GOOD POINTS:
Very clean hotel, friendly, knowledgable staff, reasonable distance away from Dubai. Rooms spacious enough for 3 or 4.
Budget prices
Continental breakfast available.
Decent shopping available in the area.


BAD POINTS:
Due to traffic, it can take a HOURS to get from Dubai to Sharjah. Even legit cabs are expensive.
Buses are not frequent and routes are confusing.
Items on menu are not necessarily available.
Lots of men and almost no women hanging out in the streets around Al Sharq hotel. They stare unblinkingly at even the conservatively dressed non-Indian women.

Stayed in the hotel for an overnight break en route to Europe from Australia. Thought we were in for problems when the customs officer at Dubai Airport had never heard of the hotel. Had to arrange (and pay for!) transfer from the Airport to the hotel and return the following morning.
Reasonable check in, but a fairly ordinary room that looked very tired and shabby. The area does not live up to the hotel's description of it, as it is dirty and dusty, with the supposed park that is opposite being mainly bare dirt with a couple of sad looking trees. My wife and daughter weren't game to go out of the hotel because they didn't feel safe, and the very early morning call to prayer through nearby loud speakers doesn't help tired travellers.
Food in the restaurant was OK but very basic, and don't expect to have a drink at the bar after a long day of travel, you won't get alcohol at the hotel or in the surrounding area

This is a nice hotel though in a dirty environment.
Nice Egyptian receptionist on night duty but nasty Indian receptionist on day time duty.
I forgot some things in the Hotel lobby in my hurry and called the hotel later to tell them the items and te exact location where i left the items but they said they could not find anything. i know that is a lie.
This makes me wonder if I can ever stay in this hotel again.
I want to stay where my things are safe and I am treated with respect as obtains in some other hotels i have stayed in Dubai

Went to this hotel on the off chance as I booked through Expedia and was so impressed, not only with the hotel but UAE in general that I went back six weeks later for another week. The location is fantastic with it overlooking the market in Al Rolla Square - what a great place to people watch. I thought it was better than being in Dubai itself as it is half the price and not so pretentious. There is plenty to do. The Blue (or Central) Souk is a must for those wanting to buy jewellery or clothes. Go with an empty suitcase and fill it to come home.

There is a lovely restaurant next door called the Najaf. It looks pretty basic, which a lot of the restaurants do but don't be put off. If there are ladies in the party then you will need to eat upstairs. The service is friendly and the food appetising and full of flavour. Experiment - you won't be disappointed - I can highly recommend the vegetable curry or the Najaf Mix.

To be honest, I can't really say anything bad. I shall certainly be going back next January for the Dubai Shopping Festival (mid January to mid February) and will again stay at the Al Sharq, availability permitting.