Here is something we did not expect from Dubai – a great hotel in an excellent location that does not compete with 5-star luxury resorts that the visitors and residents of this city have gotten used to. Rove Downtown is located right in the centre of the New Dubai, opposite the iconic Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall in the district of Zabeel. The hotel is aimed at the backpackers but it packs quite a punch when it comes to the overall interiors, amenities and location.

From the moment guests enter, they are thrown into a hotel that is unique, very well designed with an identity of its own. There is a cool lounge just to the side of the main lobby which is furnished in a modern and very comfortable manner, while the artworks of local designers grace the walls. The check-in is straightforward, although the hotel is scheduled to launch its check-yourself-in kiosks to save the time and add convenience for the guests soon. The lounge is further enhanced by a grocery store attached directly to it, as well as a hip restaurant The Daily, where one can enjoy international cuisines with Arabic touch.

The rooms are simple, clean, convenient and have beautiful views of Burj Khalifa and the Downtown on one side and DIFC with Sheikh Zayed Road on the other. We absolutely loved the massive floor to ceiling windows. It just feels much more upscale than expected. As for the amenities, there is a gym with a pool that is open for most part of the day as well as meeting rooms with work areas that could be used for business meetings and general work time, should you stay there while on a business trip.

Overall, Rove is a hotel that does not try to be yet another resort in the city of life; however, it does deliver on the level expected from Dubai and it adds its touch of uniqueness to the stay which makes it rather memorable and pleasant