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HotelShortlist rating
1/5

Not on the HotelShortlist: Cockroaches, mice or other pests mentioned in 7 guest reviews; Guests report hidden fees.

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Pest reports found in reviews
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa - Dubai - United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Bab Al Shams

★★★★★ Al Qudra Road - opposite Endurance City - Mugatrah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
9.3
Booking score
4.7
Google rating
3,998
Total reviews
★★★★★
Star rating
≈2013
Built / renovated
2+
Highest floor guests reported
Engine scores ·Newness ≈2013 ·Location 4.7
Member rate
€—,———
Booking.com shows the public rate for the same room and dates
Members see this rate in full. It is typically lower than the public price on this property — the same room, the same hotel, the same confirmation.
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Verdict

Is Bab Al Shams Worth It? The Honest Verdict

9.3/10 Booking.com4.7/5 Google3,998 reviews read5-star

As of 25 September 2026, 3,998 guest reviews give Bab Al Shams 9.3/10 on Booking.com and 4.7/5 on Google.

Most-repeated praise: Exceptional hospitality and staff attentiveness with numerous guests naming individual employees (Amro, Anees, Yasser, Subash, Molda, Michael, Tejas) who delivered outstanding personalized service beyond expectations 87 reviews.

Pest check

Bed Bugs and Pest Reports at Bab Al Shams — What 3,998 Reviews Say

7 of the 3,998 guest reviews we read for Bab Al Shams mention cockroaches, mice or other insects. The reviews are dated October 2018 to May 2026. These are guest reports, not inspection results. Members see the verbatim quotes.

Complaints

Noise and Room Complaints at Bab Al Shams: Which Rooms to Avoid

  • Service inconsistencies and operational issues including slow room service, missed reservations, unanswered phone calls, and reception staff that lack warmth and proper training 14 reviews
  • Dramatically overpriced food and beverages compared to quality delivered, with pool day passes and restaurant items charging premium rates without justifying value; sudden price increases on public holidays without added services 11 reviews
  • Poor management of dinner reservations resulting in hotel guests unable to secure seating at restaurants during peak times because outside Iftar guests take priority and fully book all venues 4 reviews
Rooms to avoid
  • Rooms close to Al Hadheerah restaurant buffet show experience music and noise until 10 PM
  • Lower floor rooms near pool bar area affected by DJ music and ambient entertainment
  • Rooms near roof-top lounges and entertainment venues experience carried sound
What guests praise

Bab Al Shams Reviews — What Guests Actually Say vs the Marketing

Bab Al Shams sells itself as a 5-star hotel. What guests repeat most:

  • Exceptional hospitality and staff attentiveness with numerous guests naming individual employees (Amro, Anees, Yasser, Subash, Molda, Michael, Tejas) who delivered outstanding personalized service beyond expectations 87 reviews
  • Stunning architectural design and authentic Arabian heritage blended with modern luxury, featuring lantern-lit pathways, traditional mud-brick aesthetics, and intricate Arabian details throughout the property 72 reviews
  • Spectacular infinity pool overlooking desert dunes with perfect water temperature control and complimentary amenities like chilled towels, ice cream, and attentive pool service 64 reviews
Room requests

Which Room Should You Ask For at Bab Al Shams?

Ask for
  • Desert view/balcony rooms recommended for peaceful experience
  • Adult-only pool area noted as quiet compared to family pool
Method

How HotelShortlist Researched Bab Al Shams

We read 3,998 public guest reviews of Bab Al Shams, grouped repeated findings and counted how often each one appears. Pest figures are guest reports, not inspection results. Member-only detail is blurred on this page. Research updated 2026-09-25. If you represent Bab Al Shams and believe something here is wrong, write to members@hotelshortlist.com and we will review it.

What guests love

Exceptional hospitality and staff attentiveness with numerous guests naming individual employees (Amro, Anees, Yasser, Subash, Molda, Michael, Tejas) who delivered outstanding personalized service beyond expectations (87×)
Stunning architectural design and authentic Arabian heritage blended with modern luxury, featuring lantern-lit pathways, traditional mud-brick aesthetics, and intricate Arabian details throughout the property (72×)
Spectacular infinity pool overlooking desert dunes with perfect water temperature control and complimentary amenities like chilled towels, ice cream, and attentive pool service (64×)
Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this (51×)
Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this(68×)
2 more positive findings visible to members.

