DUBAI’S WORST HOTEL9 min read

THE AFGHAN SERIES, DAY 1&2

DUBLIN – DUBAI

Dubai’s worst hotel. 2 years in the making it is finally time to begin my trip to the amazing country of Afghanistan. So much time has been spent thinking and planning and I can not wait to visit!

THIS IS A PART OF DUBAI I NEVER EXPECTED TO SEE

However, given the extra 2 years research I believe that it will for sure make for a better trip, not to mention having to navigate my way through the Taliban!

WHERE IS DUBAI?

Dubai

BROTHEL

After arriving I had decided to stay in 2 hotels while here. One would be in the old town of Dubai and the other just across the canal, just a few stops on the metro. There was nothing to note about the Howard Johnson other that me discovering what can only be described as a brothel on the ground floor, again something I didn’t know was accepted here in Dubai. Unfortunately time did not allow me to frequent the establishment and the experience would have to wait for another time.

Dubai’s worst hotel

CHEAPEST HOTEL IN DUBAI

We often get blind sighted by the glitz and glamour of Dubai, so I wanted to venture a bit and see how different things could really be. This took me to look for Dubai’s cheapest and worst rated hotel… OYO.

I have stayed in some sh*tholes and tbh this one was right up there. But I was prepared as the reviews seemed to be talking about something out of a horror book, mostly 1 stars.

Dubai’s worst hotel

THE ROOM

During check in the receptionist couldn’t hide his surprise that I had decided to stay here (me neither) as he asked me twice “are you sure you are staying here?”. Up to the room it was as basic, old and dirty as I have ever seen. In all of the hotels I have stayed at I have not seen a dirtier fridge and fully expected to catch something if I were to use it.

The bed had cleanish sheets but the mattress looked like it had been used at a creche, not to mention that stain on the curtains.

Dubai’s worst hotel

THE DUBAI EVERYONE KNOWS

Enough is enough and it was time to head to the Dubai we are all familiar with. It’s been a few years but as is normal with Dubai a lot has changed! Buildings are shooting up across the city changing the skyline on what seems like a daily basis.

After using the metro for the first time (be sure to sit at the front or back for a view) I had a walk around the Mall of Dubai and for the first time could appreciate how far this desert town has come in 20 years. So many people come here for their holiday, but yet more and more are beginning to call it home.

Dubai’s worst hotel

THE FRAME

Dubai is on a constant mission to bring new timeless attractions to its city, to encourage more and more visitors. One place I hadn’t visited was the incredible Frame of Dubai, a large open art frame that sits on the north of the city. It’s an amazing piece of engineering that offers great views at the top.

HOWARD JOHNSON

From here it was back to the brothel for an early night before an 11pm wake up call for my flight to country number 159… Afghanistan

TODAY’S YOUTUBE VIDEOS

If you want to see today from a different perspective, and catch a few different stories from the front row, then check out today’s YouTube videos below.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It’s always important to get away from the beaten path and visit different areas of these tourist hotspots. However will I stay in OYO again, not unless I want to catch something.

NEXT UP

Day 1, Kabul!! Click to read.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post was part of The Afghan Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.

To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.