Located in the Umm Suqeim district, the Burj Al Arab, a true architectural feat and icon of the high-end hotel industry, attracts as much as it impresses.
Here, we take you behind the scenes of this unique monument: its private island, palatial suites and panoramic restaurants. Yes, get ready to explore every nook and cranny of an exceptional hotel experience - between crazy modernity and made-to-measure service. Follow the guide, we'll tell you all about it!
Dubai's architectural symbol
An icon born of the sea
The Burj Al Arab, with its sail-like silhouette, goes far beyond the status of a classic hotel. You could almost see it as a ship ready to sail off into the horizon, especially when you consider that it sits on an artificial island just a stone's throw from Jumeirah beach.
A word of warning: this island, created from scratch, is just 280 metres from the coast. At a height of 321 metres, it dominates the Dubai landscape. The structure uses a fiberglass membrane that reacts to variations in light, offering a different spectacle depending on the time of day. A real technical headache for the engineers, but the result speaks for itself.
The myth of the 7 stars
We often hear about the "7 stars" of the Burj Al Arab. Myth or reality? The truth is more subtle. This appellation comes mainly from the extraordinary services on offer.
Between the surrounding golf courses and nearby cultural attractions, the ideal location makes it possible to combine sightseeing and relaxation. The Burj Al Arab remains undeniably one of Dubai's most emblematic hotelseven if the price per night can sometimes make you break out in a cold sweat...
Beyond luxury, the hotel is all about exclusivity. With its Michelin-starred restaurants and water park, the resort more than justifies its reputation. A word of advice: you'll need to set aside a substantial budget if you want to spend even one night here. Expect to pay between €1,200 and €4,000 for a night in this palace, depending on the season.
Dubai's architectural symbol
Imagine absolute luxury at the Burj Al Arab, where every detail contributes to creating a memorable stay. Let's take a closer look at these extraordinary rooms that redefine the art of hospitality:
| Suite type | Surface area (m²) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Suites | 170 - | Duplex suite, private butler, Arabian Gulf view (depending on location). |
| Royal Suite | 780 | The hotel's largest suite, luxury amenities, exclusive services. |
| In general (all suites) | 170 à 780 | Plasma screens, private bar, bathtub with bubble shower, 24-carat gold iPad. |
| Note: Suite prices vary considerably according to season and availability. | ||
Beyond the spacious rooms, the Burj Al Arab excels in tailor-made services. Did you know that your dedicated butler can organize a private dinner on the terrace with a personal chef? Between two sessions at the spa or an afternoon at the aquatic club, enjoy transfers by Rolls Royce - or why not by helicopter to see Dubai from a new angle.
For dinner, the 9 Michelin-starred restaurants vie with each other in culinary creativity. And should the call of the private pool be felt, a simple call is all it takes to reserve your deckchair facing the turquoise lagoon. A night here is a journey in itself - light years away from everyday life. And the price? In keeping with the experience, but every dirham invested turns into an unforgettable memory.
Visiting without accommodation
Do you dream of discovering the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah without spending the night? It's possible, but not as easy as you might think.
Access to rooms and common areas remains reserved for hotel and restaurant guests. But good news: the "Inside Burj Al Arab" guided tour opens the doors to the hotel's prestigious lounges and iconic dome. Expect to pay around €94 for this immersion tour - which must be booked online.
Another option: book lunch at the Skyview Bar or a romantic dinner overlooking the Jumeirah Tower. Packages often include access to the private pool or spa after the meal.
A word of advice: you'll need to budget accordingly. Afternoon tea peaks at €175 per person, while a night in a suite starts at around €1,000 to €2,000.
But for the full experience, why not combine a guided tour in the morning with relaxation at the aquaventure in the afternoon? One of Dubai's star attractions, this 800-metre water park is accessible without reservation.
Last but not least: most packages include access to the private club overlooking the golf course. A smart way to enjoy Jumeirah luxury without breaking the bank!
Culinary experiences
Want to travel without leaving your table? The Burj Al Arab, Dubai's flagship hotel, transforms every meal into a sensory exploration. Between two city tours, your taste buds will finally get a break!
- Al Muntaha: this 27th-floor restaurant offers Dubai as a stage. Chef Saverio Sbaragli's Franco-Italian cuisine rivals the view of the Jumeirah coastline. A must for a special dinner.
