The Burj is an amazing looking hotel, located on its own little island in the Arabian Gulf. It is very close to the Emirates Mall and well located to visit Butta Mall and the marina. Although the Burj stands alone, all the Jumeirah properties are connected and as a Burj guest you can visit any of the properties for any reason quite easily via buggy. However, if you are staying at a Jumeirah property but are not a guest of the Burj it is much harder to visit the Burj unless you have a reservation. Even as a guest your name and suite number is always checked before you enter the bridge to ensure that only guests get through.

We have visited the Burj countless times, but this was only the third time that we have stayed. We arranged for a transfer which was absolutely faultless. As usual we were presented with a gleaming car readied with chilled bottled water, cold towels and I was presented with a beautiful bouquet of roses. The driver was very pleasant, ensuring that the AC was set nicely for us, and happy to let us listen to the radio instead of their selection of CDs. When asked a question he answered knowledgably and would only go into a long conversation if we pursue a topic – he, as they all are, was perfectly polite.

Arriving at the Burj came with the usual grandeur of being able to by-pass the queue of taxis waiting to enter the bridge, and doorman fussing to help us out of the car. As usual we were met by one of the hotel front-of-house staff and presented with sweet dates and a cold towel, then whisked straight up to our suite. The lobby of the Burj never fails to impress with stunning decorations, clever fountains and aquariums – we are always amazed by the colours of the floors graduating into each other. It’s simply stunning.

We have stayed in a deluxe suite twice and a panoramic suite once. The finish of the suites are all of the same standard; really the only thing that differs is the size of the suite, the views and the amount of Hermes products that you get.

The solid wooden suite door opens onto a beautiful marble hallway leading to the living area and a stunning winding staircase to the bedroom. The entire suite is lavishly decorated with rich colours and lots of gold trim. It sounds tacky but in fact beautifully matches the character of the hotel and the region. The living area comprises of many sofas and seating areas with a very large TV and entertainment system, a dinning area, a fully stocked bar area complete with bar stools, a study area with laptop, printer and stationary all ready for use. In addition there is a wc and an extremely large under-stairs storage area.

Upstairs there is a massive bathroom with his and hers sinks, a huge spa bath and massive shower! In addition full size Hermes products are also provided as well as an array of other useful things, such as toothbrushes, shaving kits, hair combs. The dressing area is well lit with large mirrors and ample wardrobe space. The bedroom is beautiful with amazing views. And at night, the turndown service leaves a little gift such as La Prairie creams or yummy little chocolates.

The technology in the suite is pretty impressive with the TV remote controlling everything including the curtains and door access! The TV provides a video entry system and you can even open the door via the phone if you’re sitting on the toilet!

Our butler Rio had looked after us on a previous stay so was already aware of our quirks of liking specific pillows, non-fat milk etc and had already prepared everything, which made our suite extra homely. All butlers are perfectly polite and cannot do enough to ensure that you are comfortable and enjoying your stay. Each floor also has a floor manager who works in tandem with the butler to ensure that your stay in going smoothly. All staff around the hotel seem to know your name and will always greet you with a smile. You can approach any one of them for any reason and the query/problem will always be sorted without any fuss.

During this visit, my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. Has we have spent our honeymoon and our last anniversary at the Burj now, the butlers pulled out all the stops presenting us with another bouquet of flowers, and lovely card and a delicious ‘congratulations’ cake for breakfast. In the evening our bed was covered in rose petals and long stem roses and we were present with a beautiful cotton (the traditional gift for a second anniversary) ‘congratulations’ blanket. The thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze us.

The food at the Burj is amazing! There are so many restaurants to choose from for any meal, but in particular we love the breakfast buffet at Bab al Yam by the pool; we tend to have lunch again by the pool or on the beach - would highly recommend trying the wagu burger at the pool or on the beach. Although it is expensive, it is absolutely gorgeous! Also, dinner is at either Al Muntaha or Al Mahara is an experience - though maybe a little over the top. Marina at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Al Hambra at Al Qsar are also extremely good. Room service is also fab! The menu selection is quite large and is always delicious. In addition, every afternoon a selection of canapés and alcoholics drinks were offered in our suite.

