I woke up in a seven star hotel

I didn't really wake up in a seven star hotel; I would have, if I had passed out from the extravagance of the gold laiden interior of the world famous and tallest hotel: the Burj Al Arab hotel in the rapidly rising city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Modeled after a billowing sail, the iconic structure sits on a man made island off shore. Entrance is guarded and hotel guests only. But we avoided the multi-thousand dollar room bill by becoming breakfast "guests" of one of their resturants, a very expensive resturant.

It's all about the show of wealth, once stepped out of our humble transportation, we are met with the official vehicles for their real guests - Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Bimmers, etc.




...uh ah, no, these are reserved for only their regular guests. The VIPs arrive in style, from above, at the halipad...


The sparkling, blindingly golden interrior attract much criticism - too much of a display of the country's new found opulence.



Nonetheless, it is the world tallest hotel and has the tallest atrium...





... and managed to cleverly incorporate islamic design in its decor.




Afterall, it did not get its stars from being beautifully decorated. The all suite hotel features an army of butlers - one for each room - to provide personalized services. I mean, they better, for that kind of room rate.

We travelled up to the 18^th floor for a view of the Persian Gulf, hoping for a peek of The World islands, but it was too foggy that day. Instead we found the lost city of Atlantis... (to be continued)