The Burj Al Arab has earned a well-deserved reputation as the epitome of luxury in the hotel industry. Constructed in 1999 at a staggering cost of $1 billion, the hotel is situated on a man-made island, surrounded by private beaches on three sides. Its prestige and distinction consistently place it among the world’s most elite hotels. Guests must pass through a secure and guarded bridge to access the exclusive property, ensuring privacy and exclusivity.
While the Burj Al Arab’s excellence is widely recognized, there are still fascinating surprises to uncover. For instance, the hotel’s helipad has been transformed into a temporary tennis court, hosting renowned players such as Andre Agassi and Roger Federer. Additionally, a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars is readily available at all times, offering guests a luxurious chauffeur service befitting their elevated experience.
One of the most coveted features of the Burj Al Arab is its 24-hour personal butler service, ensuring that guests’ needs and desires are catered to with unrivaled attentiveness and care. Business Insider’s Harrison Jacobs has attested to the remarkable level of luxury and service provided by the hotel.
These captivating elements, coupled with numerous other surprises, continue to elevate the Burj Al Arab’s standing as the world’s most luxurious hotel.
1. The hotel has a 6:1 staff-to-guest ratio
At the Burj Al Arab, personalized service is taken to extraordinary heights with private 24-hour butler service available to every suite. Whether it’s fulfilling simple room-service requests or attending to the guests’ needs, the dedicated butlers ensure that every aspect of the stay is seamless and delightful.
In an impressive demonstration of the hotel’s commitment to exceptional service, Business Insider’s Harrison Jacobs reported that the hotel staff significantly outnumbers the guests, maintaining a remarkable 6:1 ratio. With this abundance of staff members, the hotel can effortlessly cater to every guest’s needs, guaranteeing that no request goes unattended. This emphasis on personalized attention and a surplus of attentive staff members ensures that guests at the Burj Al Arab experience unparalleled service and comfort throughout their stay.
2. A stay at the Burj Al Arab includes Rolls-Royce chauffeur service
Upon arriving in Dubai, guests at the Burj Al Arab have the convenience of airport pickup as an option. While many luxury hotels provide this service, the Burj Al Arab stands apart with its remarkable fleet of Rolls-Royce cars available for transportation. This exceptional offering ensures that guests arrive in style and comfort. The prices for this exclusive service start at AED 1,000, equivalent to $272, per ride, further emphasizing the premium experience provided by the hotel.
3. The hotel has a private helipad that can be transformed into a golf green — and was temporarily turned into a racetrack in 2013
The versatile helipad at the Burj Al Arab has been transformed into various captivating settings and hosted remarkable events over the years. It has served as a golf green on two occasions, attracting renowned golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to showcase their skills. Additionally, tennis legends Andre Agassi and Roger Federer engaged in an exhibition match on the helipad in 2005, adding to the venue’s versatility.
In an exhilarating display of speed and precision, the helipad was temporarily converted into a racetrack in 2013, where a Red Bull Formula 1 race car thrilled spectators with daring donuts performed 696 feet above sea level. The helipad has also welcomed China’s top table-tennis players and served as the starting point for an extreme kiteboarding stunt, further showcasing its adaptability to unique sporting experiences.
Moreover, the open-air platform of the helipad has witnessed the joyous union of couples as weddings have been held in this extraordinary setting. Whether it’s hosting thrilling sporting events or being a romantic backdrop for special celebrations, the Burj Al Arab’s helipad offers a truly memorable and versatile space that enhances the hotel’s reputation as a premier luxury destination.
4. The hotel is covered in 20,000 square feet of gold leaf
At the Burj Al Arab, opulence is taken to extraordinary heights with lavish gold accents throughout the hotel. From the 24-karat gold-covered elevator doors to the massive pillars in the lounges, guests are surrounded by an air of luxury. The extravagance extends further with a record-breaking feature in one of the hotel’s restaurants: the largest Swarovski crystal ceiling. Adorned with shimmering crystals, this breathtaking ceiling adds a dazzling touch to the dining experience, creating an ambiance of unmatched grandeur and elegance.
