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.

Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf

Exterior

The Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf has only been open for about one month.  It is located in a new area and is somewhat off the beaten path.  There is very little in the surrounding area.

The hotel is about 10 minutes away from the Dubai Mall and is located slightly northwest of the mall.  Other places of interest include Zabeel Palace and the Dubai Opera House.

Apparently there will be a lot of medical buildings and a state of the art hospital will be built in the somewhat near future.

The hotel also includes Marriott Residences.  The hotel is quite imposing from afar.  The hotel has 352 rooms.

Lobby

Lobby

Upon entering the hotel, the lobby is very large and open.  There is a large double staircase.

The front desk is located to the right.  My Ritz Carlton Platinum status was recognized.  I had used a free night from the last Mega Bonus promotion as I was only staying for about 10 hours before leaving for the airport.  The hotel’s occupancy seemed fairly low, but rates were about $350/night.  This being a Category 5 property, I thought it was a great use of the free Mega Bonus night.

I was informed that I had been upgraded to a suite, and that I had access to the Executive Lounge.

Executive Room, City View

I was given a room on the sixth floor, but this was not a suite.  Given the short stay this was not a major deal.

Hallway

Upon entering the room, the bathroom is located to the right.

Sink

There is a single sink with ample counter space.

Tub

Shower

There is a separate tub and shower.

Acca Kappa Bath Products

The bath products are Acca Kappa branded and has a strong and refreshing Mandarin Orange scent.

Toilet & Bidet

There is a toilet and bidet.

View From Bathroom

The bathroom does have a glass door looking into the bedroom area, however there is a curtain that can be closed for privacy.

Coffee Maker & Safe

Along the hallway is a little cubby hole which holds the coffee maker and safe.

Closet

There is a fairly spacious closet.

Desk

Fridge

There is a dresser and desk, however there is little work space.  The dresser contains a refrigerator along with glasses and the ice bucket.  More importantly, wifi was excellent and super fast.

Sitting Area

A chair is located in the corner next to the bed.  Although the chair is nice, the space is somewhat cramped and getting into and out of bed can be a challenge.

View From Room

The view from the room shows the skyline including the Burj Khalifa.

Bed

The bed is soft and comfortable.

A room key is needed in order to operate the lights and electricity.  The air conditioner was not very powerful, and the room never did get very cold.

The Executive Lounge is rather large with plenty of seating.

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Afternoon offering were rather limited with finger sandwiches and wraps, hummus and baba ganoush.  There is a large drink selection including water, juice (fresh and bottled), sodas, coffee and beer.  There was also a selection or Arabic desserts, dates, dried apricots, cookies and macarons.

Service in the lounge was friendly and prompt.  Dishes were cleared rapidly and drink offers were plentiful.

Pool Area

Pool Area

Pool Area

Pool Area

Pool Area

Pool Area

The pool is located on the rooftop with plenty of seating.  The pool overlooks the entire city and has cool vibe when lit at night.  There is also a bar area at the pool.

This is a beautiful property both inside and out.  All employees that I interacted with were friendly and professional.  Although it is isolated it is not that far from the airport or the center of Dubai.