The Skyview Bar - Burj Al Arab - Dubai

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab was the first of the many iconic hotels in Dubai.  With its signature sail like shape and self-imposed “7 Star Hotel” many visitors clamor not only to get into the hotel but to take pictures of it as well.

The only way to get into the hotel is to have a reservation of some sort.  The minimum spend is 260AED per person which is not hard to do since most drinks start at 100 AED.

Let’s make no mistake, this place is outright ridiculously over the top and gaudy.  I mean all staying guests get use of a 24K Gold iPad.

Upon approaching the hotel, a security guard checks his list more closely than Santa Claus during Christmas to make sure you have a reservation.

Maybach

Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce & Lamborghini

Lamborghini

Rolls Royce

There is a short driveway from the guard gate to the front of the hotel which was lined with 4 Rolls Royce’s, 2 Lamborghini’s and a Maybach.

Fountain

Fountain

Ceiling

Upon entering the lobby, you feel like you just stepped into the Nutcracker on crack.  Bright, vivid colors are splashed about the entirety of the hotel made more glaring against the stark white background.  There is a dancing fountain that climbs to about 30 feet high.

Taking the escalator to the next floor leads to a small shopping gallery where if you have to ask, “How much?”  you will be scorned at.  People without the AMEX Centurion card need not apply.

There is an isolated elevator to take you up to the Skyview Bar, after checking in with yet another security guard disguised as a hostess.  The elevator whisks you up to the 27^th floor in no time.

Sky View Bar

Palm Jumeirah

The World Islands

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The Skyview Bar is surrounded in big glass windows to give fantastic views of the Persian Gulf.

Dates with Almonds

Afternoon tea starts with a date with Marcona almonds.  I am not a particular fan of dates so I did not really care for this.

Louis Roederer Champagne

Next comes a glass of Louis Roederer champagne.  It would have been even more special if they poured a glass of LouisRoederer Cristal, sadly this was not the case.

Berry Tart

Next comes a berry tart, which was good albeit a little small.  Along with the champagne, the two acted as a good aperitif.

Roasted Beef with Mashed Potatoes

The next course is roasted beef with mashed potatoes.  The beef was excellent, however the portion size was less than an ounce.  Sorry, no seconds on this course.

Sandwiches

Sail Shaped Serving Plate

Next came a variety of finger sandwiches, including tuna, salmon, a chicken wrap and the classic cream cheese and cucumber.  If you are able to polish off all of these the servers will come around and give you as much as you would like.

Caramel Iced Coffee

At this point, tea orders are taken.  There is also an extensive coffee menu from which to order.  I had the Caramel Iced Coffee and I must say that this is one of the best coffee drinks I’ve had in my life.  In fact, I ended up having three of these.

Pastries

Scones - with and without currants

Pastries

Pastries

Next came some pastries including scones, scones with currants, crème brulee, carrot cake, a brownie, something resembling german chocolate cake, a cream puff on top of a brownie, a chocolate tart and a coffee type pastry. 

Clotted Cream & Preserves

The scones are served with clotted cream, strawberry preserves, apricot preserves and a date preserve.  As with the sandwiches, I am sure they would offer you more pastries if so desired.

Lychee Sorbet

The tea ends with a lychee sorbet with sugared rose petal.

Petit Fours

Each guest is presented with a box of petit fours as a reminder of how much money you’ve spent.

Service was somewhat slow throughout the tea service as every table by the window was taken, as were a number of tables with less desirable views.

Having the opportunity to set foot into the Burj Al Arab is a do it once in your lifetime kind of thing, I don’t see the need to come back again.  I am glad I did experience this once in my life, but unless I hit the lottery I really see no need to come back.