The hype
Loyalists love the beach and the staff who have been there for decades, but everyone agrees the standard rooms need a facelift.
Ajman Hotel
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a private beach and beer in hand without the Dubai price tag (or the Sharjah dry laws).
Why People Love It
- The best private beach in Ajman—400 meters of real white sand
- It serves alcohol (unlike the dry emirate of Sharjah next door)
- Home to Bukhara, arguably the best North Indian restaurant in the UAE
Quick Take: A former Kempinski grand dame that's showing her age in the hallways but still flaunts the best beach body in the emirate.
Reviewed by @xblogger.ae: I stayed in this incredible villa and it blew me away. The ocean view from the master bed is stunning, but the private terrace with both a pool and jacuzzi was the real highlight. It's pricey at 8000 AED, but for a special family trip, it's totally worth the splurge.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying for the beach and the booze license; don't expect ultra-modern tech unless you book the renovated room types.
- You prioritize a massive, swimmable beach over room decor
- You want a resort experience with alcohol but are on a budget
- You love authentic North Indian food (Bukhara is legendary)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, though they sometimes miss dust on the high shelves in older rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, but older bathrooms have worn grout and some complaints of fluctuating water temp.
- Maintenance: The main issue. Peeling paint on balconies and rattling AC units are common in non-renovated rooms.
- Linens & towels: Clean and crisp, but towels can feel a bit thin/scratchy compared to new 5-star properties.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; older 'Lagoon' rooms can have a faint musty/damp smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Zanzibar beach bar music (evenings)
- Lingering construction/landscaping noise (daytime)
- Thin connecting doors in older rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- This hotel serves alcohol, unlike all hotels in neighboring Sharjah.
- A 'Tourism Dirham' fee of approx. 20 AED per room/night is charged at check-in.
- The hotel was formerly a Kempinski and still retains much of that old-school European service DNA.
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the Zanzibar bar bass)
- Modest clothing for walking outside the resort (Ajman is conservative)
- Your own conditioner (amenities can be hit-or-miss in standard rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Sea View Room (explicitly 'newly refurbished' with brighter decor)
- Signature Deluxe Room (modern vibe, better than standard Deluxe)
Rooms to avoid
- Lagoon Rooms (ground floor, often described as musty and dated)
- Standard Deluxe Rooms on low floors (closest to bar noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Superior Sea View' room on a high floor (5th or above) to minimize noise from the Zanzibar bar. Please ensure it is one of the newly refurbished units with the lighter decor.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool construction finished?
Mostly yes. The new infinity pool and villas launched in Jan 2025, but landscaping and minor works may still be visible/audible.
Can I drink alcohol here?
Yes. Ajman allows alcohol sales in hotels, unlike Sharjah. There are multiple bars including a sports bar and beach bar.
Is the beach private?
Yes, it's a 400m private stretch of white sand, widely considered the best hotel beach in Ajman.
How far is it from Dubai Airport?
About 30-40 minutes without traffic, but can take 1.5 hours during rush hour (Sharjah traffic is notorious).
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate, but the buffet at Cafe Naseem is extensive and highly rated—worth adding if the price is right.
Are the rooms renovated?
Only specific categories. Book 'Superior' or 'Signature' to ensure a refreshed room; 'Deluxe' and 'Lagoon' are often older.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The bowling alley inside the hotel ('Cosmic Bowling') serves beer and is a weirdly fun throwback.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes down the Corniche to 'Sultan Saray' for incredible Turkish food at half the hotel price.
- ✨
Happy Hour at the XOLO Bar is a steal compared to Dubai prices.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Lagoon' rooms have a patio but zero privacy—everyone walking to the pool sees into your room.
💡You can smell the shisha from the Zanzibar bar on your balcony if the wind is right.
💡The hotel has a 'resort cat' population that is well-fed and friendly.
💡Taxi drivers might still know it as 'The Kempinski'—use that name if they look confused.
💡The AC in the older rooms can be loud and rattle; check it immediately upon entry.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Ajman Hotel is located and what's nearby.