Dubai: When it comes to luxury hotels there is no dearth in the UAE. But which is the most exclusive and expensive of them all?
A comparison of the most premium suites in town reveals that the Royal Bridge Suite at The Atlantis tops at Dh139,000 per night, followed by the Royal Suites at the Burj Al Arab whose rate per night with taxes is Dh84,000.
Spread between the two towers of the Atlantis, the Royal Bridge Suite is a three-bedroom suite. It is accessed by a private lift taking guests up 22 storeys and opening onto a lavish reception area. An ornate living space offers floor-to-ceiling views of The Palm on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other.
The master bedroom features a customised bed, complete with Frette linens. Both the master bedroom and the second bedroom feature ‘his’ and ‘her’ bathrooms, and the third bedroom has a queen-sized bed and en suite bathroom.
Dine like a king
“En suite dining in the Royal Bridge Suite is served with aqua and gold ornate China on the gold leaf dining table seating 16 people. The master bedroom comes with his and her bathrooms, including jetted tubs and matching en suites.
Separated from the lounge is a library/media centre where full internet access and the latest technology is available,” said a spokesperson.
In another height of luxury, the two Royal Suites at the Burj Al Arab take up the entire 25th floor. Measuring 780 square metres, a grand door leads to a magnificent hall, with a marble and gold staircase inviting guests to the upper level.
“The palatial surroundings surpass home comforts with a private elevator operating between the two levels of the suite, five bathrooms, a private cinema room with surround sound system, a magnificent dining table at the centre of the dining room, a pantry with a private entrance for the staff, a business area and a library equipped with the latest technology (iMacs) - all located on the lower level of the Royal Suite,” said a spokesperson.
“The upper level has two spacious bedrooms, with the master bedroom furnished with a four poster rotating canopy bed, lavish dressing rooms, opulent marble bathrooms, including walk-in rain showers and marbled jacuzzi, and a stunning majlis area. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the Royal Suite offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, as well as the city of Dubai and the Palm Jumeirah, depending on which suite the guest is staying in,” she said, adding guests can have 24/7 butler service, with two butlers present on the floor at all times.
The rack rate per night is Dh70,000 without taxes and Dh84,000 with taxes, including a 10 per cent service charge and 10 per cent municipality charge.
Burj Al Arab’s Presidential Suite is the next most expensive in Dubai, with the rack rate standing at Dh60,000 including taxes.
Located on the 24th floor, it measures 660 square metres with a lower and upper level.
The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi isn’t far behind. It’s three-bedroom Palace Suite commands a daily rate of Dh55,000. Spread over 680 square metres, the suite has a spacious majlis area, three regal bedrooms, an extensive terrace and a 24-hour butler service.
The two Grand Atlantis Suites at The Atlantis come for Dh50,000 per night, followed by the two underwater suites at Dh32,450 and Presidential suite at Dh25,000.
Height of indulgence
At the other end of the frond, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Royal Residence Beach commands Dh55,000 a night, followed by the Grand Imperial Suite for Dh25,000.
But if the world’s tallest hotel – JW Marriott Marquis – is more your type, the cost per night would be Dh42,000 including taxes.
“As the tallest dedicated hotel in the world, the views from our 69th and 70th floor JW Penthouse Suite and Marquis Penthouse Suite are stunning and panoramic.
“The vista stretches from Safa Park which is situated a stone’s throw away from the property, right along the stunning coastline towards the Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina skyline – a breathtaking sight. We also have impressive city views, including our neighbouring Burj Khalifa and the Downtown area. The JW Suite overlooks the restful coastline while the Marquis Suite has bustling city views,” said Rupprecht Queitsch, the hotel’s general manager.
Spanning 600 square metres and comprising two levels, the suites boast a master and twin bedroom, living room, majlis foyer, three bathrooms, spa treatment room, office and kitchenette.
According to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), as of 2012, Dubai has 57,345 hotel rooms of which 23,500 are in five-star properties. In Abu Dhabi there are about 15,700 rooms of which about 8,000 are five-star.
Gabriel Matar, Head of Middle East and Africa, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels and Hospitality Group, said: “Demand is usually specific to the high season. Having said that, Dubai is a major hub for dignitaries, celebrities and sports personalities.
“With around 50 per cent occupancy, the high-end suites here compare well with the rest of the world. Dubai has established the best standards in terms of interiors and technology. Since hotels are fairly new, they also offer larger spaces than some high-end suites in Europe.”
With inputs from Sharmila Dhal, Chief Reporter
