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Your Guide To Luxury Hotels in the UAE
Posted on Oct 08, 2013 by Bridget Greenlee (G+)
Get a glimpse into how the other half does hotels.
With cities like Abu Dhabi strategically positioning themselves as luxe destinations, more and more elaborate hotels are popping up around the United Arab Emirates. These are the hotels that appeal to the discerning traveler who will accept nothing but the best. This traveler is most certainly not your average bargain hunter out for for the cheapest room. This traveler is in search of a lavish experience – from the flight to the car service to, you guessed it, the hotel. Here are some of the most lavish and palatial hotels around the United Arab Emirates.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Catering to businessmen and women of the city, this hotel has the world’s highest suite and its own private beach. The St. Regis is fitting piece to a growing city like Abu Dhabi, a city that workers hard to bring tourists and travelers from abroad. One of the hotel’s top suites boasts its own gym, spa, movie theater and a private elevator. Unsurprisingly, guests won’t have to venture far for world class meals either. The Rhodes 44 restaurant is on the grounds of the St. Regis and has its own celebrity chef, Gary Rhodes, who feeds guests in the restaurant, for afternoon tea, at the bar and in their own rooms.
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is St. Regis’ more relaxed sibling, located right on the Arabian Gulf. Whereas the Abu Dhabi hotel caters to the business traveler, the Saadiyat Island Resort is for the leisure traveler. Fun fact: Abu Dhabi is the only city in the world with two St. Regis hotels. Those in the know are convinced that the two St. Regises have such different styles and clientele that they won’t steal each other’s business. This Mediterranean-style luxury hotel is also a nighttime hot spot, packing people into the seats of the Manhattan Lounge, Sontaya (the hotel’s southeast Asian restaurant), and the art-deco themed The Grill. And if that’s not enough, the Saadiyat now has the UAE’s largest hotel suite. Clocking in at a whopping 22,600 square feet, the suite spans two floors and has a movie theater, game room and private pool. If it sounds over-the-top, it is and it better be when coming at a cost of about $35,390 USD per night.
Burj Al Arab
One thousand feet tall and built in the shape of a giant ship’s sale, it’s hard to ignore the Burj Al Arab. The inside is as impressive as the outside, with two-floor suites and a team of butlers for each individual floor. The Royal Suite is the most impressive of all and has a price tag of $18,776 USD per night. A four-poster bed on a rotating pedestal and a marble and gold staircase are just a couple of the amenities available. There are also optional helicopter arrivals, a spa and dream car rentals, where guests can hire cars like Aston Martins, Ferraris, or Lamborghinis to cruise the streets of Dubai, all from their base at the world’s fourth largest hotel.
Shangri-La Hotel Dubai
Much as the name suggests, the Shangri-La Hotel is an oasis of relaxation and pampering right in the middle of the bustling city. The décor is calming with its Arabian-inspired neutral tones and luxurious touches. Active visitors can work out with the best and latest equipment in the health club, and guests looking for a more laid back approach to health can get pampered in a spa that uses a holistic approach inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. If that’s not enough, nine different restaurants and bars means that guests can try out many different styles of cuisine. The hotel even hires chefs from around the world to offer guests a range of culinary experiences that are as authentic as possible. For a respite from the business of Dubai or a peaceful place to kick up your feet after a day in the city, the Shangri-La is a great escape.
One and Only Royal Mirage Palace
The One and Only Royal Mirage Palace is yet another top-notch, modern hotel located in Dubai. This one attracts guests with its slew of specialty deluxe rooms that are fitted out with the all the modern technological comforts of home such as HDTVs, DVD players and high-speed Internet. Another highlight of the One and Only is its proximity to the beach, including one kilometer of its own private coastline. This offers a wide variety of water and beach activities to guests, away from the hustle and bustle of public beaches. Activities on offer include jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving and more. The hotel also has lots of gardens, pathways and water fountains for guests to explore.
Words cannot do these amazing hotels justice. If you’re lucky enough to be able to afford the big price tags, you’ll be in for a treat. Or, for a far less expensive yet equally unforgettable experience, pop in and take a hotel tour if you’re in the area, and enjoy a glimpse of how the other half lives. If the UAE is not in future travel plans, at least check out some of these hotels’ online galleries. The pictures will take you to places most people’s credit cards can’t, so however you’re able to enjoy the heights, views and luxury of the UAE’s palatial hotels, enjoy.
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