Spacious rooms
Rooms are repeatedly described as spacious, clean and comfortable, with some guests receiving complimentary suite or premium-room upgrades.
Holiday Inn Dubai - al Barsha, an IHG Hotel
Al Barsha
Holiday Inn Dubai - al Barsha, an IHG Hotel is a full-service stay in Al Barsha with spacious rooms, several dining choices and a rooftop terrace. Reviews especially point to its breakfast buffet, easy Mall of the Emirates access and metro connections.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
5,949 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Mall access
The Mall of the Emirates is close enough to reach on foot, making shopping and dining trips straightforward.
Breakfast buffet
The buffet covers international and local dishes, and one review highlights an egg station that delivers freshly cooked orders to the table.
Metro access
The hotel is close to metro connections, although the most convenient station can vary when one is out of service.
Reliable Wi-Fi
Fast, reliable free Wi-Fi is useful for guests combining a Dubai stay with work.
Dining choice
Reviews mention three restaurants, including Gharana and Royal Buddha Restaurant, with live music at Gharana.
Pool facilities
The pool has sunbeds and is free for hotel guests; reviews also mention a gym, sauna and steam room.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm shuttle. If the beach shuttle matters to your plans, confirm availability for each day in advance; one guest received it only once in 10 days.
Check bedding. For a child or third guest, confirm the sleeping arrangement before arrival; one booking listed three sleeping places but had only a double bed.
Use nearby metro. Check which station is operating before setting out. When Mashreq was unavailable, a guest used the Mall of the Emirates metro and bus stations.
Ask smoking options. If you smoke, ask about the current designated areas before booking, as one review found only Q Bar or outside available.
Expect pool rules. Families should read the pool rules first, since reviews mention restrictions on jumping, diving, balls, noise and unsupervised children.
Check renovation. Ask about the renovation schedule before booking if the condition of the property is important to you.
Plan the visit
Practical details
And - Al Barsha 1 Sheikh Zayed Road - Sharaf Dg Metro Station - next to Mall of The Emirates
Al Barsha - Al Barsha 1, Dubai
Popular Mentions
shuttle to the beach
A beach shuttle is mentioned as an available hotel service, although one guest reported very limited availability during a 10-day stay.
rooftop terrace
The rooftop terrace is listed among the hotel’s facilities, though a guest noted that summer heat can limit its opening.
Common Concerns
Older feel
Some guests found the property old or dull, and one reported an unpleasant smell in the building despite clean rooms.
Shuttle uncertainty
The advertised beach shuttle was available only once during one guest’s 10-day stay, so it should not be your sole transport plan.
Uneven service
Although many reviews praise the staff, some guests reported rude, dismissive or unhelpful front-desk interactions.
Pool restrictions
A family review found the pool rules unusually restrictive, including limits on jumping, diving, ball play and loud talking.
Limited smoking areas
One guest said the only smoking options were Q Bar or outside and asked for more areas, including on the roof.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Holiday Inn Dubai - al Barsha, an IHG Hotel is a practical Al Barsha base for shopping, metro travel and a comfortable hotel stay. You can book a spacious room, use the pool or gym, and eat at several on-site restaurants. The breakfast buffet is a standout: reviews describe a wide range of international and local dishes, with one table-delivered egg-station service praised for keeping orders fresh.
Location is the main draw. The Mall of the Emirates is roughly a five-minute walk in several accounts, while metro access helps when Dubai traffic is heavy. Gharana is mentioned for hearty food and live music, and Royal Buddha Restaurant also receives a strong recommendation.
A pool with sunbeds is free for hotel guests, though it is not a beachside property. The experience is not completely uniform. Many guests report spotless rooms, warm service and helpful upgrades, but others found the building dated, noticed an unpleasant smell or had difficult front-desk interactions.
Confirm the beach shuttle directly rather than relying on the advertised service: one guest received it only once during a 10-day stay. Families should also verify bedding arrangements and check the pool rules before arrival.