The hype
Guests are blown away by the room size and track views but frustrated by the isolation and weekend noise.
The Meydan Hotel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a massive room with a balcony and front-row seats to horse racing, or you're here to party at Soho Garden without needing a taxi home.
Why People Love It
- Huge rooms (starting at 62sqm) that all have balconies overlooking the racecourse
- Rooftop infinity pool with skyline views that feels surprisingly private
- Direct access to Dubai's best nightlife (Soho Garden, White) right next door
Quick Take: It's a luxurious island stranded in the desert—great if you love horses or clubbing, but a logistical headache if you want to see the rest of Dubai.
Reviewed by @CathrinaMorales8180298: I stayed here for a business trip and was blown away by the balcony. Waking up and seeing the entire racecourse right outside my window made me feel like total royalty. The room is massive and that tub is a dream.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '5-star' service can feel a bit hollow compared to top-tier Dubai brands, with occasional lapses in housekeeping and maintenance.
- You are attending the Dubai World Cup or love horse racing
- You plan to spend your nights at Soho Garden or White Dubai
- You want a massive room for a fraction of the price of a Downtown hotel
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some reports of missed dusting in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are marble-clad and usually spotless; excellent water pressure.
- Maintenance: Some wear and tear visible on balconies and exterior paint due to desert elements.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp white linens; towels are plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (oud/amber), but some rooms can smell musty if unused for a while.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Soho Garden/White Dubai nightclubs (Thurs-Sat)
- Racecourse events/announcements during season
Before you book
Good to know
- A Tourism Dirham fee of AED 20 per bedroom/night is charged at check-out.
- The hotel runs a free shuttle to Dubai Mall, but it only runs a few times a day (e.g., 10am, 11am, 12pm departures).
- Alcohol is available but expensive; duty-free at the airport is your friend if you want a room drink.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Mosquito repellent (guests report issues on balconies near the track)
- Dressy clothes (the on-site venues have strict dress codes)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Room (lowest tier but still huge at 62sqm) for best value
- Panoramic Suite for wrap-around views of the track and skyline
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms on the side closest to the Grandstand/Soho Garden if you want to sleep before 3am on weekends
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room as far away from the Soho Garden/Grandstand end of the building as possible to minimize bass noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop infinity pool is temperature-controlled.
Can I walk to Dubai Mall?
Absolutely not. It's a 15-minute drive on highways with no sidewalks.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are strictly prohibited.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit resort fee, but you will pay the standard AED 20/night Tourism Dirham.
Can I see the races from my room?
Yes, 95% of rooms have balconies that directly overlook the racecourse.
Is there food nearby?
Only within the Meydan complex (Iris, McGettigan's, etc.). Nothing else is walkable.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Superior' rooms are often marketed as 'Quiet/Secluded'—book these over 'Deluxe' if noise is a worry.
- ✨
You can access the Meydan Grandstand dining venues (like Iris and McGettigan's) without leaving the complex area.
- ✨
During race season (Nov-March), breakfast at Farriers often comes with a view of morning horse training sessions.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'mosquito' situation on balconies is real due to the green track and standing water.
💡The hotel is shaped like a wave, meaning some balconies have better privacy than others.
💡You get a free 'drone show' view during World Cup rehearsals if you stay in late March.
💡The walk from the lobby to some rooms can be incredibly long due to the building's linear shape.
💡Taxi drivers sometimes get confused between the 'Hotel' entrance and the 'Grandstand' entrance—be specific.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Meydan Hotel is located and what's nearby.