Perhaps I'm simply too particular, or maybe my expectations are too high, but I do expect a certain standard of accommodation, particularly when travelling on business.
Unfortunately, the apartment was poorly maintained. Cupboards wouldn't close properly, there were nail varnish stains on the table near the mirrors, various stains across the sofa and coffee table, peeling paint on the balcony, a broken toilet seat, a shower that wouldn't drain and a patio door that wouldn't lock. A chunk of plaster had also fallen away near the sleeping area.
After raising these concerns and viewing three alternative apartments, I was eventually upgraded to an executive suite. Although slightly better, maintenance remained disappointing. Neither patio door locked, although this was promptly resolved.
To top it off, towards the end of my stay, a significant ceiling leak, apparently caused by the air conditioning, left water across the tiled floor. I was fortunate not to have slipped and injured myself. Thankfully, I recorded the incident on video.
Perhaps I'm expecting too much, but surely cleanliness, basic maintenance and safety shouldn't be considered luxuries?
Following this experience, I won't be using apartments for my business stays in Dubai again any time soon. I'll be returning to hotels.