We explore the pros and cons of a hotel that places you steps away from Deira’s vibrant local life, with accommodations that have a distinctly classic feel.
When we think of Dubai, our imagination conjures up glittering skyscrapers, luxurious malls, and futuristic landscapes of the Marina and Downtown districts. But there is another Dubai—a bustling, vibrant, and utterly authentic one. This is the old city, and its commercial heart beats in the Deira district. Here, amid the buzz of markets and the colorful array of signs, lies the Landmark Hotel Baniyas. This is not a place for a leisurely poolside retreat. It is a strategic base, a starting point for exploring that very “real” part of Dubai, where deals are struck, the air is filled with the scent of spices, and gold gleams. Its main trump card is its location just a few steps from the metro. But the central question remains: Does this phenomenal location tip the scales enough to outweigh the hotel’s age and simplicity? We’ve taken the Landmark Baniyas apart piece by piece so you can honestly answer this question for yourself.
Location: The main asset and the main compromise
The Landmark Baniyas’ greatest asset—and its biggest challenge—is not its walls but the air just outside its doors. Just imagine: you step out of the hotel, and the air is thick with a rich aroma—a blend of cardamom from the Spice Market, the sharp scent of oud from the perfume shops, and the smell of street shawarma. Your ears are filled with a constant hum: the beeps of taxis, the throaty shouts of merchants, the calls to prayer echoing from the mosques, and the multilingual chatter of the crowd. All around you is a kaleidoscope of bright signs, porters bustling back and forth with carts, and faces from every corner of the globe. This is Deira. And Landmark Baniyas is not just another hotel in this district—it is an integral part of it.
Why you’ll love this location:
- Metro right at your doorstep: The main advantage is that the Baniyas Square metro station (Red Line) is just a 3–5 minute walk away. This means you have direct, non-stop access to key city destinations: Dubai International Airport (DXB), the massive Dubai Mall, and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
- Markets just a stone’s throw away: For shopping enthusiasts and those who love local flavor, this is a real jackpot. The legendary Gold Souk and the fragrant Spice Souk are within walking distance. It’s not just proximity to attractions; it’s a full immersion into the bustling trading atmosphere of old Dubai.
- Close to the airport: The hotel is ideal for short stays and transit passengers. The distance to DXB Airport is only about 8 km.
What might drive you crazy:
- Far from beaches and “postcard-perfect” Dubai: Be realistic: getting to popular tourist areas such as Dubai Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah will take quite some time. Enjoying a beach vacation from this hotel will require both time and patience.
- Neighborhood atmosphere: What some perceive as authenticity may be a source of discomfort for others. The constant noise, heavy traffic, and general hustle and bustle of the Baniyas Square area stand in stark contrast to a tranquil resort-style getaway.
Distances to key attractions:
| Destination | By Taxi | By Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Airport (DXB) | 10-15 mins | ~15 mins |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | 20-30 mins | ~28 mins |
| Dubai Marina / JBR | 30-45 mins | ~48 mins |
| La Mer Beach | 25-40 mins | ~42 mins (with transfer) |
Important note: neighborhood atmosphere: The noise and bustle here don't die down even in the evening. For some, this is a drawback; for others, it's an advantage—a chance to experience the city's non-touristy side. Keep in mind that this isn't the polished cleanliness and quiet you'll find in newer districts. It's a lively, working, and very noisy corner of Dubai.
What awaits inside: From rooms and breakfasts to staff
But what awaits you behind the doors of a hotel located in such a strategic spot? Let's take a look inside.
Rooms: functionality from the past
Stepping into the room feels like a return to the early 2000s. The hotel has retained much of its original design over the years, which gives the space a distinctly traditional character. Guests can expect simple, functional comfort rather than modern upgrades, with furnishings and facilities that reflect regular use. This trade-off allows the hotel to offer its central location at a very accessible price point.
Standard room (23 m²): A compact, basic option that is ideal for solo travelers or couples planning to use the room solely for sleeping.
- Executive Suite (35–40 m²): A more spacious room with a bedroom and a separate living area. Its main advantage is the presence of a second bathroom, which can be convenient for families who value privacy.
The standard amenities align with the 3★ category: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV (but no Smart TV functionality), and a minibar are provided. However, the condition of the rooms requires a realistic assessment when booking.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners: hat to choose?
The hotel’s dining options are one of its strong points. Breakfasts served as a buffet in The Palms restaurant often receive positive feedback from guests. For a 3★ hotel, the selection of dishes is quite good: there are hot items, pastries, and fresh fruit. This is a great way to start the day with a satisfying meal before long walks around the city.