The pool service is fantastic. Nothing is ever too much and towels, bottled water, ice, cold towels and water sprays are always provided without fail. Ice and water is toped up every hour or so, and every couple of hours ice cold fruit shots are also given to everyone. The pool is manned by a life guard and staff are always wondering around and happy to serve to drinks either at the pool side or at the pool bar.

Service at the beach is just as good, but ice and water comes round more often – I guess because the comfort of your air-conditioned suite isn’t as close by. The sea is beautifully clear and lovely and warm with cute little fish swimming in the shallow water. You can walk the entire stretch of beach allocated to the Jumeirah properties and there are life guards located every few meters.

As this hotel is a massive tourist attraction, early afternoons and evenings are busy in the hotel with people coming to visit. There are however lots of staff on hand to keep tourists away from guests, but it is a little annoying when you can’t get through the crowd posing for photos at the water fountain. However, once you get to the lift and up to your floor, tranquility is quickly restored.

Overall this is a stunning hotel and my absolute favourite of all those I have ever visited across the world. The hotel deserves its 7 star reputation. It provides absolute luxury – the level of thought that goes into ensuring that we had the most perfect stay is amazing, but it isn’t stuffy and not overwhelming. Staff beckon to your every call if you want them too, or they will simply leave you to enjoy yourself while working discreetly to add little magic touches to make your stay even more surprising and even better than the day before. Everyone should enjoy this little piece of this luxury at least once and I would highly recommend a stay – you will not be disappointed!

I didn't actually stay in the hotel, but really wanted to experience the 7 star hotel life style for an afternoon whilst in Dubai . So decided to book afternoon tea prior to our arrival in Dubai.

On arrival at the hotel guest centre our details were check and the taxi was allowed to proceed to the main entrance, where we were greeted by hotel staff and shown to the lobby bar. \

The hotel is just fantastic, it is totally over the top, but that’s what I expect from a 7 star hotel.

Afternoon tea was actually a 7 course tea, served with Champagne, Sandwiches, Beef Wellington, Sorbet, Tea/coffee/hot chocolate (get to choose from a verity of different teas and coffees) Scones, Cakes and Sweets. It cost about 60 or 60 pounds each but was well worth the money, just for the experience.

So if you have not quite got the money to stay here for the night then book afternoon tea just to see the hotel, really is worth the money. Fantastic.. A day I’ll never forget.

I'm in dubai quite often and either stay at the Burj or The emirate towers , Burj al arab is nice thats the only word i want to use for it , it`s one of those places that people talk about so much , it almost becomes necessary to go to. The service it immaculate.,i am very sensitive about it but i cant complain at all and trust me i would ,the management know what they are doing , there are right people on every position , the butler , the reception and so on ...
BUT i have to say this the food is awful , and the decoration in the suits are well , let me just say tasteless , nevertheless the service is the reason why we always go back and its child friendly so stay there but eat elsewhere there are other restaurants near by at the Madinat jumeirah (5 min away) that are good and i have to mention this for the readers that like me are a bit selective when it comes to hotels and service AT 23.30 i called my butler and wanted my trouser ironed and a tweezer with in less than 10 min i had the tweezer and my trousers took less than 30 min

The Burj Al Arab is very nice. The rooms are all suites and very spacious. they are all 2 floors with beautiful views. Every floor has the own butler at their service. The rooms are clean and the hotel is well situated.

While the service is great, it is not a 7 star. But don't get me wrong, the service is good. A 7 star for me means to go beyond the expected and they do not do that. They could not make reservation at 2 restaurants I wanted. They would not use the Rolls Royce Phantom to take me to the airport even though one was available and out in front of the hotel.

Would I stay here again? Probably not. There are plenty of better values for your money. However, as one who likes to try luxury hotels, it was worth the stay!