You see the photos. You know the legend. You see the price tag—$2,000, $3,000, even $25,000 per night.
And then comes the big question: Is staying at the Burj Al Arab really worth it?
As a Dubai luxury expert for over 15 years, I get asked this more than anything else. My honest answer is… it’s complicated.
It is 100% worth it for some people, and 100% not worth it for others. I’m not here to sell you a dream. I’m here to give you an honest, practical review so you can decide for yourself.
Let’s break down the Pros and the Cons.
The Pros: Why It Is Worth It
- The Service Is On Another Planet This is the main reason. You don’t just get a room; you get a 24/7 private butler. This person is a mind-reader. They learn your preferences. They will unpack your luggage, draw your bath (with rose petals), and book your dinners. Every staff member knows your name. It’s a level of personalized service that makes you feel like royalty.
- Every Room is a Giant Duplex Suite There are no “standard” rooms. The smallest suite is a 1,830 sq. ft. two-story monster. The sense of space and privacy is incredible. You have your own living room, dining room, and office.
- The Unmatched Sense of Exclusivity You cannot just walk into the Burj Al Arab. There is a security checkpoint on a private bridge. Only guests or those with a restaurant reservation can enter. This privacy is what high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and royalty pay for.
- The “Included” Perks Are High-Value The high price includes some amazing extras. You get:
- Unlimited free access to the stunning Talise Spa pools (18th floor).
- Unlimited free access to The Terrace, the exclusive luxury pool and beach club.
- Unlimited free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. These are all expensive, high-end experiences that are included in your room rate.
The Cons: Why It Might NOT Be Worth It
- The Price Is (Obviously) Huge The cost is the biggest barrier. A “real” one-night stay, with taxes and food, will cost you over $4,000. For that same price, you could book a private yacht charter for three days. You have to be comfortable with that level of spending.
- The Decor is “Opulent,” Not “Modern” This is the most common complaint. The hotel opened in 1999, and the decor shows it. It is a time capsule of 90s luxury. Think bright reds, royal blues, and a lot of 22-karat gold. If you love clean, minimalist, or modern design (like a Bulgari or Armani hotel), you will hate this.
- The Food is Extremely Expensive Your room rate includes no food. And the food prices are astronomical. A simple club sandwich from room service can cost $80. A tasting menu at Al Muntaha will be $350 per person. You must have a large budget for food on top of your room price.
- The Location is a Bit Isolated The hotel is on its own private island. This is great for privacy, but bad for exploring. You can’t just “walk” to the Dubai Mall or a local cafe. You must take a taxi or a luxury car rental everywhere, which adds time and cost to your trip.
My Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
After 15 years, here is my honest answer.
You should ABSOLUTELY stay here if:
- It is on your “Bucket List” and the money is not your main concern.
- You are celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event (honeymoon, 30th anniversary).
- You value privacy, security, and flawless personal service above all else.
- You are in Dubai to make a major investment and need a “power address” to host from.
You should probably SKIP it if:
- You are on a budget of any kind.
- You prefer modern, minimalist, or “trendy” hotels.
- You want to be in the center of the action (like Downtown or DIFC).
- You will be stressed about the $50 cocktails.
For the price of one night, you can book an Afternoon Tea, a Spa Day, and a 5-star dinner at the hotel. You’ll get 80% of the experience. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, you can check our full Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite price and booking guide.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite price and booking guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the Burj Al Arab still the best hotel in Dubai?
It is the most iconic and most luxurious in terms of service. But “best” is subjective. Hotels like Atlantis The Royal (modern) or Four Seasons (classic) are strong competitors. - Do you feel the hotel is “dated”?
The technology is 100% modern (in-suite iPads, fast Wi-Fi). But the style (the gold, the colors) is definitely from a different era. You have to see it as “classic opulence,” not “dated.” - My budget is $2,000. Is it still worth it?
If $2,000 is your entire budget, I would say no. That might cover the room in the low season, but it won’t cover the 25% taxes and the high food costs. You will be stressed and won’t enjoy the experience.
