I stayed here because I was attending a conference at Knowledge Village. It is a 5-minute walk to the Auditorium. On the way, there is a foodcourt (student canteen) to get reasonably priced food (Chinese, Labenese, fries, hamburger, sandwiches, etc).

Months before the conference, my hotel booking was confirmed in writing. Then, a few weeks before the conference, the rates were increased by AED100 because 'management decided'. This is despite having taken my visa card number earlier and given me a written confirmation.

I asked for a non smoking room (also confirmed months ahead); but on arrival, was given a smoking room. My whole wardrobe ended up with cigarette smell.

I arrived at 5am and the hotel wanted to charge me full rate for the night before. If I don't want to pay, I can only check in at 2pm. Finally, after some haggling, I paid half rate and checked into the room which was empty anyway.

There is no construction noise now. You can get a good night's sleep.

I was not daunted when told the hotel is far from the downtown core - and this turned out to be the biggest problem. Even though it is only 20 - 30km to downtown, a taxi ride to town between 4pm and 10pm (in the direction of downtown) would take you 2 to 3 HOURS. [Conversely, if you stay in downtown and try to get to Knowledge Village in the morning, expect a 2 hour traffic jam.] After being stuck in the taxi for 2 hours and still had 1 hour to go before reaching the Creek/downtown, I gave up and came back to the hotel. So, I went to Dubai but have not seen Dubai downtown!

Tulip Inn is located within 5 to 10 minute taxi ride from Jumeira beach and the hotels there. It's better to spend your time at Jumeira instead of being stuck in a traffic jam trying to get to downtown. The Royal Mirage has an Arabian Adventures office for you to book tours.

If I am not attending a conference in Knowledge Village, I will not stay at this hotel again. If I am, given the horrendous traffic conditions in Dubai, I would stay here (but only reluctantly).