The hype
Travelers love the pool and the price but hate the isolation.
Damac Hills 2 Hotel An Edge By Rotana Hotel
$50-90/ night
Book this if You have a rental car, a tight budget, and want a 'resort' pool experience without the Dubai price tag.
Why People Love It
- Access to the massive 'Malibu Beach' wave pool and lazy river
- Modern, clean rooms that feel brand new
- Incredible value for money compared to downtown Dubai
Quick Take: A shiny new hotel stranded in the desert—great for a pool weekend, terrible for sightseeing without a car.
Reviewed by @Ksenia_i: I checked into this spot in Damac Hills 2 and was shocked by how spacious the room was. The sunlight hitting the crisp sheets and that endless desert view gave me the peace I desperately needed. Plus, the personalized welcome on the TV? Such a classy touch.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will spend more on taxis than on the room if you don't rent a car.
- You are driving your own vehicle
- You want a staycation focused on pool time
- You are on a budget but refuse to stay in a dive
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally praised as 'Exceptional' and 'Spotless', though some reports of missed balcony dust.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but watch out for the wet floor issue due to shower leakage.
- Maintenance: Brand new feel, everything works, though AC can sometimes be finicky.
- Linens & towels: Fresh, crisp, and new.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh; no musty carpet smells reported.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nearby construction sites (early morning)
- Community 'stunt drivers' on empty roads
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Malibu Beach' wave pool is a community amenity, not private to the hotel, but guests get access.
- A tourism dirham fee of AED 10 per bedroom/night is charged at check-in.
- The hotel is dry (alcohol served in specific zones only, verify current license status).
What to pack
- International driving permit (you really need a rental car)
- Moisturizer (the desert air here is drier than the coast)
- Snacks (limited dining options within walking distance)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool View rooms (usually quieter and offer a 'resort' vibe)
- Higher floors to minimize street-level construction noise
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing the active construction zones (ask at check-in)
- Lower floor street-facing rooms
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor facing the pool area, away from any active construction sites, to ensure a quiet stay.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free shuttle to the mall?
Yes, but it's limited. There is a daily shuttle to Mall of the Emirates, but seats are first-come, first-served and timings are sparse.
Can I walk to the metro?
Absolutely not. The nearest metro is 30+ minutes away by car.
Is breakfast included?
Not usually in the base rate. It costs around AED 85 (~$23) per person if purchased separately.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the hotel has two temperature-controlled pools, plus access to the community wave pool.
How far is the airport?
DWC (Al Maktoum) is ~30 mins away; DXB (Dubai International) is ~45-50 mins away.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes, the Damac Hills 2 Community Centre is nearby with options like Nay Oxygen and a Carrefour market.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'DA2' bus connects the community to Dubai Studio City, but it's a slow route.
- ✨
Valet parking is often free if the self-park lot is full.
- ✨
Use the 'Urban Bar Deli' for happy hour deals if you don't want to drive back into the city.
5 things to know before you go
💡The shower design often leads to water flooding the bathroom floor.
💡You might spot camels or gazelles on the drive in from Al Qudra road.
💡Food delivery apps (Talabat/Deliveroo) have fewer options here than in the city.
💡The 'Lazy River' is part of the community center, a short walk/shuttle from the hotel lobby.
💡Mobile signal can be spotty in some elevators and corridors.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Damac Hills 2 Hotel An Edge By Rotana Hotel is located and what's nearby.