The iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab has become a symbol of Dubai. Although it is a 5-star hotel, the media has often referred to it as the world’s only 7-star rating because it is exceptional in more ways than one. For starters, this record-breaking property exists on its own artificial island, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Standing 56 floors tall with a bevy of luxury amenities, including its own helipad, it is the crown jewel of Jumeirah’s many hotels.
Sky Marina Suite
Burj Al Arab is an all-suite hotel that offers guests 202 well-appointed suites with the option of different panoramic views and 10 different layouts, including 2-and-3-bedroom family suites and diplomatic suites for entertaining.
Rooms include butler service, luxury furnishings, Egyptian cotton linens with a selection of pillows, complimentary wi-fi, and widescreen interactive HD TVs. Plus curtains, TV, music, and lights are all remote-controlled. Master bathrooms come complete with a full-size Jacuzzi and a separate rain shower, plus Hermès amenities. MacBook Pro laptops and all-in-one printers are available on request.
Additionally, all guests are offered a complimentary tour of the hotel and are provided with unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and the Summersalt Beach Club.
Al Muntaha for Fine Dining with French and Italian cuisine.
Several dining options are available on the property, with six restaurants and two mixology lounges. A variety of cuisine is offered including French and Italian at the Michelin-starred Al Muntaha, Mediterranean cuisine at Sal, Arabesque at Al Iwan, and seafood at the gorgeous and award-winning Ristorante L’Olivo which features underwater views. Reservations are required for all restaurants.
Also on the property is the award-winning Talise Spa located on the 18th floor and overlooking the turquoise waters. This is the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation thanks to the numerous treatments available, plus saunas, steam rooms, and plunge pools. The wellness of the hotel continues with extensive fitness facilities connected to the spa, including cardiovascular and resistance training equipment, aerobic facilities, and a squash court.
The helipad essentially functions as part of the concierge service, welcoming guests to the hotel while only 24 meters wide and 200 meters above the ground.
Infinity Pool and Terrace
The private 10,000-square-meter outdoor terrace is perfect for relaxation, swimming, and sunbathing for hotel guests and pool pass holders.
The terrace provides a gorgeous view of the Arabian Gulf while surrounded by a saltwater infinity pool (adults only) and a family pool, plush cabanas, four Jacuzzis, SAL restaurant, and a small stretch of beach.
PROS:
- exceptional service
- spacious and clean rooms
- several room options
- accommodations include unlimited access to the waterpark
- excellent panoramic views in all directions
- food is excellent (reservations are required for all restaurants, no walk-ins allowed)
CONS:
- accommodations, food, and spa are very pricey (average room rate per night is $3000 US per night, and average dinner is $220+ US)
- despite the elegance of the hotel, rooms are starting to feel dated when compared to other luxury Dubai hotels, including others by Jumeirah
- to make this world-famous hotel feel accessible to all visitors, even those that cannot afford the accommodations, Burj Al Arab has created 2 new programs that allow non-guests to experience the interior and facilities – 1) a hotel tour and 2) a Daytripper pass that allows outside visitors to use the infinity pool. While both programs were a good idea to make the hotel inclusive, some guests find them annoying and intrusive.
Photos Courtesy of Jumeirah