Dubai: Luxury usually comes in different shapes, sizes, flavours, colours and a varied degree of warmth. However, at Burj Al Arab, it comes in gold plated devices – in the form of 24-carat iPads!
Burj Al Arab — one of the world’s ultra-luxury hotels, last week introduced 24-carat gold plated iPads for its in-house guests — to access services. It has also introduced iMacs in suites.
This makes Burj Al Arab, where rooms start at $1,525, the first hotel in the world to offer the Interactive Customer Experience (ICE) software available on the 24-carat gold iPads.
“The 24-carat gold iPads, designed specifically for Burj Al Arab and engraved with the hotel’s logo, will be offered to every guest upon check-in,” the hotel announced on Sunday. “The guests will be able to use the 24-carat gold iPad as a “virtual concierge” and — at the touch of the button — access both information and the extensive selection of hotel services, such as the Guest Services Directory, detailed descriptions of Burj Al Arab’s restaurant options and spa menu, as well as private dining, butler and housekeeping services, among many other options.”
The move comes as Dubai’s economy recovers from a four-year slowdown that had forced Burj Al Arab’s parent — Dubai Holding — to halt projects, restructure management and incur a huge pile of debt. However, despite the downturn, the emirate continued its journey and maintained its position as the economic hub in the region, where the business of luxury continues to thrive.
“Dubai is a spoiler — it spoils consumers — with luxury and lavish lifestyle. This is a perfect demonstration of how hotel guests are spoilt with luxury amenities,” said an analyst, requesting anonymity. “However, one will also have to give them the credit for implementing creative ideas.”
The hotel had earlier launched a ‘Gold Standard’ for guests to ‘Stay Different’ in the hotel that includes limo service by Rolls Royce Phantom and a romantic moonlight swim.
Industry trends
“Our exclusive Burj Al Arab 24-carat gold iPads epitomise Jumeirah’s philosophy of Stay Different and further enhance our guests’ experience during their stay”, said Heinrich Morio, Burj Al Arab’s General Manager. “We have also recently introduced iMacs inside all our suites to ensure that we offer thoroughly modern guest experiences and keep up with hospitality industry trends.”
The product is produced by London-based The Gold & Co, which specialises in finest gold-plated products. “Each limited-edition item is individually numbered to ensure exclusivity. Our assortment includes the most highly rated, in-demand electronic devices on the market today, including the iPad 3, iPhone 4S, Apple MacBook Pro, Apple iMac, Blackberry 9900 and Porsche Design P9981,” the company says.
The 24-carat gold iPad introduced today will shortly be available for purchase at Burj Al Arab’s bespoke boutique, alongside other cutting-edge technology products, such as the gold iPad mini, gold iPhone 5 and gold BlackBerry Q10.
“The Gold & Co. London 24-carat gold iPad is the ultimate in luxury accessories, hence we wanted it to be paired with Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel. The symmetry is obvious, as both the gold iPad and the hotel are unique in terms of extraordinary quality and design,” Amjad Ali, CEO of Gold & Co London, said in a statement.
