room.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
Not in the building, but you get free access to the outdoor pool at the Novotel Suites next door.
How much is breakfast?
Buffet breakfast costs approximately 55 AED per person if not included in your rate.
Is it close to the Metro?
Yes, Sharaf DG (Mashreq) Metro Station is about a 7-minute walk, and Mall of the Emirates Station is 10 minutes.
Can I store my luggage after checkout?
Yes, they have a luggage storage room available for free on your departure day.
Does the room have a fridge?
Most rooms have a small mini-fridge, but it's often just a 'cooler' that doesn't get very cold.
Is there free parking?
Yes, free underground self-parking is available for guests.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 minutes to the Mall for Paul Bakery or Common Grounds.
- ✨
The 'Amici' Italian restaurant on-site actually serves decent pasta for the price.
- ✨
Use the side exit to get to the Mall of the Emirates faster – it cuts the walk down to 3 minutes.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'double' bed is often just two single mattresses pushed together.
💡The bathroom door is sometimes a frosted glass slider that offers zero acoustic privacy.
💡You might smell cigarette smoke in the hallways even on non-smoking floors.
💡The AC thermostat is often locked or difficult to adjust – it's either freezing or off.
💡Room service is available 24/7 but the menu is extremely limited after 11pm.
Local Playbook
Map
See where ibis Mall Avenue Dubai is located and what's nearby.