Planning a Dubai stay near Mall of the Emirates without overspending? This guide reviews the 4‑star Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha using verified pricing, guest feedback, and policy details from multiple booking platforms. On average, guests have paid around US$58 per night, according to HotelsCombined, making it one of the more budget‑friendly 4‑star options in the area.

Last checked: 2026-07-23

Price range: From $34 per night (Google Travel) · Rating: 4.0 / 5 (5.4k reviews) · Star category: 4-star · Rooms: 230 rooms and suites

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-23.

Sources reviewed: Hotels.com listing, Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor page, HotelsCombined price aggregator, Momondo comparison tool, Skyscanner hotel page, Trip.com property page, Trivago property description.

No on‑site visit or staff interview was conducted. All prices are quoted from third‑party aggregators and may vary at the time of booking.

Snapshot: what you need to know

1 Required deposit
  • AED 300 per night deposit is taken at check‑in (Hotels.com).
2 City tourism tax
  • AED 15 per room per night collected on‑site (Hotels.com).
3 Minimum check‑in age
  • 21 years old required to check in (Hotels.com).
4 Check‑out time
  • 1:00 PM (confirmed by multiple OTAs including Booking.com).
FactDetails
Price range (standard room)US$30 – US$181 per night (Tripadvisor)
Average nightly priceAround US$58 (HotelsCombined)
Star category4‑star (all major booking platforms)
Number of rooms225 rooms and suites (Trip.com)

What is the Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha about?

The Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha is a 4‑star property in the Al Barsha 1 district of Dubai, designed in the style of a cruise ship with art deco touches throughout. Trivago describes it as a “modern building styled like a cruise ship” with amenities including a nightclub, free valet parking, and an outdoor pool. Skyscanner adds that the hotel has a rooftop pool, fitness centre, massage treatments, and spacious rooms.

According to Hotels.com, the hotel features two on‑site restaurants that serve international cuisine and kids’ meals, plus a spa and a rooftop terrace. The property opened in 2011 (Trip.com), so it has been operating for over a decade, which appears in some guest comments about maintenance.

“Set in a modern building styled like a cruise ship, the four‑star Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha is situated near Ski Dubai and shopping at the Mall of the Emirates.” — Trivago property description

The bottom line: The hotel targets travelers who want a distinctive aesthetic and a broad set of on‑site facilities at a below‑average price for a 4‑star Dubai property.

How far is Grand Excelsior from the airport?

Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha is located roughly 15–20 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport (DXB), depending on traffic. The hotel sits in Al Barsha 1, about 3.4 miles (5.5 km) from Burj Al Arab and 7.2 miles (11.6 km) from Marina Beach, according to Trip.com.

For airport transfers, options include taxi, ride‑share services, and the Dubai Metro. The hotel is within a 10‑minute walk of a metro station, as noted on Skyscanner. Taxi costs from DXB typically range from AED 50 to AED 70, though exact fares depend on traffic and time of day — a common query from guests looking to budget their transfer.

Note: The Dubai Metro is a cheaper alternative, with a direct line from the airport to the mall area. The hotel’s proximity to a station makes it a practical choice for metro‑friendly travel.

The implication: The hotel’s location in Al Barsha offers good access to both the airport and key attractions, though a taxi is the most straightforward option for late‑night arrivals.

How many stars does Grand Excelsior hotel have?

Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha holds a 4‑star classification across all major booking platforms. Its guest rating on Hotels.com is 7.2 out of 10, labelled “Good,” while Tripadvisor ranks it 456th out of 898 hotels in Dubai, positioning it as a mid‑range option (Tripadvisor Thailand).

The hotel’s Google rating is reported as 4.0 out of 5 based on over 5,400 reviews (noted in travel aggregator summaries). However, this figure is not directly verifiable from a single source; it appears consistently across multiple search and comparison tools.

Tip for value seekers: Momondo reports that the hotel’s average nightly rate (₹3,406) is significantly below the 4‑star Dubai average of ₹8,937, reinforcing its reputation as a budget‑friendly 4‑star property.

The trade‑off: You get a 4‑star classification and decent guest scores at a price point that often undercuts the competition, but some reviewers note that the facilities show their age.

What is Al Barsha known for?

Al Barsha is a centrally located district in Dubai, best known for the Mall of the Emirates — one of the city’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes, featuring Ski Dubai. The Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha is situated a 5‑minute drive from the mall (Trip.com) and within a 10‑minute walk (Skyscanner).

The area offers abundant dining, retail, and leisure options, and is well‑served by the Dubai Metro, making it a practical base for both business and leisure travelers. HotelsCombined notes that the hotel’s location is a key factor in its appeal, especially for visitors who plan to spend time at the mall or need easy access to public transport.

“Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha puts you just a 5‑minute drive from Mall of the Emirates and features a nightclub and a rooftop terrace.” — Hotels.com property overview

The pattern: For travelers who want quick access to Dubai’s shopping and metro network without paying for a premium location, Al Barsha provides a convenient, mid‑priced alternative to more expensive districts.

Pros and cons based on guest feedback and policies

Pros

  • Close to Mall of the Emirates (10‑minute walk) and metro station (Skyscanner).
  • Below‑average 4‑star pricing — usually 40–60% cheaper than the Dubai 4‑star average (Momondo).
  • Free valet parking and a free shuttle service (mentioned in multiple OTA summaries).
  • Rooftop pool, fitness centre, and spa on site (Skyscanner).

Cons

  • No pets allowed (Skyscanner).
  • Minimum check‑in age of 21 years (Hotels.com).
  • AED 300 per night deposit required at check‑in (Hotels.com).
  • Some guests report that rooms and facilities feel dated (consistent pattern in Tripadvisor and Hotels.com reviews).

Pricing: what to expect and when to book

The Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha exhibits wide price variation depending on season, day of week, and booking channel. HotelsCombined notes that July tends to offer the lowest rates, and Fridays often see the cheapest average nightly price at around US$51. Standard room prices on Tripadvisor range from US$30 to US$181 per night, while the overall average across multiple OTAs sits near US$58.

On Hotels.com, a sample one‑night stay was listed at ₹5,942 (₹7,641 total with taxes and fees). Remember to factor in the AED 15 city tourism tax and the AED 300 refundable deposit when budgeting your total cost. For families, children aged 3 and under stay free, but extra beds cost AED 150 per night and children’s breakfasts are AED 35 (Skyscanner).

Important: Prices shown on aggregator sites are snapshots; always check the final total on the booking platform before confirming. The deposit and city tax are collected at the property and not always included in the online rate.

The bottom line: For the lowest rates, target a Friday night in July and compare at least three OTAs. The hotel consistently undercuts the 4‑star market in Dubai, making it a strong value pick.

Location and getting there

Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha sits in Al Barsha 1, a 10‑minute walk from the Mall of the Emirates and the nearest metro station (Skyscanner). The property is about 3.4 miles from Burj Al Arab and 7.2 miles from Marina Beach (Trip.com).

For arriving from Dubai International Airport (DXB), a taxi typically takes 15–20 minutes and costs AED 50–70. The metro offers a cheaper alternative with a direct connection to the Mall of the Emirates station, from which the hotel is a short walk. Free valet parking is available for guests who drive (Trivago).

Alternatives in Al Barsha

If the Grand Excelsior doesn’t fit your needs, consider the Sunday Hotel Al Barsha, a 3‑star property also within walking distance of the mall. Sunday Hotel typically offers lower rates but fewer amenities. Other nearby options include the Aloft Al Barsha and the Fortune Suite Hotel, both within a 5‑minute drive. Each provides a different balance of price and facilities, so it’s worth comparing recent rates on aggregator sites.

Our pick for…

  • Budget‑conscious travelers: Grand Excelsior offers the lowest average price among 4‑star hotels near Mall of the Emirates.
  • Business travelers: Metro access, free valet parking, and 24‑hour room service make it a practical choice for short work trips.
  • Solo travelers: The location and range of on‑site amenities (pool, restaurant, nightclub) provide convenience without needing to venture far.
  • Families on a budget: Children 3 and under stay free, and kids’ meals are available, though extra beds and breakfast for older children add cost.

Related reading: Most Expensive Hotel in Dubai: Burj Al Arab & 2025 Rates · Best Hotel Reservation Websites: Top Sites Compared 2025

Additional sources

tripadvisor.de, tripadvisor.in, tripadvisor.com.br

Frequently asked questions

What do guests say in reviews about Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha?

On Hotels.com, the hotel rates 7.2 out of 10, labelled “Good,” while Google reviews give it 4.0 out of 5 (over 5,400 reviews). Common praise includes the location and value for money; repeated criticisms mention dated interiors and inconsistent housekeeping.

What is the cheapest price found for Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha?

According to HotelsCombined, some rooms have been found as low as US$25 per night, with an average of US$58. Friday nights in July tend to be the cheapest.

Does the hotel have a bar or restaurant on site?

Yes. Hotels.com lists two on‑site restaurants serving international cuisine and kids’ meals, and Trivago mentions a nightclub and a coffee bar.

What are the room amenities?

Skyscanner describes the rooms as spacious with standard 4‑star fittings. The hotel also provides 24‑hour room service, free valet parking, and access to a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and massage treatments.

How far is the hotel from Mall of the Emirates?

The hotel is a 10‑minute walk from the mall, according to Skyscanner, and a 5‑minute drive as noted by Trip.com.

Sources