Burj Al Arab: Inside the World's Most Luxurious Hotel

The Burj Al Arab is more than a hotel—it's a symbol of Dubai's ambition and excess. Standing on its own artificial island, this sail-shaped icon promises the ultimate in luxury. Does it deliver?

Arrival Experience

Access to the hotel is restricted to guests and diners with reservations. Upon arrival, you're greeted by a fleet of Rolls-Royces and escorted through a lobby dripping with gold leaf and marble. The opulence is immediate and overwhelming.

The Suite

There are no standard rooms at Burj Al Arab—only suites. My one-bedroom suite was a duplex spanning two floors, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with Arabian Gulf views. The décor is maximalist—think gold, marble, rich fabrics, and bold colors. It's not subtle, but it's undeniably impressive.

Butler Service

Every suite comes with a dedicated butler available 24/7. Mine helped with everything from unpacking to arranging dinner reservations to drawing a bath with rose petals. The level of personalized service is extraordinary.

Dining

The hotel houses several restaurants, including Al Mahara, which features a massive aquarium. I dined at Al Muntaha on the 27th floor, enjoying modern European cuisine with stunning city views. The food was excellent, though prices are predictably high.

The Terrace

The private beach and pools are exclusive to hotel guests. The infinity pool on the terrace offers incredible views of the Dubai skyline. It's the perfect spot to escape the desert heat.

Is It Worth It?

At $2,000+ per night, Burj Al Arab is one of the world's most expensive hotels. It's ostentatious, over-the-top, and unapologetically luxurious. If you're seeking understated elegance, look elsewhere. But if you want to experience Dubai's vision of ultimate luxury, there's nowhere quite like it.