- Al Mahara: here, the giant aquarium steals the show from the lobsters! Enjoy fresh seafood surrounded by stingrays and clownfish.
- Al Iwan: the perfect Arabian buffet for lunch. Between two mouthfuls of mezze, look up: the hotel's golden atrium is a sight to behold. More affordable prices, unchanged luxury.
- Sahn Eddar: afternoon tea becomes an art of living. Pastries as light as the clouds of Dubai, fine porcelain service... After a short night, this shot of elegance gives you the strength to visit the city.
- Skyview Bar: signature cocktails as Dubai lights up. Perfect to round off a day's golf or before returning to your room. Strict dress code? An excuse to bring out the outfit you bought at the Dubai Mall!
What are you really looking for? A Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Jumeirah beach? A private club overlooking the artificial island? The Burj Al Arab has it all. Even at the bar, we bring you tapas that would make Parisian kitchens blush.
My personal preference: Al Muntaha for its ballet of sailboats seen from the sky. But the Al Mahara is also worth a visit. Pro tip: book these popular tables early, especially if your room overlooks the resort's grounds. After all, when you pay the price of a night here, every meal has to count double!
Facing competitors from Dubai
The Burj Al Arab is not the only luxury hotel in Dubai. Who are its real local rivals?
Serious competitors include Atlantis The Palm - perfect for families, with its water park and fun attractions - or the Armani Hotel nestled in the Burj Khalifa, highly prized by design enthusiasts. But the Jumeirah flagship clearly plays the exclusivity card. Did you know that all its rooms are spacious suites? Unlike other large resorts, the Jumeirah boasts a private swimming pool, a spa worthy of the finest palaces and cuisine by Michelin-starred chefs. And let's not forget our exclusive golf club!
So why choose the Jumeirah? Firstly, for its exceptional staff-to-guest ratio: one dedicated employee per room. Then for its restaurants where every dinner becomes an experience, like the famous Al Muntaha. The icing on the cake: its secluded beach, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai. A word of advice: book early to take advantage of special offers on low-season nights. The price? High, but every detail justifies the investment - from the gilded mosaics in the lobby to the private excursions to the star attractions.
In the end, while other hotels focus on spectacle, the Burj Al Arab cultivates its status as an architectural icon. Its sail-like silhouette has dominated the coastline for 20 years... and continues to fascinate travellers from all over the world. A night here is more than just a stay: it's a piece of Dubai's luxurious history.
Practical tips
For a unique experience at the Burj Al Arab, here are our tried and tested tips. Did you know that this iconic Jumeirah hotel attracts travellers from all over the world every year?
- Anticipate your reservation: whether it's for a room, dinner in the restaurant or the legendary tea-time, it's best to book several weeks in advance. Slots go fast, especially in high season!
- Choose the right period: if you're dreaming of enjoying the private pool or the water park, opt for winter. Temperatures are milder for exploring Dubai's attractions.
- Don 't wear flip-flops or Bermuda shorts! For access to the Michelin-starred restaurants and the panoramic bar, dress smartly but comfortably.
- Budget smart: yes, prices here are in line with Jumeirah's standing. A word of advice? Compare "spa + night" or "golf + lunch" offers to optimize your stay.
- Stress-free mobility: between the private beach and the golf club, it's best to take a cab or the hotel shuttle. Little plus: the metro is nearby.
- Make the most of our services: the Burj's concierge can arrange unusual tours for you. Just ask when you make your reservation!
- Look out for special offers: check the official website for "room + spa" or "dinner + pool access" packages . Some even include an electric buggy tour of the resort.
With these tips in your pocket, you'll be ready to appreciate every detail of this luxury hotel landmark. Final tip: plan a meal at the Al Muntaha restaurant. The view over Dubai Marina is well worth the detour!
Practicality: parking is reserved for guests of the restaurants and spa. Good news for golfers - the nearby club often has spaces available. For an unforeseen trip, check the Jumeirah shuttle schedules on their mobile app. And don't forget your swimsuit for the water park!
So, the Burj Al Arab isn't just another palace in Dubai: it's a wild display of architectural daring. Ready to discover your own version of the Arabian Nights tale? Don't delay, book your stay or a guided tour to discover the legend... The experience will leave a lasting impression on you long after your return!
