Al Khoory Atrium Hotel: hidden gem in Al Barsha

The deluxe room at Al Khoory Atrium Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai. SUPPLIED

“Pops of orange everywhere, just like Expat Media. I like this hotel already,” my travel companion remarked as we stepped inside Al Khoory Atrium Hotel. From the outside, this four-star property looks like any other regular building in Al Barsha. Inside, it tells an entirely different story. What the ordinary looking hotel lacks from the outside, it makes up for in the inside with a high-ceiling atrium, chic yet budget-friendly rooms, restaurants and spa, a high-tech gym and a rooftop pool with a great view of the Burj Al Arab.

The room

Our home for the weekend was a 32sqm deluxe room that felt pretty spacious and homey and also includes a two-seater sofa. There’s ample closet space cleanly hidden behind the walls near the door. The mini-fridge at a corner is stocked with soft beverages. I quite liked the minimalist but very functional layout, with a long table serving as the media hub and office desk. But the star here is the extra comfy bed. I fell asleep as soon as I got under the duvet. But not before I enjoyed a relaxing soak in the bathtub.

The restaurant

Dining in isn’t a problem here. The hotel has a café and an all-day dining restaurant called Spice. We didn’t have any problem ordering a plate of perfectly fried calamares, burrata and steak. They serve International cuisine, after all. Prices are reasonable, which made dining even more enjoyable. Plus, portions are big enough for two. A mid-sized buffet breakfast is served daily and is the busiest you’ll ever see the restaurant. al khoory atrium hotel

Facilities

To get into full relax mode, we tried the Yasmine Hammam Spa. The deep tissue massage was truly invigorating, and real value for money at Dh175*. Plus you can use their sauna and steam rooms, or get in the Jacuzzi for an extended relaxation. I wanted to try their hammam for a thorough Moroccan bath, but all slots were booked. That’s usually a good sign, right? On the rooftop is the swimming pool, with the sunbeds all taken even at noon time. I couldn’t blame the crowd. Who could resist that cool pool with a great view of the majestic Burj? al khoory atrium hotel

The bottom line

This underrated hotel definitely deserves to be on the radar with its pocket-friendly rates, clean and spacious rooms, and modern facilities. Go to hotel website