Hotel Sandras Inn (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Rooms are maintained to a high level and thoroughly cleaned - by friendly staff - on a day to day basis. Rooms may be a bit small for western tastes, but that's just something to grin and bear.

Right in the busy centre of Dubai, there are so many businesses within easy reach. The hotel is obviously and naturally popular with business guests. Tourists, too, benefit as a result of this very central location.

The front desk people are so friendly and helpful. It's always a bit unnerving checking into a strange hotel but they put you at your ease straight away.

You kind of expect more choice at breakfast in a place like this, so that's disappointing. It is served later than many places so that is a degree of compensation. The word is that some rooms, frankly - and literally - stink! Some bathrooms would benefit from renovation.

The night club is only great if you are there and in party mood. Those trying to get some sleep will find that the constant noise prevents this. The lack of an opening window in the room just adds to the discomfort.

There are some shady characters hanging around the hotel, including a number of ladies of the night. Everyone needs to earn a living but this does little to create what, for most, is an acceptable hotel atmosphere. Probably irrelevant - but there are shops and a pharmacy nearby.