* online photographs do not reflect the standard of the hotel and seem to depict former glory

* given the state of the hotel, the room rates are too high and other, better hotels are available in the Mankhool area

* the hotel gives a run-down and unclean impression (but no prostitutes)

* the staff were not at all helpful and untrained

Hotel standard Based on the pictures and reviews provided on booking.com my partner and I opted for this hotel over two other hotel apartments we had previously stayed in (and were satisfied with). In fact, the room at Richmond hotel apartments was slightly more expensive than said hotels and based on the assumption of a relation between price and hotel standard, we decided to give Richmond Hotel Apartments a shot.

Now, while the foyer in the photograph provided on several websites is indeed that of Richmond Hotel Apartments, it must be several years old! These days it looks run down, messy and the couch has been replaced by two 1 Dirham massage chairs! The pictures of the outside of the hotel are equally misleading -the place is surrounded by large sandy areas that are used as parking lots. The hotel is also located on a busy road and the traffic and occasional shouting from outside made for a bad night's sleep. AC in the hallways did not work. No bed covers.

Cleanliness On the way to our room, we were greeted by a "liquid" stained-mattress that was standing in the hall way, and was not removed until several hours later. Entering our allocated room, the first thing we noticed was an unpleasant smell - a mixture of mould and cold smoke! The furniture and equipment of this place are of older date, which in itself is not a problem. However, stains and holes in the bed linens, mould in the shower and kitchen, as well as hairs of the previous guest in the bed and on the floor are! Generally, flat surfaces of any kind were sticky, patches of wallpaper were missing in several places and the safety deposit box did not work. Thick layers of dust and grease in the kitchen and living room. Only 1 semi-clean towel in double-bed room.

Staff The receptionists wanted to hang on to our passports for several hours only agreed to make copies etc . immediately after several firm requests. Had to follow up on taxi request, as the receptionist had forgotten first request, since he was busy chatting with one of his mates/colleagues! Generally staff did not seem to care, but this relates probably to the wider problem with working conditions and dubious working contracts for foreign workers in the UAE.

Internet The wireless connection is very slow and during our stay went on and off in 1 or 2 min intervals. We therefore used the computers provided in the “business centre" (2 PCs with dirty keyboards – bring disinfectant along!).

Gym Very small space with four or five machines (stationary bike etc) and some small weights. Small and dark place - AC did not seem to work and temperatures must have been 20C+ on that floor.

Bottom line
Receptionist said that they consider themselves a 3 Star hotel. This is, in light of our experiences, a complete joke. It is mainly the un-cleanliness of the place, as well as the misleading information about the hotel's standard that are not acceptable. Under better management, this place could actually be quite decent. We tried to find alternative lodging for the night, but all other hotels in the area were booked out - so we had to stay the night at Richmond Hotel. In its current state, this is a 1 star hotel at best - we have been to the UAE several times and have a pretty good idea of what's out there in terms of hotels and hotel apartments. If they would offer 50dhs rooms, at least you'd know what you're getting into - but this place gives false impressions and seems to base its rates on that information. The hotel’s location is OK and Al Karama Metro station is only a 20min walk away. However, as a result of the sum of the mentioned problems this is without doubt the worst place I have stayed in and would therefore not recommend Richmond Hotel Dubai to anyone. Attached are also some pictures from the outside and inside.