Burj-Al-Arab is the Best Hotel in the World?

Filed in archive Luxury Travel on July 26, 2008

Several magazines have poured lavish praise on Dubai's billowy Burj-al-Arab, often touted as the "best hotel in the world." Iconic and designed to resemble a billowy sail, it's the world's tallest hotel.

Now, I don't know about you, but the idea of staying 321 meters above ground and paying $2,160 per night (or 2.33 ounces of gold) on a nosebleed-inducing room makes me think I'd rather climb on top of the empire state building. Better value for money, plus you get to see New York City in all its glory and much popcorn on the rooftop.

We're not sure if popcorn is even allowed into the hallowed halls of the Burj. Apparently you get a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce to take you around. That's nice (we wonder how much of our nightly $2160 rate goes to him), and there's a private reception desk on each floor.

But I can see why wealthy businessmen embrace this hotel like their first trophy wife. I really do. There's something really pampering about being marooned on an artificial island in a country that has no natural water reserves. To secure a foundation for this island, builders had to drive long concrete piles into the sand (you try doing that on a muggy, hot day and see what happens).

It's the world's only seven star property too, but many travel professionals have pooh-poohed the idea of bestowing seven stars when the standard norm is five stars. What's to prevent the U.S. from coming up with world's only nine star property where you'll have an oil bed instead of a water bed?

It does have the tallest atrium lobby in the world and gold pillars. The most expensive room here is around $28,000 per night. Who needs a mortgage when you can take a private loan and head for Chapter 11 in style? Life's too short. Go set sail at the Burj and report back.

Guest post from www.butterflydiary.com

www.burj-al-arab.com