Convenient location, spacious rooms, and a reasonable price are the three pillars that most pragmatic travelers rely on when choosing a hotel in Dubai. In their quest for this balance, many turn their attention to the Al Barsha area and its “dark horse” — the Elite Byblos Hotel, which promises five-star comfort at the price of a solid four-star property right on the doorstep of the Mall of the Emirates. But is this really the case? An important note: the hotel was previously known as Auris Plaza Hotel Al Barsha and Coral Dubai Al Barsha. If you come across older reviews under these names, know that they refer to the same property. We’ve taken this into account in our analysis. In this article, we’ll take the hotel apart piece by piece: from its main selling point—its location—to the actual level of service, room comfort, and potential pitfalls. Our goal is to help you determine whether the Elite Byblos Hotel will be the perfect choice for your trip to Dubai.
What you’ll learn from this review: We’ll take a detailed look at the hotel’s location, peek inside the rooms, evaluate the rooftop pool and restaurants, analyze the prices, and deliver an honest verdict. Everything you need to know before booking!
Key advantage: Located in the heart of Al Barsha
Let's be honest: the primary reason people choose Elite Byblos is its phenomenal location. This is the trump card that overshadows almost all potential drawbacks and makes the hotel incredibly attractive to most active tourists.
Just a stone's throw from a shopping paradise: Mall of the Emirates
Imagine this: you step out of the hotel, and within a 5–7 minute leisurely walk, you're already standing under the massive glass roof of the Mall of the Emirates. This means you no longer have to plan your dinner or wonder where to go in the evening. At your disposal is a huge food court, dozens of restaurants to suit every taste, a cinema, and even the famous Ski Dubai indoor ski slope. And the ability to pop into the giant Carrefour supermarket at any time for water, fruit, or a forgotten item provides a level of everyday convenience that's hard to overstate.
The mall as part of the hotel: Essentially, the Mall of the Emirates becomes an extension of the hotel's infrastructure. Dinner, shopping, entertainment—everything is just across the street, with no need to spend money on a taxi.
A transport hub right at your doorstep: metro and taxis
Next to the mall is the Mall of the Emirates metro station (red line), the city's main transport artery. This gives you incredible freedom of movement and allows you to save significantly on taxi fares. By metro, you can easily reach:
- Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa: about 20–25 minutes.
- Dubai Marina and JBR: approximately 25–30 minutes.
- DXB International Airport: the journey takes around 45–50 minutes.
For comparison, a taxi ride to the airport costs 70–90 AED, while the metro costs only 12–15 AED. This makes the hotel’s location ideal for active travelers planning to explore different parts of Dubai.
Space for relaxation: Rooms and comfort level
If location is the first thing that attracts guests to Elite Byblos, then its second major strength is the size of its rooms. In Dubai, where many city hotels offer rather compact rooms, Elite Byblos stands out for its spacious accommodations, especially in this price segment. The hotel offers several room categories, each distinguished by its generous size:
| Category | Area (sq m) | Max. occupancy | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Room | 25–41 | 2 adults + 1 child | Couples and solo travelers |
| Deluxe Room | 42–46 | 2 adults + 1 child | Families and those who value extra space |
| One Bedroom Suite | 76–86 | 3–4 people | Families needing a separate living area |
As you enter the room, you won’t find ostentatious luxury, but you’ll immediately notice two things: cleanliness and thoughtful design. Of course, the room comes equipped with all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay: from an individual air conditioner and fast Wi-Fi to a safe that easily fits a laptop, as well as an iron and ironing board.
But what truly matters—and what almost every guest highlights—is the quality of sleep. The hotel doesn’t skimp on the most important thing: you’ll find genuinely comfortable beds with high-quality bedding and excellent soundproofing, which is invaluable for a hotel located in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
Relaxation and entertainment at the hotel
What can you do at Elite Byblos after returning from a stroll around the city or a shopping trip? The hotel offers several delightful options for relaxation and unwinding.
An oasis on the roof: a panoramic pool and complimentary SPA
Climbing up to the rooftop transports you to an entirely different world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Al Barsha. The pool here is more than just a body of water—it’s a full-fledged relaxation zone. During the day, you can leisurely swim in the comfortably heated or cooled water (depending on the season) and soak up the sun on a lounge chair. In the evening, the space transforms: the lighting comes on, relaxed music drifts over from the neighboring Zodiac lounge bar, and you can enjoy a drink while taking in the panoramic view of the city lights. It’s here that you can best experience the contrast between the vibrant metropolis and your very own personal haven of tranquility.
