7 Things 7-Stars Will Get You At The Burj Al Arab

The scene: Dubai. Occasion: long layover. Choices: airport terminal bench, airport hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Honestly, the terminal bench idea was vetoed immediately, and the airport hotel was a perfectly respectable and reasonable choice for my Dubai layover, but really…how could I pass up a night in what is often referred to as the world’s most luxurious hotel?

As I ride over the bridge that connects the Dubai coast to the little man-made island the Burj Al Arab is on, I began thinking about its (very unofficial) reputation for being a “Seven Star” hotel. Though I’m unsure who first gave them this review (journalist? clever marketing department?) it seems to have stuck, and people are always wondering what exactly it entails. So here is a brief list of seven things these fabled seven stars will get you:

An airport pickup in the smoothest ride you’ll ever get: the Burj Al Arab has its own fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms and why would you chose to leave the airport in a regular taxi when this is an option? Leather seats and wood trim envelop you in warm cocoon of calm as you ride to the hotel. Honestly, the comfort level and leg room in this car will turn any other ride into a skinny mule with mange by comparison. Ladies, a bouquet of flowers also awaits you, courtesy of your friendly driver.
A welcome at the door: as you step out of your ride, you’ll be greeted by a line of people. Someone will escort you through the door, someone will hand you a cool towel, someone will hand you some local dates (I mean the fruit, not good looking local boys/girls to take you out) and you’ll be escorted up to your room.
A convenient in-room check-in: no standing in line at the lobby looking a little lost and checking your phone to pass the time for you, my friend. In the privacy of your room your check-in will be completed as your floor butler (yes, the butler, for your floor.) brings you refreshments. That nice bouquet you received from your driver? Your butler will get you a vase for them, if you want.
A room bigger than what you’ll know what to do with: I’ll admit that 170 square meters will be classified as…cosy…for some, but when you’re only one person occupying that amount of space (over two levels, but still) there’s no way you’ll be feeling claustrophobic over the space available.
A bathtub that is fit for you and five of your closest friends: not everyone takes baths, and not everyone enjoys a bathtub, however, if you are partial to a long soak with lots of bubbles and soothing jets, this one is for you. Unless you’re unusually tall (and by unusually tall I in no way mean to imply that you are unusual, I just mean that your height falls outside of the mean in a normal distribution of heights) there will be no need to awkwardly bend yourself into some origami-style position to fit into this tub. Stretch out your legs, stretch out yours arms, actually go ahead and stretch everything out and float in the middle of the tub if that’s what you feel like…you’ll still be comfortable. Not to mention full-sized bath amenities. By Hermès. No more words needed.
Flawless service: the concierge on your floor remembers your name, someone will run you a bath, someone will bring you food, there’s a pillow menu…the comforts are endless. Disclaimer: I assume they’re endless, I in no way had time to test out that theory.
An experience you’ll never forget. Just driving up to the hotel will be amazing. Walking into the lobby and looking up at the enormous atrium will take your breath away. Running around the enormous room will make you feel like an excited child all over again (or maybe that’s just me…).