Residence Inn by Marriott Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

This hotel is highly regarded for its spacious apartment-style rooms featuring full kitchens and washing machines, a signature feature that makes it particularly appealing for extended stays. Guests consistently highlight the excellent location near the metro, the friendly and attentive staff, the overall cleanliness, and the comfortable accommodations. It is an ideal choice for families seeking ample space and home-like conveniences, business travelers due to its proximity to the financial district, and sightseers who benefit from easy access to major attractions via public transport. Long-stay guests especially appreciate the convenience of in-room laundry facilities. To ensure a smoother experience, guests should be aware that elevator wait times can be significant, particularly during peak hours, and planning breakfast outside of the busiest times may enhance the dining experience. Additionally, leveraging the hotel's travel desk can greatly assist in organizing local excursions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest stays. The gym receives high praise for being well-equipped, spacious, and offering great city views, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routines effectively. The rooftop pool is noted for its pleasant, warm water, though some guests find it to be on the smaller side and lacking an infinity view. Guests can also enjoy wellness amenities such as a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. While free Wi-Fi is available, some guests report slow speeds, with an option to pay for faster internet. A shuttle service to various malls is a convenient offering, and an on-site shop/mini mart provides easy access to essentials. However, a recurring and significant concern is the elevator system, which many describe as slow, problematic, and leading to frustratingly long wait times, especially during busy periods. Some guests also noted unpleasant smells in the elevators.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations, often describing them as spotless, well-maintained, and having a modern, renovated feel. The spacious rooms and apartments are a major highlight, providing ample living space, often with separate living areas. Many reviews praise the comfortable beds and quality linens, ensuring a restful sleep. The inclusion of a kitchenette or full kitchen equipped with a washing machine and dryer is highly valued for its convenience, particularly for longer stays. While many rooms offer pleasant city views, some guests experienced issues with noise levels from the street or even from a garbage dispenser. There were also several reports of air conditioning not functioning properly, and some bathrooms were noted as having a small shower area, water pressure issues, or even cold water, with occasional mentions of grimy grout.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives positive feedback for its extensive buffet, wide variety of options, and overall quality, often enjoyed from the 43rd-floor restaurant with impressive city views. However, many guests report that the breakfast area becomes chaotic and overcrowded during peak hours, leading to long queues for popular items like omelets and coffee. Some also noted a frequent lack of clean plates and cutlery during these busy times. While the spread is generally good, some guests, particularly vegetarians, found the variety limited or the food taste to be underwhelming. There were also isolated complaints about being charged for certain items like masala tea or cold coffee, which some felt should be included. Despite these operational challenges, the overall dining experience is often described as positive, with a pleasant ambiance for events like birthday brunches.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. Its proximity to the metro station (often just a minute's walk) is a significant advantage, providing easy and quick access to various destinations. Guests appreciate being just one metro stop away from major attractions like Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, which are also within a reasonable walking distance. The surrounding area offers a wealth of amenities, including numerous restaurants, bars, and a supermarket (Carrefour) within easy reach. The availability of a free shuttle service to different malls further enhances accessibility. While parking is available, some guests noted it can be expensive, with valet service being an option. The location in the financial district also makes it ideal for business travelers.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, professionalism, and attentiveness across all departments, including reception, housekeeping, and the restaurant. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process, with some even receiving early check-in or room upgrades. The travel desk is frequently commended for arranging tours and providing valuable assistance with excursions. Housekeeping is noted for keeping rooms spotless and well-maintained. However, feedback is mixed, as some guests reported instances of rude or unresponsive staff, particularly concerning issues like deposit refunds or specific requests. There were also mentions of staff being perceived as highly untrained or unhelpful in certain situations, leading to frustration for some visitors.

Additional Information
A recurring point of contention for some guests is the hotel's deposit policy, which many found was not clearly communicated at the time of booking, leading to unexpected charges and difficulties in obtaining timely refunds. Several guests reported waiting weeks for their money to be returned, despite assurances that it had been released. Another specific policy that caused dissatisfaction was the hotel's stance on guests taking food from the breakfast buffet to their rooms, with some staff reportedly objecting to this practice. On a more positive note, the hotel offers rewards program benefits such as room upgrades for loyal members. While not widely mentioned, a tennis court is available for guest use, and the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets can be challenging.