Exploring Burj Al Arab: Dubai’s Best 7-Star Hotel
When it comes to luxury, we instantly think that 5-star hotels are already the best in the business. But did you know that a 7-star hotel exists?
If you’re wondering what makes it extra special, it’s simple: the level of luxury and impeccable service is higher than ever! And yes, it’s located in Dubai!
Keep reading to discover why this majestic hotel is a cut above the rest.
Burj Al Arab is the only 7-star hotel in Dubai.
Burj Al Arab is the only 7-star hotel in Dubai—and the world! This is thanks to its unique architecture, luxurious amenities, and a hotel experience like no other.
But how exactly did this luxury hotel earn 7-star status? Now, officially, the Burj Al Arab is stamped with a 5-star rating, the highest a hotel can boast. It’s just often referred to as a 7-star hotel.
This designation originates from a passionate suggestion by a British journalist in 1999, enchanted by the hotel’s grandeur during a pre-opening visit.
The 7-star tag, though not formally claimed by the hotel, has gained recognition and popularity. The rating system comes from organizations like Forbes Travel Guide and AAA, the latter using diamonds for its assessments.
And just like that, the term stuck, even though the higher-ups at the hotel claim they never officially called themselves a 7-star spot and don’t flaunt it in their marketing.
Burj Al Arab is a feat of architecture.
Unofficially recognized as a 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab earns this distinction through its unparalleled design and structure.
First off, take a look at the hotel’s jaw-dropping shape. It doesn’t blend in with the crowd; instead, it proudly sits on its own little island off Jumeirah Beach, connected to the mainland by a private bridge.
With its name meaning “tower of the Arabs,” the hotel’s design is the brainchild of Architect Tom Wright. The government wanted an iconic landmark that screams Dubai, and he delivered.
Wright took inspiration from the city’s history as a small fishing village and suggested the hotel should mirror an Arabian dhow sail.
But that’s not all! To truly stand out, the hotel had to be perched on its own man-made island, creating a visual spectacle that sets it apart from the rest of Dubai’s skyline.
Some Facts about Burj Al Arab’s Structure
Burj Al Arab is undoubtedly one of the best examples of excellent Dubai architecture, with details like its mast-shape that resembles the sail of a dhow. For one, it’s built on an artificial island 280 meters off Jumeirah Beach.
The hotel was also cleverly constructed so that it seems like it’s floating on water! And to make things more interesting, Burj Al Arab was built entirely on sand—amazing, huh?
Just imagine that it took workers three long years just to lay down its foundation and only two years to complete the entire structure. That’s some serious foundation work!
It also has a helipad at 210 meters high to offer private access to VIP clients who want to reach the hotel through a helicopter.
And reaching a towering height of 321 meters, the Burj Al Arab claims the bronze medal as the third tallest hotel on the globe. Its colossal 10,000 square meters stretch across 56 stories, neatly divided into two levels.
Burj Al Arab’s interior is also grand on all fronts. Designed by famous Chinese interior designer Khuan Chew, the hotel had a general theme of “living with the elements.”
According to her, the hotel’s design is centered around the four most important elements: water, fire, earth, and air. You’ll see these elements blended beautifully into the hotel’s interiors through colors, textures, and patterns.
Lastly, blue and gold are the dominant colors in the hotel, and you can see a strong influence of Arabic culture in its tapestry and decor.
Burj Al Arab is luxury at its very best.
More than Burj Al Arab’s unique design, it’s the experience that really separates it from the rest of the pack. If you’re lucky enough to be one of its guests, luxury starts right when you land in Dubai and will continue until you fly back home.
But what exactly would you expect if you’re staying in a 7-star hotel like Burj Al Arab?
The Suites
Burj Al Arab has 199 private suites that are designed with opulence and luxury in mind. The moment you step inside, you’ll instantly feel like royalty!
Each suite is fully equipped to give you the full holiday experience while making sure that you feel right at home.
But the VIP treatment doesn’t stop there, because a team of eight staff members will also make sure that you have everything you need and want during your stay. Talk about being treated like a king or queen during your holiday!
