Stayed here on and off over the past few years. Functional and inexpensive compared to a beach hotel. If you are on a budget, and require a central location in Bur Dubai near Meena Bazaar then you can’t go too far wrong. Spinneys (supermarket) is nearby as is the Bur Juman shopping mall. The hotel apartments have kitchenette facilities which is useful if you have small children.
GS3 had a semi refit a few years ago with updates on the interiors. The restaurant is best avoided, breakfast was extra and the pool is small at GS3. Use the one at GS5. (next door)
If you have stayed at the beach area, do not expect the same quality with this hotel. If your idea of a holiday is explore the central areas and not sit and roast on a beach then this is a good start.

Arrived early in the morning but after a cup of coffee and a 30 min wait a room was ready..no problem what so ever, it was big enough for a family, and very clean. All the staff in the hotel were really friendly and helpful, even the restaurant manager who looked like he doubled for the local executioner. (Scary). Shame there aren't a few more like him around when u abuse your ASBO!. There is a free coach to and from the airport to these apartments just contact them (Golden Sands)for the times. In a taxi about £7, dont worry these taxi's put 20 AED on the clock at the airport as soon as u get in. There is a free coach to and from the beach as well, just ask at reception. In a cab its about 25AED (£4) the short way.I reccomend you go to Old Dubai near the creek about 25 min walk (taxis don't like going there) the areas called Abra (like Cadabra). Its full of locals and you can eat like a king for about £4 in an indian restaurant/food outlet. If you decide to go to the big hotel on the beach Burj el Arab (the sail) ring them up and book or u wont get past the security..enjoy.

Arrived at Golden Sands 3 at 9am in the morning, we thought that we would not be able to check in until the afternoon, but they told us a studio would be ready by 10.30, so we were really relieved.

The studios are a good size, very clean, with a washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, double sofa and full bathroom and very comfortable beds.

The reception staff were very helpful.

Two swimming pools available, we used the one in the Golden Sands 5 complex (joined to Golden Sands 3) as it was a roof top pool and got more of a breeze.

We were room only and did eat the breakfast in the complex on one morning, and in all honesty, I wouldn't have had breakfast there again, but that was a choice we could make. We did eat lunch there though (24 hour restaurant) and that was very good.

The Spinneys supermarket is only a short walk away (5 mins tops), and yes there are a few ladies of the night present on the way. They didn't bother us though and were dressed very reasonably.

Taxis - getting a taxi outside the complex is a bit hit and miss. But you can reserve them though from the phone in your room and they have to pick you up, otherwise the taxi driver gets a large fine. Taxis are really cheap as well.

Restaurants - we ate twice at a restaurant called FIVE DINING at the Jumeira Rotana Hotel. Its about £2 in a taxi and they have a buffet inclusive of drinks every night. When we were there it was Italian night on the Saturday and Steak night on the Sunday. All inclusive £16 per head. The restaurant is on the 5th floor and has a fabulous city view at night.

Sightseeing - We did the desert safari - excellent and the open top bus tour - also a great way to get your bearings.

Would we stay there again... Yes because its good value for money.

We, and members of our family & friends booked 5 rooms at the Golden Sands 10 apartments. They were very accommodating. They were able to, at short notice to allocate all but one of the rooms on one floor for us, even though it is a busy time of year for Dubai. The rooms/flats are an excellent size with large bedrooms, kitchens, laundy & living spaces. Lots of room to have friends around to socialize. Conveniently located a block away from Spinny's for food etc and Burjiman for shopping. Staff are very friendly & helpful. Always cheery. It was a pleasure staying there. Only thing was that the pool area looks a bit scabby but I think that they are in the process of re-doing it. Highly recommend it for families for the space aspect.