For more then 40 years I had to travel between Europe and Australia. Sometimes up to 3 times a year. The usual stopover destinations, like Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok were extensively visited and explored, so as easy to reach destinations nearby.
Many other travels were especially planned to see as much and many places as possible. A trip from Australia to Europe often took up to 10 or 14 days, with all the side flights and detours I made during the years. Some far into the South Pacific Ocean. Lucky me !
Flying Qantas Boeing 707 from Jakarta to Melbourne.
I’ll never forget my very first flight in 1963 from Germany to Australia. Starting in Frankfurt with stopovers then in Athens, Bahrain, Colombo, Jakarta, Perth and finally Melbourne. Three different airlines and in total 43 hours flight time, all for a special price of 3.260,– German Marks. The changing rate to the Australian Dollar was then 1:3 !!
Tourist class in Qantas flight. Notice how well in those times everuone was dressed. Flying was a „luxury venture“ in the 1950’s and 60’s . Pics Qantas.
Those times offered tourist class and first class only. How comfortable is it today with just one stop and c. 19-20 hours flight time. And the prices are cheaper then 50 years ago. During all those years I met a lot of travelers which thought „flying as cheap as possible“ and just a bed „to put your head down“ is plenty. O.K. everyone has different minds and some, like me, enjoy the 5star (or more) luxury. Especially if it is paid for !!
What a difference, flying Emirates Business Class today through Dubai. What the hell- I loved it. The price, less the tourist class 50 years earlier. Pic Emirates.
Let’s concentrate on the stop over hub Dubai.
When I read about the opening of Burj Al Arab in December 1999, I directly had the hot wish to stay once at this hotel. It was at time in March 2003, normally a wet and humid month, but luckily out of season. I stayed 3 nights and 4 days and had an average temperature of enjoyable 26 degree Celsius and a bit rain over nights only.
Depends on arrival time what kind of view one can expect. This is early morning sunrise. Shaped like a sail to represent Dubai’s nautical heritage, the hotel’s distinctive silhouette has become a symbol for the nation.
Still, the hotel was almost fully booked. I had a One Bedroom Deluxe Suite and paid, as I remember right AU$ 1.650,– per night. Today’s price will be around AU$ 1.400,– for the same room per night – but – not included: 5% VAT, 10% Municipality Fee, 10% Service Charge, Tourism Dirham Fee !!
The Hotel.
Let’s face the Positives. I will use a bunch of pictures and just comment them, instead writing to much.
The luxurious Burj Al Arab Hotel is widely regarded as having seven-star service. This is partly due to the fact the hotel pushes the boundaries of what comparable five-star establishments offer guests. Maximum stars rating will offer an accommodation of five stars.
The 7star indulgence starts at your arrival at Dubai airport. Burj Al Arab greats their guests and transports them with a „white Rolls Royce“ service. Emirates business Class anyhow offers for free a „white limousine shuttle“ service.
Rolls Royce Service included in the room rate.
Next impression is the highest hotel atrium in the world. Entering the lobby and greeted by friendly staff with cooling towels and a cool drink. No hustle and bustle at check in, that’s what your butler does on your floor.
Each floor, I had my suite on the 18th, has its own lobby with its own butler 24/7. There is no chance that a stranger sneaks around the hotel or the guest levels. A fantastic secure feeling. The massive atrium is build and designed – that everyone who looks down has no height fear. Unbelievably thought out details.
The Suite.
The next astonishment is to enter your suite. Your personal butler explains everything and has a 24carat gold plated notebook for your own use. Bathrooms are filled with Hermes cosmetics for Her and Him. A personal written welcome card with free mineral water and a plate of sweet goodies are completing the service.
The lobby fountain and the restaurant entrance as well as the lobby bellman counter.
When I was there, the minimum booking was 2 nights and this is what one needs to discover the hotel fully. There are 202 suites in the hotel, each spanning two floors and filled with plush carpets and pristine furniture, which offer a bright welcome. It’s a personal taste if one likes this heavy and colored furniture, its the Middle East, so what?
The Service.
Every suite has its own computer desk and there is no delay with connection or fuss with speed etc. TV screens are shooting out of mahogany desks and blinds work electrical.
