I‘ve never been one for hermetically sealed comfort of so-called seven or mere 5 star hotels. Instead of taking this safe and unadventurous approach to global accommodation I prefer something in the local traditional, which is also perhaps more rustic and certainly cheaper.
IMy researches led me to the XVA Gallery in the Bastakiya area of Dubai, noted for the use of the traditional wind towers in the architecture. The XVA, which also serves as an art gallery, also features this architectural charm but at 700 Dirham a day – somewhere north of 200.
But a quick check on tripadvisor quickly found some gripes about the quality of the actual rooms versus those in pictures and that the beds were musty and uncomfortable.
After registering I was sent a report which highlighted the Orient Guest House as a hidden gem and booking through Hotels.com got me a rate of $123.23 a day plus booking fee.
The Orient is right next door to the XVA, hidden away in the back streets from the road my taxi driver finding it impossible to find. It is centred on two courtyards around which are the rooms which were everything promised. Sure the air conditioning was rattly but I was sleeping on a comfortable four poster in a high beamed room with an ensuite.
Breakfast includes the usual western horrors including tepid bake beans and starbucks coffee but also included local sweetmeats and dates.
The service was incredibly friendly and helpful and I couldn’t recommend the Orient enough.
Orient Guest House
Al Fahidi Street
$123.32 plus booking.