Another major advantage is that hotel guests can visit the thermal zone at Rus Elite Spa for free, which includes a sauna and a hammam. This is a great opportunity to relax after long walks or a flight.
Restaurants and bars: a practical approach
The hotel's dining options are designed with guest convenience in mind. The main restaurant, Monarch Coffee Shop, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner both as a buffet and à la carte. For sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy a casual atmosphere, there is the American-style Brooklyn Bar, where you can watch live sports matches and order burgers.
Let's be honest: this is more of a convenient "Plan B" in case you don't feel like going anywhere else, rather than an independent gastronomic adventure.
Breakfasts and half board: what to choose?
Breakfasts at the hotel are served as a buffet and consist of a solid, standard selection of dishes: omelets, sausages, vegetables, fruits, pastries, and Arabic snacks. This is more than enough to start your day off right.
The hotel also offers a half-board (HB) option, which includes dinners.
Dining tip: is half board worth it?: Our advice: opt for the bed-and-breakfast (BB) rate only. With a giant food court and dozens of restaurants at the Mall of the Emirates right next door, it simply doesn't make sense to commit to dinners at the hotel. This will give you the freedom to choose and allow you to discover new flavors every evening.
Planning your trip: Prices, booking, and important details
If the hotel has piqued your interest, here are a few practical points to consider when planning your budget and making a reservation.
How much does it cost? Price overview
Elite Byblos falls into the mid-price segment for 5-star hotels in Dubai, offering competitive rates, especially considering its location and room sizes.
- Low season (summer): from 7,500–9,000 ₽ per night.
- High season (October–April): 10,000–15,000 ₽ per night.
Important financial considerations: tourist tax and deposit
As with all hotels in the UAE, the final cost of your stay will be slightly higher than the price you see during booking.
Don't forget additional costs!: In addition to the booking cost, upon check-in, the hotel will charge a tourist tax (15 AED per room per night) and require a refundable deposit (usually 300–500 AED). Be sure to include these amounts in your budget.
Best time to visit and booking tips
The best time to visit Dubai is from October to April, when the weather is comfortable. This is also the peak tourist season, so we strongly recommend booking your hotel in advance to secure the best rate.
Is Elite Byblos your smart choice in Dubai?
So, what’s the verdict? Elite Byblos is a hotel with a remarkably clear and honest character. It doesn’t dazzle you with gold-plated lobbies or promise an exclusive luxury experience. Its strength lies elsewhere: in smart pragmatism and the flawless fulfillment of its core promises.
This hotel is perfect for you if:
- Your top priority is shopping and the freedom to get around the city by metro.
- You value a spacious, clean room more than luxurious lobbies and exclusive service.
- You’re looking for the best value for money in the 4–5-star category.
- You’re planning an active vacation, and the hotel serves as a comfortable base for sleep and relaxation.
You should look for another option if:
- You dream of a beach vacation with a sea view from your window.
- You expect impeccable service on par with luxury hotel chains (such as Jumeirah or Four Seasons).
- Absolute quiet is critical for you, and you’re concerned about potential city noise.
| Parameter | Elite Byblos Hotel | Novotel Al Barsha | DoubleTree by Hilton Al Barsha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class (actual) | 4.5* | 4* | 4* |
| Proximity to MoE | ~5–7 min walk | ~10–12 min walk | ~10–12 min walk |
| Standard room size | ~36+ sq m | ~30 sq m | ~32 sq m |
| Price segment | Mid-range | Lower-mid range | Mid-range |
Elite Byblos Hotel focuses not on ostentatious luxury but on pragmatism and functionality taken to the extreme. It offers honest “five stars” for its location and room size, and solid “four stars” for everything else. It’s the choice of the modern traveler who knows exactly what they’re paying for and values real comfort over mere glitz.
Imagine this: You step out of the hotel after a hearty breakfast, and just five minutes later, the doors of the Mall of the Emirates or a metro station open up before you, ready to whisk you to any corner of this incredible city. If this is exactly the kind of smart, active, and free-spirited getaway you’re looking for in Dubai, Elite Byblos isn’t just a great hotel—it’s the perfect key to unlocking the city.
Comments