The Burj Al Arab Guided Tour in Dubai: Is It Worth It?
Introduction
When one thinks of Dubai, the glitzy glamorous city in the UAE, there are certain images and iconic buildings that spring to mind. One of these, is the self-rated 7-star hotel built like the sail of a ship: the Burj Al Arab. In recent years, the hotel has commenced a butler-led ‘Inside Burj Al Arab Tour‘. This showcases to guests some of the most exquisite parts of the hotel.
This includes the bedazzling and frightfully colourful Royal Suite, a multi-room apartment complex complete with a gold-gilded entrance staircase on the 25th floor. To book this suite, you’re looking at $25K per night, with a minimum of 4 nights!
Tour guests will also be privy to the Burj Al Arab Museum, with various well-known artefacts that have put it on the map throughout the years. This includes the legendary tennis racquets used by Andre Agassi and Roger Federer during their iconic game on the Burj Al Arab helipad.
This review aims to compare the tour’s pros and cons and give potential viewers a sneak peak of what to expect. For further tips on how to spend time in Dubai, click here. If you’re needing hotel accommodation close to Dubai airport, then click here.
Other Luxury Hotel options in UAE
Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara
Zaya Nurai Island Resort
Sir Bani Yas Island
Burj Al Arab Hotel Facts & Figures
The Burj Al Arab is all about affluence and stunning its visitors with opulence, gold and crystal decorations, dizzying heights and luxury. Check out the below stats for a few examples!
The official stats!
- The interiors are gilded in 24-carat gold
- There are 17 types of pillow available on the pillow menu
- The exclusive duvets are filled with down from eider ducks who nest in Iceland. One nest provides about 15-20g of eiderdown, and only 2,000kg are allowed to be harvested each year, which is why the duvets are so highly prized.
- The hotel itself sits on a man made island
- It took 2 years to create the island and 3 years to build the hotel
- It made the Guinness World Records in 2008 for most expensive cocktail, valued at 27,321 AED, and again in 2016 for the world’s largest tin of caviar, at 17kg.
- The roof of the Burj Al Arab’s Japanese restaurant, Junsui, is adorned with 21,000 crystals to represent the Milky Way. It is worth 1.3 million AED.
- For lovers of the Italian artist Michelangelo, you’ll find the same marble inside the hotel that was used to create the statue of David. More than 30 different types of Statuario marble can be found in the walls and flooring.
- Some of the best views of the Arabian gulf can be seen from the hotel’s ultra-luxurious 18th-floor Talise Spa
- The Burj Al Arab’s helipad has been used for some famous events in the past, including a tennis match between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer
- The Terrace Pool and Beach area was made in 6 parts in Finland and shipped to Dubai for construction in 2017. Since then, its two pools have been adorned with 10 million gold and azure mosaic tiles.
- The hotel has an on site Turtle Hospital and has released more than 1600 rescued sea turtles safely back into the Arabian Gulf since 2004
- Its two top chefs hold five Michelin stars between them
Pros and Cons of the Burj Al Arab Tour
Pros
Reasons to book the Burj Al Arab tour
- Overall much more cost effective than booking a stay
- Includes access to the incredible Royal Suite
- Photo opportunities at various locations around the hotel
- Free parking included in ticket price
- Unlimited time allowed in the Burj Al Arab museum
- Interesting and informative facts provided by knowledgable tour guide
Cons
Reasons not to book the tour
- Limited time on tour (90 minutes) compared to a booked hotel stay
- No access to pool facilities on tour
- No photos allowed in the lobby to protect guest privacy (although photos are allowed from the escalator)
- Group tour can be unpredictable based on participant attitudes
Logistics
Where does it start?
The tour starts at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Ticketing Lounge and guests will be transported by buggy to the Burj Al Arab. Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time to collect your ID tag.
Is there parking?
Parking is free at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
What does it cost?
The cost is AED 249 at the time of writing for the base level package. Other packages include tour ticket and drink or tour ticket and dining options.
How long is the tour?
Tour length is 90 minutes although guests can spend as long as they like in the Museum at the end, or purchasing drinks in their bar.
What parts of the hotel will I see?
Bridge to the hotel
Outdoors Bar
Hotel Lobby & Lobby Shops
Lift to level 25, overlooking private pool and beach
Royal Suite on level 25
Burj Al Arab Museum
Final Word – Is the Tour worth it?
Well it depends on how you look at it really. If you’ve got cash to burn and have always dreamed of staying at the Burj Al Arab, then you’re likely going to book a stay here regardless. However, if you’re after value for money but are curious about the interior design and luxury decorations within the hotel, then I’d highly recommend booking a tour ticket and staying at another hotel in Dubai. The rooms are impressive but extremely Arabesque in style, so if you prefer a more minimalist decor approach, then stay elsewhere. For me, it was fantastic to see the inner workings of the Burj Al Arab without having to fork out thousands for a hotel which I personally feel is outshone by a few others in the UAE.