Watch-outs · 5 recorded

Service inconsistencies and operational issues including slow room service, missed reservations, unanswered phone calls, and reception staff that lack warmth and proper training (14×)
Dramatically overpriced food and beverages compared to quality delivered, with pool day passes and restaurant items charging premium rates without justifying value; sudden price increases on public holidays without added services (11×)
Poor management of dinner reservations resulting in hotel guests unable to secure seating at restaurants during peak times because outside Iftar guests take priority and fully book all venues (4×)
Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see (8×)
Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members see this finding in full Members (9×)
2 more watch-outs are visible to members.
Parking note. Adequate — Self-parking available on-site; valet service mentioned frequently but taxi booking from resort can have 30-60 minute waits and Uber/Hala don't work reliably at this remote location.
Guest sentiment — 3,998 rated reviews
93% positive (3,738)3% neutral (121)3% negative (139)

Review history 3,998 dated reviews · 2013-04 → 2026-09

1234520132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Monthly average (1–5)Pest mentionSmoothed trendReview volume
Review counts: 3,998 Google

What the trend suggests

Issue resolved2020-Q3 – 2026-Q385% confidence
Early reviews (2020–2021) frequently cited infrastructure wear, room size/quality concerns, and service inconsistencies ('needs urgent renovation', 'small and inappropriately described rooms', 'service was inexistent'). Post-2022 renovation, these complaints are nearly absent; instead, reviews emphasize 'beautifully renovated', 'modernly designed', and consistent praise for staff professionalism. The 2022–2023 renovation period (noted in snippets as closing for refurbishment) correlates with elimination of depreciation complaints and sustained 4.7–4.9 ratings thereafter.
Possible recovery2014-05 – 2018-0178% confidence
After sparse, erratic reviews in 2013–2014 (ratings 0–3.67), the hotel demonstrates sustained recovery from mid-2014 onwards. May 2014 begins at 3.0, August 2014 spikes to 5.0, and by late 2014–2015 stabilizes around 4.5–5.0. From 2016 onward, monthly counts rise sharply (6+ reviews/month by early 2017, 34+ by Jan 2018), indicating both improved operations and increased booking/review activity. This multi-year climb from 3.67 to 4.6–4.7 is consistent with operational maturation and expanded market presence.
Emerging issue2022-Q2 – 2026-Q272% confidence
A small but recurring complaint about pricing emerges in 2022–2023 reviews ('a bit overpriced', 'ridiculous pricing', 'expensive iftar') and persists through 2026 ('prices were increased dramatically', 'expensive for what was served'). While overall satisfaction remains high (4.6–4.97 avg), cost-value tension is noted by ~5–8% of reviewers in recent quarters, suggesting potential pricing-power limits or value perception decline relative to pre-renovation baselines.
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What guests report

View
Desert landscape with sand dunes visible from most rooms and pool areas; sunset views highly praised
Bed & mattress
Described as very comfortable and soft by majority; some guests found mattresses too firm or pillows substandard
Bathroom & water
Spacious and beautifully designed with quality finishings and hot water; some reports of slow draining showers and missing high-end toiletries
Breakfast
Exceptional buffet with abundant variety, fresh ingredients, live cooking stations, and dietary accommodations
AC / heating
Mixed reviews—some praise perfect temperature control; others report units stuck on cold settings or insufficient cooling

Hotel team

General Manager
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Luxury Resort & Hotels Manager
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HSE Manager
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Operations Manager
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Chef de Cuisine
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Chef
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Senior Engineering Technician
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Housekeeping Specialist
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Recreation Attendant / Kids Club Attendant
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Local knowledge

Book dinner reservations in advance, especially on weekends and holidays—all restaurants can fully sell out to outside guests, leaving hotel guests unable to dine at reasonable hours
Request a room with desert view or terrace when booking; pool-facing rooms lack the spectacular sunset vistas that define the experience
Rent a car for your stay—the resort is 45-60 minutes from Dubai city center and taxis are difficult to book, expensive, and have long wait times
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Room intel

Quiet rooms / wings
  • Desert view/balcony rooms recommended for peaceful experience
  • Adult-only pool area noted as quiet compared to family pool
Noisy rooms to avoid
  • Rooms close to Al Hadheerah restaurant buffet show experience music and noise until 10 PM
  • Lower floor rooms near pool bar area affected by DJ music and ambient entertainment
  • Rooms near roof-top lounges and entertainment venues experience carried sound
Extra charges guests were surprised by
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Character & facilities

