I was expecting to spend a few nights in a cheap basic hotel but this was an amazing experience. The hotel building is very old, it has patios with huge banyan trees where you can sit and eat breakfast. It is ful of birds, just go outside and there is Al Fahidi, a maze of small streets where you can walk and get lost, but it feels very safe. I was with a young daughter and we went in the evenings for a stroll to see a camel or buy some exotic souvenirs from the Arab shops. The breakfast was good, maybe it gets boring after a few days, bit still very tasty. The only problem seems to be for the light sleepers, because the wooden door literally goes out to the patio, you can hear people talking or playing the piano at midnight and early in the morning you can hear calls from the mosque, which is very close. Still, it adds the oriental charm. There is an art gallery and the whole place seems to be sort of artistic. We moved later to a 5star hotel but after 2 days we decided to return here because it was much more exotic and friendly than a normal chain hotel.

There were construction works for 1 night until 3 am, very difficult to sleep. The breakfast is ok for 3 days, after is seems to be boring.

This is the most amazing hotel I have found in Dubai. It is more than beautiful, skilfully furnished by the owner and managed in such a friendly, courteous and professional way that it is the most delightful place to stay in the middle of Dubai in the Bur district, the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, close to the ferry, a metro station, taxis and busses. The hotel is exquisite, elegant, unusual with its different rooms, artwork, inner courthouse and terraces. But that is not all, the manager Chandra handles all your questions, his favourite saying is "I will help you", the staff in the kitchen, at the bar, in the shop is polite, forthcoming with ideas, guidance, help. Whatever you want, you will find it or get it from them. Breakfast is excellent, food is available all day until 6pm. The rooms have everything and more than you need: ironing board, hair dryer, robe, extra towels, travellers' plugs, etc. The neighbourhood is to be discovered: historical Dubai, old city. It is very quiet, super well managed, just outstanding! And I forgot the white piano.....you can play it! Thank you Mona Hauser, thank you team, I will come again. Mariana Amar

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Dear XVA Team, We had a great experience at your beautiful hotel with the history. The Hotel staff are welcoming, always ready to help. Thanks to General Manager for fast checkin and explaining what to see nearby. Breakfast was fresh and delicious with local touch. Really liked that the team placed welcome amenity - fruits and water with lemon. Every detail in XVA art hotel is the true art. And it was nice to meet with Mrs Mona Hauser. I wish more and more positive reviews from guests.

Breakfast. It will be nice if guests can have two options of coffee (americano or cappuccino/latte). I do not prefer black coffee, and separate milk wasn’t enough.

The hotel is a breath of fresh air in Dubai. If you don’t want a glitzy modern high rise with an international operator, then definitely go for this place. The location is close to Al Seef and the breakfast, served by friendly staff in the gorgeous courtyard, was authentic and superb.

The hotel is about 20 years old and it shows. The furniture in the courtyard was a bit dirty and scruffy, and the lighting in the room was either too bright or off completely, with no bedside reading light. Small upgrades could make this place 10/10!

I stayed here seven years ago and upon return today, it was as wonderful as I remember, perhaps even more so because of the current staff. The relaxed atmosphere in this vintage Dubai home reveals how life can be lived, even in bustling Dubai. While the rooms are wonderful, leaving the room and sitting outdoors in the various nooks and alcoves promotes a serenity, whether reading a book, studying or listening to the world around you. Weather leaving a busy souk or the bustling modern downtown, the walk into the Al Fahidi historic district, the entry into the XVA hotel courtyard, the walk to your room, especially if upstairs, past the outdoor beds inspires an internal tranquility. Breakfast served under the courtyard Banyan tree is a daily delight. A caution, the room doors are low and even I need to duck a bit, but that is part of the heritage of the location!

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This hotel was absolutely perfect for the entirety of our stay. The people there were very welcoming and made our stay so pleasant. The room was so neat and it was very different from the typical hotel which was exactly what we wanted. The area has easy access for getting around and exploring the historic areas nearby. It’s a very short walk to the creek and getting across the water to the souks as well. Overall, we couldn’t have found a better stay in Dubai.

The location of the hotel is ideal, in the heart of Al Seef neighbourhood. The hotel is design around the main courtyard where you have the cafe/restaurant, which is quite unique. The food was very good and the staff friendly. In the evening, the atmosphere was very relaxing, perfect time to read a book or work. The room of the hotel was small but cosy and clean. If you are looking for a breath of fresh from the business of Dubai, this is a place to visit

No particular negative things. The room being directly on the courtyard can be slightly noisy at time for people looking for absolute calmness.

The space is so thoughtfully designed, engaging, and relaxing, and the location is superb - but the real star is the staff! We had some very stressful issues with delayed flights and misplaced luggage, and everyone was wonderfully accommodating and really helped to ease the experience. They even washed our "flying pajamas: for us while we slept so that we could have clean clothes to go out shopping for basic necessities to replace our luggage. Cannot recommend highly enough.

An exciting blast from the past! Dive into those Arabian Nights in this traditional location with modern comforts. Nice breakfast and friendly staff. Al Fahidi is a key heritage site with much of the original infrastructure preserved and intact. Have a cup of coffee at the Bayt Al Khaniar Coffee Shop and a nice lunch or dinner at Arabian Tea House and thank me later. The hotel is just 8 minutes walk distance from the nearest metro (Sharaf DG - green line), but it's also easy to get a cab. Also, a few steps away from Al Fahidi abra (boat) station, so you can easily explore Deira Old Souk or wonder around Al Seef waterfront promenade.

Being in the heart of Al Fahidi, you don't have a direct access to parking facilities. There is a parking area within the historical district about 5 minutes from the hotel.

This is the Old Dubai version of a quirky bed-and-breakfast boutique. Each room is uniquely-decorated with its own theme; its hard to say which is best. It is an art gallery and day cafe in addition to a hotel. Sometimes you feel like one of the objects of art, in a good way. The real value here comes from the wonderful and kind staff, who I prefer over a 5star-chic type of place any day.