An honest guide to the hotel where low prices conceal both treasures and pitfalls.
While the world watches Dubai's futuristic skyscrapers rise, its vibrant heart continues to beat loudly in Deira. Here, the air is thick with aromas of spices and expensive perfumes, and the Gold Souk's shop windows contain more gold than Fort Knox. It is amidst this bustling hub that Landmark Plaza Hotel stands—a magnet for budget-conscious travelers. But is it truly your gateway to authentic Dubai, or a compromise between convenience and comfort? Let's weigh the pros and cons without embellishment, so you know exactly whether this hotel will become your home or a disappointment.
The Main Advantage: Location in the Heart of Old Dubai
If hotels were judged solely by their location, Landmark Plaza would receive top marks. It sits on Baniyas Square—not just a point on the map, but a true crossroads of Deira's life. Step out of the hotel, and you're immediately swept up into the chaotic yet mesmerizing flow of Deira's daily life. The air hums with multilingual chatter and the scents of shawarma and cardamom. Around you—a kaleidoscope of electronics stores, countless currency exchange offices, tiny snack bars where the aroma of fresh bread wafts out, and an eternally bustling crowd.
The main advantage is that everything interesting is within walking distance. Just a leisurely 10–15 minute stroll, and you'll find yourself at legendary markets:
* Gold Souk: where the brilliance of the displays makes you want to squint, and some jewelry pieces weigh several kilograms. * Spice Souk: a labyrinth where the air feels so thick with aromas of saffron, cinnamon, and dried lemons that you could cut it with a knife. * Perfume Souk: where they'll blend a personalized fragrance for you based on oud and musk, lasting for a week.
Nearby is also Dubai Creek, from where you can take a traditional abra boat across to the Bur Dubai area.
Transport hub right at your doorstep
The convenience of Landmark Plaza's location lies not only in its proximity to attractions but also in its exceptional transport accessibility.
* Metro: The Baniyas Square station (green line) is literally 100 meters from the entrance. This is your key to the entire city. You can quickly and inexpensively reach Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, or transfer hubs leading to Dubai Marina. * Taxi: It's always easy to hail a taxi on the central square or call one through apps like Uber/Careem. * Airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is just 6 km away, which takes about 15-20 minutes by taxi without traffic.
Rooms and Overall Condition of the Hotel: What to Expect?
What you need to know about Landmark Hotels: Landmark is a regional budget hotel chain. Their main philosophy is functionality and excellent location at an affordable price. You shouldn't expect luxury or unique service here; their product is a comfortable and inexpensive 'base' for exploring the city.
Now let's get to the most sensitive issue regarding Landmark Plaza. Let's be completely honest: the hotel is old. It was built in 2001, and the last renovation documented dates back to 2007. Simply put, its interiors haven't been updated for over 15 years. And these aren't just numbers—this is something you'll see and feel every day: from worn-out furniture to plumbing that has long been asking for replacement.
* Room types: The hotel offers three functional room categories, differing mainly in size. * Standard Room: A compact room (25–28 sq. m). Ideal for a single traveler or a couple planning to sleep only in the room. It may feel cramped for two people with large suitcases. * Deluxe Room: A more spacious option (30–34 sq. m). A sensible choice for couples who value privacy or for a family with one child, who can be given a sleeping space. * Suite: The largest room (38–45 sq. m). It makes sense if you're traveling in three or simply dislike cramped spaces. The separate living area gives the feeling of an apartment rather than just a room. * In-room amenities: Each room has individual air conditioning, cable TV, a safe, a paid mini-bar, an electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi.
Important note: what guests complain about: Be prepared that the hotel is not new. Reviews consistently mention worn furniture and plumbing, leaks, as well as serious issues with cleaning quality, even complaints about insects. If perfect cleanliness and novelty are your top priorities, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons.
What About Food and Entertainment? A Necessary Minimum
The hotel's infrastructure fully aligns with its concept—to provide a base for overnight stays, not resort-style relaxation.
* Meals: The main restaurant Delights Restaurant offers buffet breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner menus featuring international and Arabic cuisine. It's important to note that the hotel is alcohol-free—there is no license to sell alcoholic beverages.
Dining tip: Don't rush to book full board (HB/FB). Deira is a gastronomic paradise with hundreds of inexpensive cafes. Use the hotel as your base and dine out to explore authentic cuisine of the area!
* Entertainment for adults and children: There is no special infrastructure here, such as a kids' club or playground.
* Beach: The hotel is located in the city, so it does not have its own beach, and transportation is not provided.
Attention: Main Pitfall with the Pool and Fitness Center: Guests of Landmark Plaza can use the rooftop outdoor pool and fitness center free of charge, but these facilities are located in a neighboring building, at Landmark Baniyas Hotel. This means that to access them, guests must dress up and go outside, which could be quite inconvenient.
Travel Budget: How Prices and Taxes Work in Dubai
* Price Category: The hotel belongs to one of the most budget-friendly price categories in Deira. Its basic nightly rate is often comparable to the cost of a dinner for two at an inexpensive restaurant. Be sure to check current prices on several booking platforms for your specific dates. * Structure of Taxes and Fees: Mandatory charges are always added to the base room rate in Dubai. Be prepared to mentally add exactly 22% to the price listed on the website (this includes 5% VAT + 17% municipal fee and service charge). Additionally, a fixed tourist tax of 10 dirhams per room per night will be added on top of the total amount. Thus, the actual surcharge will be slightly above 22%, and its exact size will depend on the cost of your room. * Deposit upon arrival: Upon check-in, the hotel charges a refundable deposit of approximately 100-200 dirhams.
Mandatory fee: The Tourism Dirham Fee in Dubai for 3-star hotels is AED 10 per room per night and is charged additionally at check-in or check-out.
Verdict: Is this your compromise in the heart of Old Dubai?
After analyzing all the pros and cons, we can clearly identify the type of traveler who will enjoy this hotel. Landmark Plaza Hotel is a compromise hotel. You pay a minimal price for an exceptional location and excellent transport accessibility, but you sacrifice novelty, impeccable cleanliness, and high service standards.
Landmark Plaza will be your ideal choice if you are:
* A seasoned explorer: for you, the hotel is simply a safe place to drop your backpack and charge your phone, while all the real life happens on the city streets. * A master of short stays: you're in Dubai for 1-2 nights, and proximity to the airport and metro is more important to you than pillow softness. * An authentic experience seeker: you've come not for luxury, but for the real Deira, and you're willing to overlook minor inconveniences for a full immersion into the atmosphere.
You should look for another option if you:
* Are traveling with a family including children. * Are very sensitive to issues of cleanliness, comfort, and newness. * Plan to spend a lot of time in the hotel relaxing by the pool. * Your main goal is beach relaxation or entertainment in the Dubai Marina and JBR areas.
Landmark Plaza is not a resort hotel; it's a base for exploration. It won't offer you luxury, but it will give you the key to the real, unpolished Dubai. If you're looking for authentic experiences rather than impeccable service, and are willing to pay for them not so much with money as with your own simplicity—then this compromise might be justified for you. For everyone else, it will likely be a mistake. Choose wisely.
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