Burj Al Arab - A Warm Arabian Welcome

A warm Arabian welcome

Arabian traditions of extending a warm welcome and offering the best hospitality are mainstays of the service philosophy at Burj Al Arab.The service at the property is outstanding and exceeds the expectations of the most discerning guests. The Burj Al Arab experience begins the moment guests arrive at Dubai International Airport, where they will be met by one of the hotel's fleet of eight chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Silver Seraphs.Visitors who arrive by helicopter will experience a 15-minute bird's-eye panorama of the city, culminating in a dramatic landing on the hotel's helipad on the 28th level.

Keen sailors can moor their yachts at The Jumeirah Beach Hotel marina which has berthing facilities for 50 vessels, including mooring for ocean-going craft of between 30 and 60 metres. Guests who choose to drive to the hotel will have their cars expertly parked in the large underground car park by a well-trained team of valet attendants. The awesome expanse of Burj Al Arab is evident from afar, but its towering presence is far from being its only striking feature.

As guests approach over the causeway they are greeted by a majestic feature of fire and water. A central fountain, called The Volcano, is centre stage for stunning displays, as water cascades down the fountain's stepped sides and tall choreographed bursts of water shoot skywards. At the centre, continuous jets of water gracefully rise and fall to form a maze of patterns. During the evening they are illuminated by fire emanating from within the crater itself, while bright fireballs erupt from four towers flanking the entrance.

The Volcano, and its wall of water combined with flames, has never been seen before in the region. Guests are met in the world's largest Atrium Lobby by guest services staff in their distinctive uniforms. Their attire, like those of all the hotel's 1,200 staff, have been designed exclusively by renowned British designer Bruce Oldfield. Stepping inside the lobby, the opulence of Burj Al Arab is immediately obvious, Interior design consultants, Khuan Chew Associates, have chosen striking themes which run throughout the property.

British-based Khuan Chew is no stranger to bold ventures, as she was also responsible for the interior design of The Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The water theme continues inside the lobby, with a terraced cascade of water and lights. Water and mist flow down through steps filled with elegantly coloured glass stones and leaping arches of water, producing beautifully choreographed movements and sparks of water, colour and light.

The lobby is sumptuously carpeted in a rich combination of orange, red, yellow, white and blue. Chairs and sofas upholstered in flame-reds and yellows continue the theme. On either side of the lobby are the eye-catching gold shell desks of the concierge and guest services staff, while the whole area is illuminated by an intricate crystal chandelier. Guests reach the main reception area on the mezzanine level by escalator, past the water cascade and a stunning aquarium coral reef, where richly-hued fish provide a glimpse of the Arabian Gulf's varied marine life.

Once in the reception area, or Sahn Eddar, the tower's staggering proportions are truly evident. The mezzanine fountain, a kaleidoscope of colour and patterns, is programmed to shoot a water column up to 32 metres in the air, drawing the eye up the gold columns to the triangular blue ceiling 180 metres away.

The guest levels are decorated in fresh, graduated shades, which complement the brilliant light in the atrium while providing a warming glow in the evenings. Above the doors to each suite are stunning stained glass windows in blues, reds and yellows that mirror the patterns of the carpets. The bustling mezzanine, decorated in shades of yellow, blue, and red carpets, yellow and blue tiles and mosaics, is host to the hotel's exclusive boutiques. Here too is the richly-decorated Al wan Restaurant and the Sahn Eddar Atrium Lounge, the perfect place to meet friends and relax over morning coffee or afternoon tea.

The hotel's bank of lifts whisks guests and visitors smoothly up from the floor. Travelling at anything up to six metres a second, they are among the fastest elevators in the world. Two glass-fronted express lifts take visitors exclusively to the Assawan Spa and Health Club on the 18th level and the 27th level, to the Al Muntaha Restaurant, ballroom and meeting rooms.

Yet another elevator takes diners to the Al Mahara seafood restaurant, treating them to an amazing 'submarine' experience as they go. Unlike other hotels, Burj Al Arab does not have a conventional reception area, as guests are met and escorted directly to their suites by guest services managers where they can check-in in comfort and privacy.