Mount Royal Hotel in Deira: Affordable Accommodation

When location is everything, and comfort is a compromise. We take a closer look at who this one of the most affordable hotels in Old Dubai is best suited for and what you can really expect from it. Dubai isn’t just about futuristic skyscrapers and seven-star luxury. There’s another Dubai—a genuine, bustling, shopping-oriented Dubai with its own unique atmosphere. And the heart of this Dubai beats in the Deira district. It’s here, away from the glossy boulevards, that you can feel the city’s true pulse, where history meets commerce and the air is filled with the aromas of spices and freshly brewed cardamom coffee. In this setting, the Mount Royal Hotel is one of the key players. This hotel’s main value lies not in the number of swimming pools, but in its proximity to the metro station and its close location to the famous Gold Souk. It offers not luxury, but an affordable ticket to the heart of the action. Forget the glossy phrases from brochures. Our goal is to dissect the Mount Royal Hotel so that you see not only its price on Booking.com, but also the real cost of the compromises involved. We’ll weigh every pro and con so you can decide whether this hotel will be your key to the heart of Old Dubai or the door to a room of disappointments.

Location: The Mount Royal Hotel’s main asset

Forget everything you think you know about choosing a hotel in Dubai. When it comes to the Mount Royal Hotel, there’s only one rule: location, location, and location again. This is one of those rare cases where the address on a business card isn’t just important—it almost makes up for all the shortcomings we’ll discuss below.

At the heart of the action: the pulse of the Old City

The hotel is located on Baniyas Square, one of Deira’s busiest intersections. As soon as you step outside, you go from being a guest to becoming a participant in an endless street performance. The air is thick and spicy, a blend of saffron aromas from the spice market, smoke from a shawarma grill, and the pungent scent of cardamom coffee from a nearby café. You’re overwhelmed by the hum of the crowd, taxi horns, and the shouts of hawkers, while loaded carts rush past on their way to the abra boat dock. This is the raw, unfiltered pulse of the old city. All the main treasures of the old city are just a few minutes’ walk away:

• Gold Souk: legendary rows dazzling with the sparkle of precious jewels.
• Spice Souk: a place where you can get lost among sacks of saffron, cinnamon, and turmeric.
• Dubai Creek: from here, traditional wooden abra boats depart, connecting Deira with the historic Bur Dubai district.

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Transport accessibility: metro access to any part of Dubai

The main advantage of the location isn’t even the markets—it’s the transport. The Baniyas Square metro station (Green Line) is just a 2–3 minute walk from the hotel. It serves as your personal gateway to all of Dubai’s iconic landmarks. From here, you can reach virtually anywhere easily and affordably:

• ✈️ DXB Airport (Terminal 3): About 15–20 minutes by taxi or by metro with a single transfer.
• 🏙️ Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall: About 20–25 minutes by taxi or by metro with a single transfer.
• 🌊 Dubai Marina / JBR: About 35–40 minutes by taxi or by metro with a single transfer.
• ⛵ Dubai Creek Promenade: A 5-minute walk away.

Rooms and accommodation: Be prepared for compromises

So yes, the location is a clear strong point. Stepping inside the room, however, invites a more measured perspective where the idea of balance becomes important. The hotel offers a straightforward selection of room types—double rooms (Standard or Deluxe), triple rooms, and family rooms—designed to cover the needs of different travelers. Amenities are in line with a 2-star property and include the essentials for a short stay: air conditioning, a TV, a small fridge, a safe, and free Wi-Fi. What guests generally note is that the rooms reflect long-term, active use rather than recent refurbishment. You may notice signs such as well-used carpeting, minor marks on furniture, a shower that takes a moment to adjust, or an air conditioner that is more audible than newer models. It’s less about cleanliness and more about age and wear—an environment shaped by many years of hosting travelers.

An important note on expectations: it’s best to approach this stay with a realistic mindset. Many guest reviews mention that the interiors reflect an earlier renovation period and furnishings show regular use. Travelers who place a high priority on a brand-new look or a pristine, modern finish may feel more comfortable choosing a different hotel. This property is best suited to those who are happy to prioritize location and convenience over in-room aesthetics.

Services and amenities: only the essentials

The concept of Mount Royal Hotel can be summed up in two words: “no-frills,” meaning “without frills.” The hotel offers only a basic set of services, cutting out anything that could increase the cost of your stay.

Dining: a functional breakfast and endless options nearby

Breakfast at Mount Royal embodies the ‘no-frills’ philosophy. Don’t expect a lavish feast here: it’s a straightforward, minimalist array of calories designed to get your ‘engine’ running before a long day of exploration. Eggs, sausages, toast, instant coffee—its purpose isn’t to impress but to nourish. And it does that job well. But that’s precisely the charm! Instead of sticking to the hotel’s menu, step outside and explore the many dining options available in the surrounding area. Just a few steps from the entrance, you’ll find dozens of affordable and incredibly tasty cafés where you can sample authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Arab cuisine for next to nothing.

What you won’t find here (and why that’s okay)

It’s important to understand that Mount Royal Hotel is not a resort but an urban base. Therefore, you will not find:

• A swimming pool
• A spa center
• A fitness room
• Organized shuttle service to the beach

And to be honest, this is its main advantage. Every piece of gym equipment missing here, every sauna left unbuilt, and every liter of water in a non-existent pool represents your personal dirhams saved—money you can spend on an extra kebab, a boat ride on an abra, or that very silver ring from the market.

Verdict and practical steps: Who should book, and who should run?

Now that all the cards are on the table, let’s help you decide whether this hotel is right for you.

Is it a perfect match or a regrettable mistake?

The hotel is ideal if you:

• A shopping enthusiast: you’ve come for gold, spices, and textiles at Deira’s markets and want to stay right in the heart of the action.
• A transit passenger: you need an inexpensive and convenient place to spend one or two nights near DXB Airport.
• Unpretentious explorer: You just need a safe place to spend the night and leave your belongings, as you plan to spend most of your time exploring the city from end to end.

You should look for an alternative if you:

• Are traveling with young children and need a pool and a quiet environment.
• Dream of a beach vacation and don’t want to spend time commuting to the sea.
• Are sensitive to noise and place a high priority on comfort, fresh renovations, and impeccable cleanliness in your room.

By comparison, international chain hotels (such as Ibis) in Deira offer greater comfort and more predictable cleanliness standards—but at a higher price and possibly in a less authentic location, farther from the markets and the metro station.

Decided? Practical tips for booking

• Booking: We recommend booking your room in advance, especially during the high season (October to April). Before making payment, be sure to read the most recent reviews from the past month—conditions regarding cleanliness can change.
• Budget: Aim for a price range of 120 AED per night in the low season (May–September) up to 260 AED in the high season. Keep in mind that this amount will be supplemented by a mandatory tourist tax of 10 AED per room per night. Upon check-in, the hotel may also require you to pay a refundable deposit (typically 100–200 AED).
• Disclaimer: The prices listed are approximate and subject to change. We strongly recommend checking the current prices on aggregator websites before making a reservation.
• What to bring: An unconventional but highly useful tip: bring earplugs with you. The street noise in Deira doesn’t let up even at night. Bringing your own slippers for the room can also be handy.

Ultimately, Mount Royal isn’t a retreat designed to shut the city out—it’s a practical base that puts you right in the middle of Dubai’s daily rhythm. It suits travelers who come to explore, walk, observe, and experience the city from the inside rather than spend their days at the hotel. If that’s the kind of trip you’re looking for, this simple, straightforward hotel can be a convenient gateway to a more authentic, local side of Dubai, far from the usual tourist bubble.