Now, let’s talk amenities. Brace yourself because Burj Al Arab doesn’t mess around with the following:
- Hermes amenities
- Private living and dining areas
- Spacious king or twin bedrooms
- Fully-fitted master bathrooms
- Full-sized Jacuzzi and five-head rain shower
- Fully automated features for TV, music, lights and curtains
- Luxury private transfers to and from the Dubai Airport
- Private butler’s kitchen with separate staff entry
- The choice between nine types of pillows, Egyptian cotton linen, eiderdown duvets and a bed that’s personalized to suit posture preferences
- The option to request for a Macbook Pro laptop and printer
Now, here are the different types of luxury suites that you can enjoy while staying at Burj Al Arab:
| Deluxe Marina Suite | 170-square meter double level suite with ocean views For 3 adults and 2 children |
| Diplomatic Three-Bedroom Suite | 670-square meter two-level suite with ocean viewsFor 7 adults and 5 childrenTwo king bedrooms and a twin bedroom |
| Burj Three-Bedroom Family Suite | 670-square meter suite with ocean viewsFor 7 adults and 5 childrenTwo king bedrooms and a twin bedroom |
| Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suite | 335-square meter suite with ocean viewsFor 5 adults and 5 childrenTwo king size beds or one king size bed and twin beds |
| Deluxe Plam Suite | 170-square meter suite with Palm viewsFor 3 adults and 2 children |
| Sky Marina Suite | 170-square meter suite with sweeping ocean viewsFor 3 adults and 2 children |
| Sky Palm Suite | 170-square meter suite with sweeping Palm viewsFor 3 adults and 2 children |
| Panoramic One-Bedroom Suite | 225-square meter suite with Dubai cityscape or ocean viewsFor 3 adults and 2 childrenKing sized bed |
| Club One-Bedroom Suite | 330-square meter suite with ocean viewsFor 3 adults and 2 children |
| Burj Two-Bedroom Family Suite | 335-square meter suite with ocean viewsFor 5 adults and 5 children |
| Presidential Two-Bedroom Suite | 667-square meter suite with ocean viewsFor 5 adults and 3 children |
Wonder how much it costs to live the high life in one of these luxurious suites? Well, the exact rates are available only upon request. But we heard through the grapevine that a suite here starts at AED 7,901 per night.
According to some reports, the most expensive suite at the hotel would cost you about AED 91,000 per night. Yep, you read that right. That’s not just a room—we believe it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a price tag to match!
The Amenities
Booking a suite at the Burj Al Arab isn’t just about scoring a fancy room; it’s like unlocking a whole world of cool stuff! Check out these top-notch amenities:
- The Burj Al Arab Terrace
Feeling the need to unwind? Head over to the Burj Al Arab Terrace. This private outdoor area has access to a 1,120-square meter beach, a freshwater family pool, an adults-only infinity pool, a restaurant, and cabanas.
Fun fact: these pools are decked with more than 10 million gold and mosaic tiles! You also get to enjoy 4 jacuzzis, 24 luxury day beds, and 126 beach sunbeds for the perfect day out.
- Burj Al Arab Kids Club
Being a family-friendly hotel, Burj Al Arab also has its own kids’ club where the little ones can indulge in their own fun vacation.
They’ve got a rad kids’ club where your youngsters can dive into arts and crafts, Legos, board games, and even hop over to Sindbad’s KIDS Club at Jumeirah Al Qasr.
- Talise Spa and Gym
Need to recharge? Let the team at Talise Spa take all your stress away! This luxury spa is one of the best in Dubai, offering signature treatments that can leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Then, you can relax at the jacuzzi or indoor infinity pool with views of the ocean via its large windows. On the other hand, if you want to break a sweat and stay on track with your fitness routine, the world-class Talise gym is for you!
- Private Airport Transfers
Your holiday with Burj Al Arab begins right when you land in Dubai, where a Rolls Roys Phantom, Lamborghini, or BMW will fetch you at the airport. You can also arrange for a private car service to take you to the different spots in the city.
- Helicopter Service
If you want to take the experience further, Burj Al Arab has a private helicopter service that will whisk you right into the hotel and land on its own private helipad.
This is one of the reasons a lot of VIP guests choose to stay at the Burj Al Arab because they get to enjoy complete privacy and exclusivity.
- Yacht Charter
Of course, your holiday in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without sailing on the beautiful Arabian Gulf. Burj Al Arab offers a private yacht service where you can sail in complete luxury with your own butler, chef, and hostess.
After a morning of water activities, you can enjoy a sumptuous private lunch on board and treat yourself to a spa treatment after!
- Restaurants
And when it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Burj Al Arab boasts 10 restaurants offering cuisine from all corners of the globe. You may start with these options:
- SAL is the hotel’s most popular restaurant, offering pool access and serving world-class Mediterranean cuisine with dishes like the salt-crusted sea bass.
- Al Muntaha is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic French and Italian favorites like the roasted free-range Poulette de Bresse.
- Bab Al Yam is another great pick, offering a fusion of authentic Middle Eastern and European cuisines with dishes like the famous truffle pasta and wood-fire oven pizzas.
The Experience
If you’re lucky enough to stay at Burj Al Arab, it’s the experience of being in a world-class hotel and being treated like royalty that makes this hotel deserving of a 7-star rating.
Aside from having the luxury of being fetched at the airport by a luxury car, the hotel also offers shuttle service to make traveling easy for its guests. You even get to ride on golf carts to and from Jumeirah Beach!
Burj Al Arab is also known for offering unparalleled personalized service, so each guest feels like a VIP from the moment they step inside the lobby.
Each floor has its own reception area too, and check-in is done in the suite to keep the guests from waiting in the lobby.
What’s more, you also get your own butlers who will take care of your needs 24 hours a day! More than 1,600 employees work in Burj Al Arab, with an 8:1 staff to suite ratio.
All in all, these services ensure that you’ll enjoy the best experience possible, whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with the entire family.