5. The hotel is home to the tallest atrium in the world
During his visit to the Burj Al Arab, Harrison Jacobs from Business Insider observed that the atrium of the hotel is a magnificent sight to behold. This vibrant and visually striking space holds the distinction of being the tallest atrium in the world, soaring to a height of 590 feet. The grandeur and sheer scale of this colorful atrium leave visitors awe-inspired as they marvel at its architectural splendor.
6. There is no such thing as a single room in the hotel: They’re all deluxe suites
The Burj Al Arab’s iconic triangular shape, reminiscent of a majestic ship’s sail, ensures that every room in the hotel is a deluxe suite. The unique architectural design allows for a spacious and luxurious experience for every guest. Each booking guarantees a duplex suite or a larger accommodation, offering an abundance of amenities and lavish comforts. Whether it’s the breathtaking views, elegant furnishings, or the array of exclusive features, every guest is treated to a remarkable and indulgent stay at the Burj Al Arab.
7. The mattresses in the suites can cost up to $15,000 and the bedding is stuffed with duck feathers
The Burj Al Arab takes great pride in providing guests with the utmost comfort and luxury, even down to the finest details. The suites are adorned with DUX mattresses, renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, which are created by the prestigious Swedish brand DUXIANA. These mattresses offer a truly indulgent sleeping experience, ensuring guests enjoy a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.
To further enhance the luxurious ambiance, the bedding at the Burj Al Arab is made with Eiderdown feathers. These feathers are carefully harvested from abandoned nests that mother Eider ducks use to keep their eggs warm. This exquisite bedding material, known for its exceptional softness and insulation properties, adds an extra layer of comfort and opulence to the guest experience. With such meticulous attention to detail, the Burj Al Arab creates an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury and comfort for its esteemed guests.
8. There are also pillow menus
At the Burj Al Arab, guest comfort is of paramount importance. To cater to individual preferences, guests are presented with a remarkable selection of 17 types of pillows. Ranging in size and firmness, these pillows offer a personalized sleeping experience tailored to each guest’s specific needs and preferences. With this extensive pillow menu, the hotel ensures that every guest enjoys a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep, enveloped in the utmost comfort and luxury.
9. Guests receive a complimentary set of Hermès toiletries
As part of the Burj Al Arab’s commitment to luxurious hospitality, guests are provided with exquisite Hermès toiletry sets. These carefully curated 14-piece sets feature a range of amenities, including his-and-hers perfumes, shampoo, and soap. The inclusion of these high-end Hermès products adds an extra touch of opulence and indulgence to the guest experience, ensuring a lavish and memorable stay at the hotel.
10. Guests receive a 14-karat gold iPad to use during their stay
Each guest receives an engraved iPad, which serves as a personalized digital concierge. These iPads are meticulously programmed to allow guests to effortlessly book spa treatments, request butler services, and explore the hotel’s restaurant menus in advance. By leveraging this innovative technology, guests can plan and enhance their stay with ease, ensuring a truly exceptional and tailored experience at the touch of a screen.
11. The hotel’s flagship restaurant is led by a Michelin-starred chef and features a $266 bass on the menu
Al Mahara, the primary restaurant within the Burj Al Arab, sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw, guests can indulge in the finest seafood cuisine. The menu showcases exquisite dishes such as the salt-baked sea bass priced at $266 and the chili king crab meal available for $114. These meticulously crafted creations promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Adding to the allure, the hotel boasts gold-encased wine racks, showcasing an impressive selection of wines. For those seeking a truly immersive culinary adventure, a tasting menu accompanied by expertly paired wines is available, with prices starting at $475 per person. This combination of exceptional cuisine, opulent wine offerings, and impeccable service ensures a dining experience that exceeds all expectations.