Yesterday afternoon, finally, we experienced the famed “sail” of Dubai, the Burj al Arab. Hearing stories of the Burj and it’s proclaimed 7-star hotel status, it’s unequaled hospitality, and it’s mind-shattering elegance could not have prepared us for the for the experience of touring this modern architectural icon.
We were escorted across the bridge to the inviting entrance of the Burj in gold-plated golf carts provided by Jumeirah Hotels. Arriving along side us to the hotel were many guests pulling up in hardly anything other than Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bentley’s.
Walking into the Burj, we experienced the world’s tallest atrium and, instantly, the clicking of our cameras could be heard in rapid-fire. During the day, the atrium is fully illuminated by daylight diffused through the fiberglass “sail” of its facade. No artificial light is necessary.
Though we were shocked at the intricacy of the interior, many of us concluded that the aesthetic characteristics were simply too “out there”, gaudy, and over the top. The agreement was reached that the interior was incredibly “impressive”, though not “appealing”.
We were offered a tour of one of their highest end suites (in fact, this hotel ONLY has suites. Some are simply even MORE impressive than others). Each suite extends two floors, so, although the elevator buttons imply that there are 28 floors of suites, there are truly a full 56. The one we were allowed to tour was said to go for over $18,000 (US Dollars) per night. Most of us could say it was larger than our own homes. ALL of us could say it was more decorated. The luxury was beyond any of our preconceived ideas of what any hotel was capable of. Honestly, some of the closets in this one suite were larger than entire hotel rooms I’ve been in.
We concluded our experience with a top-notch meal at a fine restaurant at one of the highest points of the Burj (the large, sea-facing cantilever extending from the spine of the building). Wearing suites, ties, dresses, and only our best, this was perhaps the fanciest and most refined I have ever felt. Alas, the moment had to draw to an end at some point…. fast forward 2 hours to the bunch of us running around Wild Wadi Water Park giggling and goofing off like middle school brats.
—–> More to come!!
NDSU DUBAI 