The Burj Al Arab is a true mecca for souvenir hunters. So many little things and details to enjoy the paying guest. Only thing I took with me was the door-hanger „don’t disturb“. The reason is easy to explain, I am a passionate collector and I have collected such hangers surely over 2000 during my travel years.
Of course the Burj has a shopping arcade. Not big but some well assorted shops for every taste. This is for the quick stopover guest, who has no time to take the Rolls Royce to Dubai Mall, but needs a souvenir. I have seen a menss pocket watch from Patek Philippe for US$ 2.7 million and a 24carat gold vest for US$ 680.000,–. Other souvenirs start around 30-50 bucks.
It is no surprise, therefore, that there are 200 members of staff (out of a total 1.500) dedicated purely to customer service and meeting the most obscure of demands. And of course their recruitment and training is rigorous.
After a hard day’s „beeching“ or „sightseeing“, it’s natural to want a drink. Next to the office, there was a nice bar which was fully stocked with an assortment of refreshments and treats. I made myself a „CC7“ which I hadn’t for years (Canadian Club and Seven Up) and dug into sweets which included a box of baklava in the shape of the Burj Al Arab.
There were bottles of water all around, and the butlers brought more, as well as always some sweet goodies (every time different, they must keep a file about) each time they came to freshen up the room.
The Restaurants.
Al Mahara – The Oyster.
Reaching this restaurant one is transported via a mock simulated submarine ride, that lasts for 3 minutes and simulates going to the bottom of the ocean and traveling to the entrance of the restaurant through the water to get into the spirit of the occasion and to make you think that you are at the bottom of the ocean.
The opulent golden entrance to the Al Mahara restaurant, which specializes in sea food.
The service at this restaurant is top class even by the Al Arab standards with the immaculate waiting staff and chefs, even the toilets have staff there to turn the taps on and hand you towels to dry your hands with. As guests ate food, soft music was played.
Luxurious and ethereal, all the tables are placed around that circular aquarium filled with multitudes of colorful fish and even some sharks. The opulent golden entrance to the Al Mahara restaurant, which specialises in sea food.
This restaurant is among the top 50 in the world which speaks volumes as once you have eaten here you would put this as the top sea food restaurant in the world. The food is selected and imported from all around the world including Iranian caviar, Norwegian cod, Dover dole, Tasmania salmon, Atlantic lobster and Japanese scallops.
It is for sure the best seafood restaurant in Dubai. Pricy – yes – but spectacular and every bite worth it. The only potential down side to this restaurant is you might feel guilty ordering the fish!
Al Muntaha – The Ultimate.
The wow factor restaurant, Al Muntaha, is found at the top of the opulent sail and best explored at night, as it has stunning panoramic views overlooking the twinkly Dubai skyline. But also lunch or the famous „afternoon tea“, which I described in my post „Must See – Dubai 1“ is worth a visit.
Despite the exquisite menu and luxurious food it almost continually felt a waste to have such an opulent suite lying empty below. I admit I was happy to go back to enjoy it more. Sky View Bar is a part of the Al Mutaha.
The food in Al Mutaha, including Wagyu Beef, was colorfully presented, and extremely delicious.
The food is excellent at Al Mutaha, but legendary are their appetizer and dessert buffets.
Over the years the Burj Al Arab has transformed as everywhere else in Dubai. Friends tell me that the Burj boasts nine signature restaurants in total now, each more elaborate than the last. It’s best to let the time of day dictate which you try when. I only can write about the experience I had. In begin visitors were not very welcome, they wanted „the class“ being „private“. Now one can buy visiting ticket, per internet pre booking, US$ 39,– !
Conclusion.
During my stay the only thing better than an immaculate spa is one overlooking the Dubai skyline. In recent years they extended the man made island with a massive spa, relaxing, pool, beach and „much more“ area.
Today the ocean front Bab Al Yam restaurant is the most relaxed. Flip flops and children were clearly allowed and welcomed. Years ago I had envisaged everyone sweeping around the hotel intimidatingly in ball gowns from dawn until dusk. Even visitors had to „rent“ through the bell counter a dinner jacket just to be in style for a restaurant. However, Burg Al Arab is worth to discuss, perhaps less would be more, as it was almost untastefully opulent. On the other hand – WOW, it’s one of a kind and certainly a MUST SEE.
Expect a part 3 about Dubai, especially the unbelievable hotel evolution !
