Rokshan Rajakabur
I booked a single-bedroom studio for a 2-night stay at Asma Al Barsha Hotel Apartments, mainly because I saw attractive swimming pool views on social media and was looking forward to using both the gym and pool facilities.
At the time of booking and even during check-in, the reception staff informed me that these facilities were included in my package, which I was already aware of. However, they did not mention the pool timing restrictions. As it is the beginning of summer in the United Arab Emirates, I planned to swim around 9:30 PM when the weather is more comfortable and ideal for photos or videos. Unfortunately, only after going up to the rooftop did I see a notice stating that the pool is open only from 9 AM to 9 PM. This timing is not practical considering the high humidity during daytime in this region.
Additionally, the gym is managed by a third party, which was not clearly communicated. After check-in, basic items like slippers are not provided immediately—you need to call reception and wait around 20–30 minutes.
Regarding parking, it was mentioned that parking is available. However, I arrived using an electric scooter, which is quite common and practical in areas like Al Barsha. There were no facilities to charge electric scooters, and I ended up wasting more than 3 hours trying to find a solution.
Another inconvenience is the lack of designated smoking areas within the building. The property has 6 floors, but there is no smoking room or zone on any floor. Guests must go outside the building to smoke. This becomes especially inconvenient because the room access card is required to operate the lift. If one person leaves with the card, the room loses power, leaving the other occupant without electricity.
On a positive note, during my stay, I interacted with three different receptionists. Among them, a Sri Lankan staff member working the day shift stood out for her genuine hospitality, friendly attitude, and prompt service.
Overall, while the room and basic facilities were satisfactory, there are several areas where management can improve guest convenience and communication.
