I’m currently visiting Dubai, a beautiful and fascinating place. A few days ago, a group of us decided to visit the cocktail lounge in the Burj al Arab, which advertises itself as the world’s only seven-star hotel.
It is shrouded in mystique. In order to get in, you need to make reservations, adhere to a dress code, and spend at least 275 dirhams (roughly $83) per person on food and drink. The reservation receipt—also required to get in—said that photography was strictly prohibited.
With that kind of Beverly Hills exclusivity, the Burj al Arab experience must be something elusive and special, right? Not exactly. True, the hotel is gorgeous, located on its own island, with 15-foot-high fish tanks, mosaic floors, and a stunning interior. But the seven-star claim is a gimmick, and here’s why:
-Mediocre service. When our car arrived, porters opened the car doors for us, but then stood back in a cluster. Nobody greeted us, welcomed us, or opened the hotel doors for us. If the place was truly seven stars, someone would have been shining our shoes. The Lonely Planet guide claims that the porters—who are mostly immigrants—adhere strictly to their orders because breaking rules could mean getting fired. Someone showed these guys the ropes, but didn’t inform them that seven stars means adaptable, personalized service. So they open car doors, but shy away from opening hotel doors for you. It’s a part of their template.
Source Fr0m businesspundit.com
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