Design & character 2% of reviews mention design
  • Traditional Arabian mud-brick architecture with lantern-lit pathways and authentic Emirati heritage details
  • Intricately decorated courtyards, water features, and carved wooden doors creating cinematic desert oasis aesthetic
  • Recently renovated with modern luxury while preserving character, though some guests felt post-renovation design lost original authenticity
Gym & fitness Decent
  • Functional gym with treadmills offering desert landscape views during workout
  • Includes stretching sessions and outdoor morning workout activities organized by staff
Family facilities
  • Dedicated kids club with toys, activities, coloring, and engaging staff
  • Separate shallow family pool with waterfalls, fountains, and age-appropriate activities
  • Complimentary camel rides, falcon photo sessions, and animal experiences
  • Babysitting services available through kids club staff

Rooms & categories

15 room types
BEST VALUE
Family Room, Deluxe
Family Room, Deluxe
Tea/Coffee makerMinibarShowerSafety deposit boxTVAir conditioning
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 2
Deluxe Family Room
Deluxe Family Room
Tea/Coffee makerMinibarShowerSafety deposit boxTVAir conditioning
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 3
2 Bedrooms, Family, Garden And Courtyard View
2 Bedrooms, Family, Garden And Courtyard View
Non-SmokingTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettleSatellite TV service
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 4
2 Bedrooms, Deluxe, King And Twin Beds
2 Bedrooms, Deluxe, King And Twin Beds
Non-SmokingTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettleSatellite TV service
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 5
Family Room - Two Bedrooms - Courtyard View
Family Room - Two Bedrooms - Courtyard View
Non-SmokingTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettleSatellite TV service
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 6
Family Room, Terrace
Family Room, Terrace
Non-SmokingFurnished balcony or patioTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettle
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 7
Family, King And Twin Beds, Garden View, Balcony Or Patio
Family, King And Twin Beds, Garden View, Balcony Or Patio
Wheelchair-width doorwaysNon-SmokingFurnished balcony or patioTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toilet
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 8
Terrace Family Room
Terrace Family Room
Non-SmokingFurnished balcony or patioTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettle
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 9
Suite, Deluxe, 2 Bedrooms
Suite, Deluxe, 2 Bedrooms
Non-SmokingFurnished balcony or patioTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettle
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 10
2 Bedrooms, Family Suite, Deluxe
2 Bedrooms, Family Suite, Deluxe
Non-SmokingTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettleSatellite TV service
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 11
Suite Deluxe - Two Bedrooms
Suite Deluxe - Two Bedrooms
Non-SmokingFurnished balcony or patioTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettle
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 12
Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite
Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite
Non-SmokingTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettleSatellite TV service
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 13
2 Bedrooms, Desert Pool, Villa
2 Bedrooms, Desert Pool, Villa
Non-SmokingTelevisionDining tableDeck or patioTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toilet
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 14
Two Bedroom Desert Pool Villa
Two Bedroom Desert Pool Villa
Non-SmokingTelevisionDining tableDeck or patioTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toilet
member rate per night
€———
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OPTION 15
Villa, Desert View, Private Pool, 2 Bedrooms
Villa, Desert View, Private Pool, 2 Bedrooms
Non-SmokingTelevisionTurndown serviceGrab bar - near toiletElectric kettleSatellite TV service
member rate per night
€———
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Questions about Bab Al Shams

How is Bab Al Shams rated?
Bab Al Shams scores 9.3/10 on Booking.com and 4.7/5 on Google.
How many guest reviews were analysed for Bab Al Shams?
HotelShortlist analysed 3,998 guest reviews for Bab Al Shams to build this verified profile.
Is Bab Al Shams a 5-star hotel?
Yes — Bab Al Shams is a 5-star property in Dubai.
What do guests love about Bab Al Shams?
The most-mentioned positive in guest reviews: Exceptional hospitality and staff attentiveness with numerous guests naming individual employees (Amro, Anees, Yasser, Subash, Molda, Michael, Tejas) who delivered outstanding personalized service beyond expectations
How do I get the member rate?
HotelShortlist is a private members’ club. Ask for an introduction and, once admitted, member rates are unlocked on every verified hotel.

How Bab Al Shams Compares to Other Dubai Hotels

Bab Al Shams: Booking.com 9.3/10, 5-star. Other researched hotels in Dubai:

See all verified hotels in Dubai →

Review data verified & refreshed 2026-09-25.