I get this question all the time. Friends, clients, and fellow travelers always ask: “Is staying at the Burj Al Arab really worth the price?”
It’s a fair question. This is the icon of Dubai. It’s the hotel that built the city’s reputation for over-the-top luxury. It’s famous as the “world’s only 7-star hotel.”
So, let’s give an honest answer. As a travel expert who has seen the best of Dubai, I’ll tell you exactly what you get for your money.
First, What Is a “7-Star” Hotel?
Let’s be clear: the “7-star” rating is a myth. A British journalist supposedly coined the term because she felt “5-star” was not enough.
The hotel management doesn’t use it. But in a way, the legend is true. The level of service here goes far beyond any 5-star standard you know.
From the moment you arrive, you are not treated like a guest. You are treated like royalty.
The Arrival: You Don’t Just “Check In”
Your experience starts at the airport. You can book a transfer in a white Rolls-Royce Phantom. Or, you can arrive by helicopter, landing on the hotel’s helipad.
There is no check-in desk in the lobby. That’s for regular hotels.
Instead, you are escorted directly to your suite. You check in from the comfort of your own room. The lobby itself is stunning, with a massive atrium and dancing fountains. But you’ll be whisked away from it, straight to your private palace.
Inside Your Suite: A Two-Story Palace
Every room at the Burj Al Arab is a suite. And every suite is two stories tall.
The smallest suite is a massive 1,830 square feet. You walk in and see a grand staircase. The massive windows show you all of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.
The design is… a lot. Think bright colors, plush carpets, and gold. Lots of gold. Even the bathroom taps can be 24-karat gold. It’s not a modern, minimalist style. It is pure, unapologetic opulence.
You get a private office, a living room, a dining area, and a huge master bedroom. The beds are incredibly comfortable. They even have a “pillow menu” with 17 different types of pillows.
The 24/7 Butler: Your Personal Genie
This, for me, is what makes the stay worth it. Every suite comes with a team of private butlers. They are available 24/7.
And they can do anything.
Want your favorite brand of coffee at 3 AM? Done. Need your clothes unpacked and ironed? Of course.
Our butler once drew a perfect, rose-petal-filled bath for us after a long day. They can book your dinners, get you hard-to-find tickets, and even arrange bespoke shopping tours at the Dubai Mall. They learn your preferences and anticipate what you need. This level of personal service is simply unmatched.
Dining: In the Stars and Under the Sea
The food here is an experience in itself.
Al Mahara: This is the famous “underwater” restaurant. It’s not actually underwater, but it’s built around a giant floor-to-ceiling aquarium. You eat amazing seafood while sharks and rays swim past your table. It’s magical.
Al Muntaha: This restaurant is at the very top of the hotel. It feels like you are floating in the sky. The views of the city, The Palm, and The World Islands are breathtaking. The food is modern European, and it’s excellent.
The dress code is smart elegant. You’ll want to dress up for these spots.
The Terrace: A Private Beach in the Sky
One of the best parts of the hotel is The Terrace. This is a huge deck that juts out over the ocean.
It has two massive swimming pools. One is a freshwater pool, and the other is a saltwater infinity pool. The infinity pool melts right into the blue of the Arabian Gulf. It’s one of the most “Instagrammable” spots in the world.
You can rent a private, air-conditioned cabana. These come with a butler, fruit, and a full mini-bar. It’s the perfect way to spend a day doing nothing.
The Little Extras That Matter
- Talise Spa: The spa is incredible, with amazing views from the treatment rooms.
- Hermès Amenities: You get full-sized bottles of Hermès lotions and perfumes in your bathroom.
- The Service: Every single staff member knows your name. They smile. They open doors. You never have to lift a finger.
- The Vibe: Because it’s so expensive (starting around $1,800 per night), it’s very exclusive. It’s quiet and private.
You can even ask your butler to arrange a luxury car rental for the day. Or, for a truly Dubai view, ask about a private yacht charter to see the hotel from the water.
The Honest Verdict: So, Is It Worth It?
This is the big question. Here is my honest answer.
If you are looking for value, no. It’s not worth it. You can stay at other amazing 5-star hotels in Dubai for a fraction of the price.
But you don’t stay at the Burj Al Arab for value.
You stay here for the experience. You stay here to feel like a king or queen for a few days. You stay here to have a story to tell for the rest of your life.
I believe it is worth it, but for a special occasion.
- A milestone anniversary.
- A big birthday.
- The ultimate honeymoon.
Don’t stay here for a week. Stay for two nights. That’s enough to feel the magic, eat at the restaurants, and enjoy the butler service.
My Final Advice as a Dubai Expert
If you are celebrating something special and the price is not a major issue, then yes, 100%. Do it. You will never forget it.
The feeling of standing on your balcony, looking at the city you’re floating above… it’s priceless. It gives you a new perspective on Dubai. You can see the new islands and developments, which makes you understand the appeal of exclusive real estate viewings in the city.
It is more than a hotel. It’s a bucket-list item. And it’s one of the few that is even better than you imagine.
If you’re ready to take the leap, here is our full guide to suite prices and how to book your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the dress code at the Burj Al Arab?
Inside the hotel and in public areas, the dress code is smart casual. For the signature restaurants like Al Muntaha and Al Mahara, it is “smart elegant.” This means collared shirts and full-length trousers for men (no jeans or sneakers) and elegant dresses or evening wear for women. - Can you visit the Burj Al Arab without staying there?
Yes, but you can’t just walk in. You must have a reservation at one of the restaurants (like Al Mahara or Sahn Eddar for afternoon tea) or for the “Inside Burj Al Arab” guided tour. - How much does a suite at the Burj Al Arab cost?
Prices change by season. The One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite (the “smallest”) typically starts from $1,800 to $2,500 USD per night. Prices for larger suites, like the Royal Suite, can go up to $25,000 per night. - What does the 24/7 butler service include?
It includes unpacking and packing your luggage, ironing your clothes (often one item is complimentary), making all your reservations, drawing your bath, and fulfilling almost any personal request, from unique food cravings to sourcing items.
