XVA Art Hotel

I was expecting to spend a few nights in a cheap basic hotel but this was an amazing experience. The hotel building is very old, it has patios with huge banyan trees where you can sit and eat breakfast. It is ful of birds, just go outside and there is Al Fahidi, a maze of small streets where you can walk and get lost, but it feels very safe. I was with a young daughter and we went in the evenings for a stroll to see a camel or buy some exotic souvenirs from the Arab shops. The breakfast was good, maybe it gets boring after a few days, bit still very tasty. The only problem seems to be for the light sleepers, because the wooden door literally goes out to the patio, you can hear people talking or playing the piano at midnight and early in the morning you can hear calls from the mosque, which is very close. Still, it adds the oriental charm. There is an art gallery and the whole place seems to be sort of artistic. We moved later to a 5star hotel but after 2 days we decided to return here because it was much more exotic and friendly than a normal chain hotel.

The staff were very helpful and provided excellent service. The building has a quiet charm with traditional style courtyards and levels. Plenty of areas for relaxation and socialising with day beds and lounges throughout the communal areas. Simple but tasty breakfast.

This is the most amazing hotel I have found in Dubai. It is more than beautiful, skilfully furnished by the owner and managed in such a friendly, courteous and professional way that it is the most delightful place to stay in the middle of Dubai in the Bur district, the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, close to the ferry, a metro station, taxis and busses. The hotel is exquisite, elegant, unusual with its different rooms, artwork, inner courthouse and terraces. But that is not all, the manager Chandra handles all your questions, his favourite saying is "I will help you", the staff in the kitchen, at the bar, in the shop is polite, forthcoming with ideas, guidance, help. Whatever you want, you will find it or get it from them. Breakfast is excellent, food is available all day until 6pm. The rooms have everything and more than you need: ironing board, hair dryer, robe, extra towels, travellers' plugs, etc. The neighbourhood is to be discovered: historical Dubai, old city. It is very quiet, super well managed, just outstanding! And I forgot the white piano.....you can play it! Thank you Mona Hauser, thank you team, I will come again. Mariana Amar

The hotel is a breath of fresh air in Dubai. If you don’t want a glitzy modern high rise with an international operator, then definitely go for this place. The location is close to Al Seef and the breakfast, served by friendly staff in the gorgeous courtyard, was authentic and superb.

This hotel was absolutely perfect for the entirety of our stay. The people there were very welcoming and made our stay so pleasant. The room was so neat and it was very different from the typical hotel which was exactly what we wanted. The area has easy access for getting around and exploring the historic areas nearby. It’s a very short walk to the creek and getting across the water to the souks as well. Overall, we couldn’t have found a better stay in Dubai.