Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is quite possibly the most over-the-top hotel in the entire world, including Vegas. It is also the world's first and only seven star hotel, and it takes that extra star very seriously. Rising like a sail crest out of the Arabian Gulf, all 28 stories of this building are covered in double knit Teflon (yes, the same stuff that lines your pots and pans), that is white by day and turns rainbow colors by night. An unbelievable architectural sight.

The bedrooms have canopied beds, Versace bedspreads, and mosaic detailing - think Scheherazade with a gold AmEx - and if the 'normal' rooms are excessive, the Royal and Presidential suites are positively other-worldly with twenty-seven telephones, rotating beds, a private cinema and an elevator (they are on two floors). Every room also comes with its own kitchen, butler, and second entrance so that the butler can come and go without disturbing your reverie. These English-trained wonders will unpack your pony skin luggage, do your laundry, top up your cool refreshing drink. They'll schedule your yachting outings, your business dinners, and probably even your extramarital affairs (if applicable). Don't worry, they're really discreet. You have to be when you wait on royalty regularly.

Peckish? Welcome to the world of extreme dining. Here at the Burj, you either dine high up above the clouds, or very low down in a coral crusted enclave with the fishies at the bottom of the Arabian Gulf - a setting that makes on feel you're lost within a James Bond movie (The Spy Who Loved Me to be specific). If you have a weak stomach, we suggest you have your "Jeeves" whip you up something ensuite.

So don your Van Cleef, your Versace mesh, and a healthy dose of eighties attitude and swagger down those jewel encrusted steps in your teeny Sergio Rossi mules. This kind of hotel can only happen in Dubai, and whether you find it spectacular or tasteless, the Burj is guaranteed to take your breath away.

How to get there:

Burj Al Arab is 15 km from the main city centre and approximately a 25 minute drive from Dubai International Airport. The hotel provides airport transfers by Rolls Royce Phantom for approx. $326 USD one way or by BMW approx. $95 USD one way. Burj Al Arab also provides one way helicopter transfers for approx. 2,722.57 USD one way.

• 202 Rooms
• Style: Cutting-Edge
• Atmosphere: Lively
• 1 Guest Review

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