Turns out, I was wrong. My thought on Dubai have definitely changed. Among other things because of my stay at the XVA Art Hotel.

Finding a good hotel in Dubai is easy, but finding a charming hotel and not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars for one night can be a bit of a challenge.

Location.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The XVA Art hotel lies in the stunningly beautiful Al Fahidi Neighborhood (formerly Bastakiya), next to Dubai Creek. When visiting for the first time, you might find it tricky to find it, simply because cars can’t drive right in front of it. My taxi driver wasn’t sure where the hotel was located, but a phone call solved the problem. After getting out of the taxi, you just have to walk through some small alleys of the old town (for about 90 seconds) before reaching the entrance. When booking the hotel, you’ll receive a detailed paper with directions for the taxi driver which is helpful.

The area great for explorers and the next metro stop is just a few minutes away, so getting around is easy. But there are no glamorous shops on this side of Dubai, so don’t stay here is you’re after this type of experience.

• Address: Al Fahidi Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates (opposite Al Musalla Post Office, Near Al Faheidi Roundabout)
• Telephone Number: +97 14 353 538 3
• Website: xvahotel.com

Comfort Level.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Definitely a hotel with great atmosphere – like an oasis. I loved the rooms which are small but very charming with lots of character. They’re situated around a beautiful courtyard in a converted Dubai mansion. I was upgrades free of charge, so my room was slightly bigger than the regular ones with A/C, great facilities, as well as some books and guides to read. If you have a lot of luggage, a room on the ground floor is advisable.

The entire setting of the XVA Art Hotel reminded me of an old fort and I really felt like home.

Big Plus:

• XVA also offers an art gallery with interesting pieces.

Food & Drinks.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Since the hotel is also a café and restaurant for visitors, the food is really delicious. Breakfast in the courtyard in the mornings was excellent and filling. It was a delicious combination of breads, hummus, fruits and eggs. Fresh juice and coffee/tea as well of course. Exploring the yummy Pakistani restaurants in the area is definitely something I’d recommend, but if you’re lazy, don’t feel bad because the food at the XVA Art Hotel is very authentic and delightful.

Service & Hospitality.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The staff was very nice and accommodating. Nothing more to add to this. Free and reliable Wi-Fi as well as a good literature selection are the reason for the full 5 points.

Price Range.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Dubai has hundred of great hotel, but most their prices are out of this world. At the XVA Art Hotel, you can expect approx. 150-250 US$ per night. I’s a very fair price. Food & drinks are also affordable and not overpriced.

Overall Feedback & Impression.

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

This is probably the best place to stay in Dubai if you’re looking for an area off the beaten path and actually stay somewhere that’ll show you the more curious side of this city. There is a reason why it’s often listed as a ‘not to miss’ place in Dubai. Thumbs up!

The courtyard of XVA Art Hotel in Dubai is really lovely.

Art pieces in the courtyard of XVA Art Hotel in Dubai.

The XVA Art Hotel in Dubai offers beautiful and authentic food

The XVA Art hotel lies in the stunningly beautiful Al Fahidi Neighborhood (formerly named Bastakiya) of Dubai.

Al Fahidi District.

Let me begin with describing the neighbourhood I enjoyed the most: Al Fahidi District. It’s the oldest neighbourhood of the city located right at the Dubai Creek. What you’ll come across here is peace & quite in an otherwise busy and bustling city. No street noise and no skyscrapers at all. A true oasis in Dubai.

Sophisticated houses with rough walls shielding the privacy of the wealthy families within became a trademark of the Al Fahidi Historical district in Dubai.

Downtown Dubai.

But of course Dubai is all about high buildings and extravagance architecture. A visit to the top of the highest man-made structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa, is an absolute must for every visitor (unless you’re afraid of heights). Depending on how much time you have, a visit during the day and night is well worth it. The 360° view is simply breathtaking. And while you’re in the area, stroll through Dubai Mall for some extensive shopping. But be sure to calculate at least 3 hours if you intend to also visit the famous Dubai Aquarium.

The view from “At the Top” in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The view of the Financial District from “At the Top” in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with the 10-million litre tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world.

Dubai Marina.

As I just had 48 hours in Dubai, I wasn’t able to do everything I wanted (which included a visit to the Deira fish market), yet I did get the chance to travel South to the Dubai Marina. Talk about a lot of skyscrapers in one spot. Hold on there Hong Kong! Beach, water and an amazing skyline is all happening down there. Must-do: Take a boat to view the city from a different angle.

Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city, built along a 3 km stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline.

Apart from the things mentioned above, I strolled along the Dubai Creek, had some amazing Indian & Pakistani food and enjoyed a relaxed afternoon in the Al Fahidi District.

Biggest downer of the trip: The Palm Jumeirah.