This mid-market hotel was built back in 1998 and despite occupying a central position in busy downtown Deira, an air of calm and peace prevails inside.

The hotel is a little past its sell by date, though; the lobby has recently been refurbished yet still looks as though it is desperately in need of a face-lift. Meanwhile, the rooms may be comfortable and clean, but they’re also slightly tired, while the rooftop swimming pool is somewhat shabby.

Other facilities include a gym and a few restaurants. The Metropolitan’s main draw card is its location; adjacent to the famous Clock Tower roundabout, it’s close to the Creek, corniche and Deira City Centre shopping mall.

The hotel offers a daily complimentary shuttle bus service to the latter as well as to the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, where guests get to use the beach facilities at a discounted rate. All in all, the Metropolitan Hotel is nothing to write home about, but while you won’t come away wowed, neither will you come away broke.