Mall access
Mall of the Emirates and the metro are within a short walk, making Dubai travel straightforward.
Citymax Hotel Al Barsha at the Mall
Barsha
Citymax Hotel Al Barsha at the Mall is a budget-oriented hotel in Barsha, valued for its location behind Mall of the Emirates and near the metro. Guests can use the gym, rooftop pool and hotel dining, though reviews suggest checking facility availability and room expectations before booking.
Reputation Score
4.1
★★★★☆
6,657 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Clean rooms
Several guests describe the rooms as clean, comfortable and well maintained, with one calling theirs spotless and spacious enough.
Helpful staff
Some stays included practical help such as accommodating both an early arrival and a later checkout.
Gym access
The gym is described as well equipped, useful for guests who want to keep up their routine.
Breakfast variety
One guest found the included breakfast fresh and varied, making it a useful part of the room package.
Good value
Reviews describe reasonable rates for a central Dubai location, especially for short stays and longer monthly bookings.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check pool. Ask whether the pool is operating before booking; one guest booked specifically for it and found it closed.
Confirm parking. If driving, confirm that a space is actually available rather than relying only on advertised parking; capacity may be limited.
Request quiet. Ask about rooms away from the club, or avoid the hotel if uninterrupted sleep is essential; one stay had loud music across floors.
Check charges. Confirm what is included before arrival: guests reported being charged for toothbrushes, dental kits, slippers and extra water.
Check belongings. Before checkout, inspect the bathroom and cupboards carefully; one guest reported losing clothing and a belt after two stays.
Confirm booking. If arriving late, reconfirm the reservation directly; one reviewer said their room was given to walk-in customers.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Barsha Rd - behind Mall of The Emirates
Al Barsha First - Barsha, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Hotel breakfast
Breakfast is included in some stays, with one guest praising its variety and freshness, though another found the selection poor.
Rooftop pool
The rooftop pool is listed among the hotel facilities, but multiple guests reported finding it closed during their stay.
City Cafe
City Cafe is mentioned positively in a review about a meal with welcoming, attentive service.
Common Concerns
Tight parking
Parking is repeatedly described as very small or full; one guest paid 100 AED for private parking nearby.
Small rooms
Some rooms, including a booked family double room, were considered too cramped for comfortable family use.
Closed pool
The pool was closed during some stays without advance notice, disappointing guests who booked partly for that facility.
Service inconsistency
Reviews range from warm, efficient assistance to complaints about rude managers, delayed housekeeping and unclear policies.
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The Bottom Line
Citymax Hotel Al Barsha at the Mall is a practical, budget-leaning hotel in Barsha, with its biggest advantage being the walkable location behind Mall of the Emirates and close to the metro. You can book a room, use the gym or rooftop pool, and eat at the hotel’s dining venues, including room service and City Cafe. The property suits travellers who prioritise central access and reasonable rates over a polished or luxurious stay.
Positive reviews describe clean, comfortable rooms, a varied included breakfast and staff who have helped with early arrivals or extended checkouts. Longer-stay guests also mention convenient access to malls, restaurants and transport. There are important caveats.
Room sizes can feel too tight for families, and basic items such as toothbrushes, dental kits, slippers and extra water were reportedly chargeable. The pool has been closed without advance notice. Parking is small and often full, with one guest paying 100 AED for private parking nearby.
, sometimes across several floors. Ask about current pool, parking and noise conditions before confirming, and double-check your room before checkout.