However, you should be cautious when considering the half-board option (HB—breakfast and dinner/lunch). Deira is a gastronomic paradise with a vast number of affordable, authentic cafés where the average bill per person ranges from 25 to 70 dirhams. Most often, opting for just breakfast (BB) and dining out in the city turns out to be both more economical and more interesting.
Dining tip: Choose a rate that includes breakfast (BB). Opting out of half-board not only saves you money but also gives you the freedom to explore Deira's culinary scene. Just around the corner, you'll find dozens of places offering Iranian, Indian, Pakistani, and Arab cuisine at very affordable prices.
Rooftop pool and other perks
On the hotel's rooftop, there is a small outdoor pool. It's not a spot for lounging all day; rather, it serves as a refreshing oasis where you can wash off the dust of Deira after a hot day and enjoy panoramic views of the city from above. Nearby, there are several sun loungers and a compact fitness center.
Guests also have access to a free sauna and steam room.
Now, here's what you won't find here (and this is important for families and beach lovers):
- A kids' club or play areas.
- A scheduled shuttle service to the beach.
This makes Landmark Baniyas less suitable for a traditional family vacation with children or for tourists whose main goal is the beach.
Staff and service: the human factor versus "tired infrastructure"
Often, it is the service that smooths out the shortcomings of outdated facilities. The hotel staff is mostly friendly and makes an effort to assist guests.
Room cleaning is carried out daily and meets industry standards.
Ratings speak for themselves: The hotel’s average rating on booking platforms typically falls between 7.0 and 7.4 out of 10. This is a common range for budget city hotels, reflecting a clear balance between strong points—most notably its location—and areas where expectations should remain modest, such as room condition
What do guests praise?
- The staff’s friendliness and responsiveness.
- Quick check-in.
- Daily high-quality housekeeping.
What do guests complain about?
- Lack of shuttle services to the beach.
- Russian-speaking staff are not always available.
The staff genuinely tries to be helpful, but you shouldn’t expect the speed and polish typical of 5-star hotels. This is honest 3-star-level service, where human warmth compensates for the lack of glitz.
Planning your trip: Budget, taxes, and booking
If you’ve decided that Landmark Baniyas is the right choice for you, here are a few practical considerations.
The cost of a standard room can range from 3,600–4,300 rubles in the low season to 7,000–7,800 rubles in the high season. However, the price listed on the booking site is only the tip of the iceberg. For budget travelers, the devil is in the details—specifically, in the mandatory taxes and fees.
Attention: Final cost!: You need to mentally add taxes and fees to the price you see on the booking website, which amount to about 17% of the base cost (5% VAT + 7% municipal tax + service fee). In addition, a tourism fee (Tourism Dirham Fee) will be charged—10 dirhams per room per night for 3★ hotels. Also, be prepared to pay a refundable deposit upon check-in (200–500 dirhams).
Final verdict: Is this your key to old Dubai?
Let's summarize. Landmark Hotel Baniyas is a utilitarian city hotel whose main value lies in its strategic location. Key strengths: an exceptional location near the metro and Deira's markets, one of the most affordable prices in the old town, and hearty breakfasts. Key weaknesses: physically and morally outdated rooms, a noisy neighborhood atmosphere, and a complete lack of resort infrastructure.
Ideal for...
- Tireless explorers on a tight budget. For those who see a hotel merely as a clean bed and a hot shower between long city excursions.
- Shoppers whose goal is Deira's markets. For those who have come for gold, spices, perfumes, and authentic goods and want to be at the heart of the trading action.
- Transit travelers. An excellent option for a short stay of 1–2 nights thanks to its proximity to the airport and the direct metro line.
Who should look for an alternative?
- Families with young children. The lack of entertainment options for children and the noisy nature of the neighborhood make this location extremely inconvenient.
- Lovers of beach relaxation. The journey to the nearest good beach will be long and tiring, eating up precious vacation time.
- Connoisseurs of comfort and aesthetics. If, for you, a hotel is not just a base but an integral part of your vacation—a place where you want to savor every detail—this hotel is not a destination in itself but rather a functional tool for exploring the city.
Its value is directly proportional to how important the location in the heart of old Dubai is to you.
Landmark Hotel Baniyas is an honest 3-star hotel that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s your personal key to an authentic, non-touristy Dubai. If you’re looking not for a glossy facade but for the true soul of the old city—and you’re willing to overlook the modest interior in exchange for being right at the heart of the action—then rest assured: your genuine, unglamorous journey through Dubai starts right here.
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