The hype
Travelers love the value and the staff (especially at the front desk), but consistently mention the rooms feel small.
Citymax Hotel Business Bay
$50-120/ night
Book this if You want a modern, wallet-friendly base in Business Bay and plan to spend your money on experiences, not square footage.
Why People Love It
- Brew House is a legitimate local hangout with a massive happy hour
- Surprisingly good rooftop pool for the price point
- Free shuttle bus to Dubai Mall and La Mer Beach
Quick Take: It’s a budget hotel in a luxury neighborhood—expect thin walls and compact rooms, but the vibe is fun and the price is unbeatable.
Reviewed by @Efeiz: I stayed here to save money while visiting Dubai and was pleasantly surprised. The room is compact but spotless, the AC is strong, and being in Business Bay made getting around so easy. It’s the perfect no-nonsense base for solo travelers or couples watching their budget.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Burj Khalifa view' is often obstructed or requires a specific angle; don't bank on a perfect vista.
- You are a solo traveler or couple on a budget
- You enjoy a lively pub atmosphere right downstairs
- You need a clean place to crash after exploring all day
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; staff are frequently praised for being thorough.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though grout in older rooms can show minor wear.
- Maintenance: Modern building, but high traffic means occasional scuffs on walls or worn carpets.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, though towels can be on the thinner side.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; smoking rooms (if available) can smell lingeringly stale, so request non-smoking strictly.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic noise from Al Khail Road
- Hallway chatter due to thin doors
- Bass from the Brew House garden on lower floors
Before you book
Good to know
- A Tourism Dirham fee of AED 15 per room/night is charged at check-in.
- The free shuttle runs to Dubai Mall (approx. 11 AM) and La Mer Beach (approx. 10 AM)—seats are first-come, first-served.
- No alcohol is served in the lobby café, but the bars are fully licensed.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for light sleepers)
- Universal travel adapter (though some USB ports are available)
- Swimsuit for the rooftop pool
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Rooms on higher floors for slightly better soundproofing and amenities
- Pool-facing rooms to avoid the direct highway noise
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
- 1st and 2nd-floor rooms directly above the Brew House garden
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor, away from the elevators and facing away from the main highway/construction for a quieter stay.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a metro station nearby?
Business Bay Metro Station is the closest, but it's not walkable in the heat (approx. 2.5km). You'll need a taxi or the hotel shuttle.
Is breakfast included?
Not usually in the base rate. The buffet at Citycafé costs around AED 49 and offers a decent spread of Indian and Continental options.
Is there free parking?
Yes, free self-parking is available in the hotel garage for guests.
Can I get a late check-out?
Standard check-out is 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to availability and usually chargeable after 2:00 PM.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there are licensed venues on-site including the Brew House and Aqua Pool Bar.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Happy Hour' at Brew House is legendary—it runs daily from 12 PM to 9 PM with drinks starting around AED 30.
- ✨
Thursday nights often feature 2-for-1 pizza deals at the Brew House.
- ✨
Walk to the Dubai Water Canal promenade (about 10-15 mins) for a free, scenic sunset view of the skyline.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during morning rush hour.
💡The 'Executive Lounge' is more of a quiet seating area than a full-service club lounge.
💡You can hear the call to prayer from nearby mosques (a beautiful local touch, but audible).
💡The pool area gets limited sun in the late afternoon due to surrounding skyscrapers.
💡Room service is surprisingly affordable compared to other Dubai hotels.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Citymax Hotel Business Bay is located and what's nearby.