Scouting for a new apartment and finalising it involves a lot of time and money as you need to worry about everything from the right package to paper work, deposits and furnishings. The convenience that a hotel apartment provides is you can literally walk into your apartment almost immediately without much hassle. Paper work is minimal and the interiors are already in place.
Apart from the security deposit charged by the developer, there is no other deposit the client needs to pay such as the Dewa deposit, which helps you cut back on your initial expenses.
Hotel apartments are now an integral part of the UAE real estate space. They have assumed much importance as clients look short-term in the current market. chose to spend time at one of the latest properties in this sector, the Opal Living Courts in Al Barsha, Dubai."The brand was launched just at the start of the downturn while this particular property was opened in July. We learnt to adapt to difficult situations. As a result, now we have four properties in Dubai and one in Sharjah," says Daniel Hajjar, CEO of Layia Hospitality, which owns Opal Living Courts.
It features 32 fully furnished one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments. The size of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from 75 to 80m² while a two-bedroom is about 100m². The property is ideal for both short-term and long-term stay although it doesn't have any restaurant. But is this the one you are looking for? Read on to find out.
Location
The property scores points in terms of accessibility. Dubai's prime corridor Shaikh Zayed Road is reachable within five minutes, and another major artery, Al Khail Road, is also in close proximity. It provides easy access to the Abu Dhabi route and various key areas within Dubai. Mall of the Emirates and Metro station is 800m away. Besides, there is little to worry about rush hour traffic. Centres of business activity such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Knowledge Village are minutes away. This could suit well for young professionals working in these areas as commuting becomes less problematic. The Dubai International Airport is also not too far off and hailing a taxi is easy since the property is located close to a couple of prominent hotels.
Facilities
For a property of this category, the amenities on offer are above par; be it the fully equipped fitness centre called Powerzone Express Fitness Centre located on the 9th floor, outdoor Jacuzzi and the rooftop swimming pool. The gym is open to residents 24 hours while the swimming pool is not accessible during the night due to security reasons. Covered parking is also available for all residents. Opal Living Courts features high-speed internet connectivity which is available to both long-term and short-term guests.
Interiors
The spacious rooms are fitted out with quality furniture and accessories. Paintings adorn the walls while lighting complements the overall look and feel of the rooms. Bathrooms are simple and the kitchen is fully equipped.
In-house catering
The property does not feature any restaurant, and this could disappoint short-term guests, There is a deli counter at the lobby which provides snacks and soft drinks. Long term clients have the option to choose from cuisines on offer from food delivery company Room Service Deliveries. This is available on a 24-hour basis. They can also make do with dining options available at the Mall of the Emirates, JBR, The Dubai Mall and Downtown Burj Khalifa.
Shopping
Residents have plenty to choose from in terms of shopping considering that major retail centres such as Mall of the Emirates and the world's largest shopping mall The Dubai Mall are close by. If you are still looking for more options, then head to the Dowtown Burj Khalifa area or Jumeirah Beach Residences.
Views
For those hoping to get beautiful view from their bedroom windows, Opal Living Courts might come as a disappointment. The property is surrounded by buildings of all kinds — completed as well as those still under construction. This might not be incentive enough to stay put indoors unless one decides to just sit and watch the TV.
Laundry
The property provides in-house laundry service but this is more expensive compared to standalone laundries in the area. However, residents are free to choose whether they want to use the in-house service or the standalone laundries.
Cleaning and maintenance
The property has an in-house team for maintenance and cleaning which is carried out regularly. These services are free.
Rents
Rental rates at Opal Living Courts are about 25 to 30 per cent more than those at the average apartment in the area. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the hotel apartment is Dh85,000 per annum while two bedrooms are available for Dh100,000. This would mean long-term tenants might opt for attractive rental rates so evident now in the residential leasing market. That said, being a hotel apartment, payment options are flexible unlike in the rental market where most landlords insist on a certain number of cheques.
*To get a property reviewed in this section, please contact us on fm@alnisrmedia.com
