dubai burj al arab hotel review

No other hotel has been so widely publicized as the Burj Al Arab since its opening in 1999. This place remains one of the most iconic hotels on the planet, thanks to the sheer drama of its architecture designed to mimic a billowing dhow sail. The 321-m tower stands on an artificial island connected to the shore by a bridge and has been known as the tallest all-suite hotel in the world.
Arriving guests are met at the airport by uniformed staff and driven to the hotel in a Rolls-Royce limousine. Some, however, prefer to be transported to this world landmark by helicopter and are met and greeted at the dedicated rooftop landing pad. There is no reception desk; guests are escorted directly to their suite for check-in. On the ground floor are the concierge desk and an eye-catching red designer sofa on an ornamental marble floor. An escalator takes guests up to the main lobby, past a cascading water feature and large aquariums.
A look upward reveals the dramatic atrium, the world's tallest. The white sails covering the outer side of the atrium are used as a screen for the nightly light show. Some 2,000 sq m of 22-carat gold leaf have been used in the decor of the lobby and the restaurants, together with Italian marble (one of nearly 30 different types used throughout the property), Brazilian granite and custom-made carpets. The lobby, dotted with huge golden columns, leads to several boutiques and restaurants.
Al Iwan restaurant next to the lobby serves exquisite Arabian cuisine, whereas the Al Muntaha, located 200 m above the sea, offers a more international menu. Two dedicated elevators whisk in-house guests and outside visitors (who have registered in advance with security) to the 27th floor for an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience. Most unusual is the concept of the Al Mahara seafood restaurant, which creates the feeling of an underwater location, thanks to a simulated submarine ride and aquariums in the place of windows. Guests dine in the confines of shark and unique marine life surroundings with a freshwater seafood menu and exquisite service. Diners can witness marine life experts feeding the underwater residents and experience the full atmosphere of the menu. Professional sommeliers offer their vast knowledge of the hotel's ever-changing wine list in each restaurant. A ground-floor brasserie serves casual fare for those on the go, and a beachside outlet rustles up both fresh and hearty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. The newest restaurant is Junsui, a Japanese-influenced Asian restaurant that has a menu as appealing as its opulent decor.
In addition to the outdoor pool, there is the impressive indoor pool in the Assawan Spa on the 18th floor with beautiful Arabesque decor and dramatic views. The spa also comprises a gym, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy baths, several treatment rooms, and a ladies-only section. Guests have free access to the private beach and the Wild Wadi water park.
Meeting facilities include rooms of several sizes on different floors; those on the 27th floor afford sensational views. The ballroom holds up to 220 people. A few luxury shops line the lobby to cater to big spenders who prefer not to leave the property; others save their wallets for the enormous Mall of the Emirates just a short drive from the hotel. Most guests arrive by limo or helicopter, and the evening hours cause quite a stir for guests awaiting taxis which are far and few between here.
Elevators taking guests to their floors are scented with peach aroma. Each floor has up to 12 suites serviced by the butler desk (doubling as a personal concierge and reception). In-suite check-in, unpacking, pressing of clothes and delivering food orders are some of the standard services provided by butlers 24 hours a day. The smallest units are two-floor, 170-sq-m suites. The living room with floor-to-ceiling windows occupies the entire lower floor boldly colored in blue and gold. There is a seating corner, a dining table, a bar, a pantry and a powder room. The working desk comes with a laptop providing free Internet access, and wireless high-speed Internet is available throughout the property. A curved staircase leads up to the bedroom and the dressing room as well as to the large bath with a decadent Roman feeling. A circular whirlpool, a glass-enclosed shower stall and twin vanities are standard amenities. Also on hand are full-sized Hermes toiletries (we're talking department-store size) and luxuriant robes and slippers.
The suites (yes, there are accommodations larger than the oversized standard rooms) have several high-tech touches, such as multifunctional large-screen TVs with DVD players. The loftlike layout of the corner suites differs from the rest, whereas the top-floor suites are even grander with a more opulent decor, several bedrooms and much more living space. Two-thirds of the units are one-bedroom suites making them the most common accommodation here.
Room service never stops, and special requests are honored with a smile. Pets are strictly forbidden. Service is a premium product here, although some employees display a tinge of arrogance, perhaps a factor of the hotel's worldwide popularity. But most guests who are forking over the big bucks here will hardly notice as they are waited on hand and foot.
The aesthetics of the Burj Al Arab have triggered mixed reactions, with some guests not appreciating the bold colors and over-the-top decor, frequently comparing it to a Las Vegas monolith. Nevertheless, this is a hotel of the superlative, one that has to be experienced first-hand. It has a much more exclusive and luxurious feel than the Jumeirah Beach Hotel located next door, and it measures up to the fantasy elements of the One&Only Royal Mirage. This property is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.