Burj Al Arab is one of the well-known hotels of Dubai. It is recognized as a landmark of Dubai among visitors. This seven-star hotel is the fourth tallest hotel of the world with height of 321 meters. Its top floor touches skies. Being standing on an artificial island, it is 280 m away from Beach Jumeirah. Its most interesting feature is that its shape looks like sail of a ship.
Location
As I have mentioned above, Burj Al Arab is located on Jumeirah Beach Strip. It is conveniently located at a distance of just 15 km from main city centre and it its distance from Dubai International Airport is 25 km.
Interesting Information
The previous name of the beachfront, where Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel are standing today was Chicago Beach. Burj Al Arab is standing on the island on domestic land of the beach of Chicago Beach Hotel. The old hotel was demolished in 1997 and its name changed to Dubai Chicago Beach Hotel. This name persisted during the construction phase of Burj Al Arab Hotel until its new name was announced by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Basic Information
As I was interested in visiting this hotel, so I collected some basic information about the hotel.
| Location | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Developers | Jumeirah |
| Architect | Tom Wright |
| Rooms | 202 |
| Total Area | 1,200,000 sq ft |
| Floors | 60 |
| Total Height | 321 m or 1053 ft |
Construction History
I am fond of getting knowledge about the construction histories of world’s famous locations. Burj Al Arab is one of those. I studied its construction history and came to know that its construction started in 1994. Its shape is the most interesting factor of its construction as Tom Wright (architecture) was ordered by his client to build a hotel that can become an icon for Dubai. It is somehow identical to Opera House or Eiffel Tower but its unique shape and structure is far more beautiful than the two of these places. A South African contractor company took the responsibility of construction of Burj Al Arab.
Main Features of Burj Al Arab
After getting such interesting information I decided to visit Burj Al Arab. I had a dream to visit it and finally my dream converted into reality. So I visited this hotel and I would really like to share my experience with you.
Rooms and Suites
I decided to stay in hotel to experience the facilities of seven-star hotel. Different types of suites were available in the hotel like one-bedroom suite, two-bedroom suite, panoramic suite, club suite, diplomatic suite, presidential suite and royal suite. All of those had their own facilities and features. As I was alone on the visit, so I decided to take one bedroom deluxe suite. It was a great pleasure of staying in such comfortable and well-decorated room. From the deluxe suite, I could view the Arabian Gulf. A staircase is also a feature of deluxe suite which let you go from one floor to other floor.
My suite had a living room having large lounge. It was decorated with state-of-the-art furniture of eye-catching colors. At the same level, there was a dining table for four persons which was big enough for me. But its structure was worth seeing. There was a private bar counter at the lower level of the suite where I enjoyed different refreshing soft drinks. The guest bathroom provided at the lower level was well-equipped. As it was my first experience to visit a seven-star hotel, I was impressed by the décor and cleanliness of the bathrooms. Very plush accessories were fitted there. There was clean towels and separate bathing area. At the upper level of the suite, I was provided with dressing room and a bedroom furnished with king size beds. The beauty and décor of the bedroom can not be described in words. It was far better than my expectations. The room was adorned with nice color schemes and I was astonished on looking at the room. At the upper level bathroom, there was facility of Jacuzzi which I enjoyed a lot.
Restaurants
There are number of restaurants in the hotel providing different kinds of food and cuisines. I stayed in the hotel for 5 days and tried some of those restaurants. Firstly, I tried Al Mahara which was offering seafood. Here I enjoyed the world’s most delicious seafood. Dining at Al Mahara was a great experience. Here dining was started with a sub-marine dive. Then I entered and took a seat nearby an aquarium where salt water animals were kept. That aquarium was big enough to spell bound me.
The next day I visited Al Muntaha where I experienced dining 200 meters above the sea level. I used a panoramic lift to reach the top. After entering into the restaurant, I simply became speech less. It was just like a fantasy. The restaurant was decorated with a combination of green and blue color which gave a soothing and refreshing feeling. This restaurant was offering contemporary European cuisine which I enjoyed a lot.
After that I went to visit Bab Al Yam which is a café along the poolside. It was providing international cuisine which I enjoyed while looking at the beautiful sea views.
Once I visited Junsui which is a Far East Asian Restaurant. Here I enjoyed Chinese and Japanese cuisine as well as the dishes of Thailand, Korea and Indonesia. This restaurant provides spectacular views of Arabian Gulf which enhanced the dining experience and the taste of food.
Lastly, I visited Skyview Bar which is 200 meters above the sea level. From this bar the view was absolutely out of this world and awe-inspiring. I had my afternoon tea there in a wonderful environment but couldn’t try other drinks.
Meeting and Events
After dining experience, I decided to visit the places in the hotel that were specific for business purposes. These places are perfect for holding a meeting, launching the products, seminars and cultural events.
First of all I visited Al Falak Ballroom. It was a big place adorned with enormous windows and a chandelier which added to the beauty of this ballroom. I was very surprised to know that the stage in the ballroom was portable. I had never heard it before. Moreover it had audio visual equipment and perfect banquet style lighting. This ballroom is very suitable for arrangement of weddings and such other events.
Then I visited Marina Garden which is an open air place from where I could see the view of Arabian Gulf. I found this place suitable for cocktail and wedding reception. Then I came to know that at special events fireworks are also displayed here for the sheer enjoyment of visitors.
After that, my plan was to visit Assawan Amphitheatre which is located at 18th floor. Having a seating capacity of 100 guests for cocktail reception, I found it perfect for such events. From this place, I could also view Burj Al Arab reception area.
Assawan Spa & Health Club
On the 5th day, I decided to try some leisure services and facilities. So I visited Assawan Spa & Health Club. It is also located at the 18th floor having luxurious accessories. I tried it and experienced a refreshing and fortifying feel. There were health club facilities too; including different treatments and spa facilities included sauna, steam and gyms.
Other Facilities
Some family and kids facilities are provided too at Burj Al Arab. But the facility which appealed me a lot was a kid’s club named Sindbad’s Kid’s Club providing facilities such as: stuff toys, Disney channel, computer games, board games and children’s TV channels. I was excited to know that hotel provides a room having soft bed and a cot for the youngest guests that is babies. Another facility provided to Burj Al Arab guests was complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark which is one of the best water parks I had ever seen. I availed this opportunity and went to this park. I enjoyed a lot as it is a perfect place to get leisure and pleasure.
I hope you would also love to visit Burj Al Arab Hotel which, to my opinion, is the dream place in the world.
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