While I am extraordinarily impressed by
Yas Island, especially the race track, I do have one gripe with the new ultra modern, ultra sleek
Yas Hotel (the curvy one with the exterior that lights up at night).
Photo caption: The patio and fountain at Yas Hotel on Yas Island. Galen Clarke/The National
I decided to visit this weekend, but upon arriving I came upon a long line of people at the security gate at the bridge that connects to the hotel. Many of the cars were turning around - including Mercedes and Maseratis. When I came to the gate, I found out that several of the would-be patrons of the hotel were so offended of an entrance fee of Dh100 each that they were heading home. It turned out that the certificate could be redeemed at the restaurants and cafes, but the payment still had to be made before entering the hotel.
I personally lost money on the deal because I couldn't drink enough coffee to spend the full Dh100. Even if I had gone there for dinner, I would still begrudge the fact that the hotel was so distrustful of me that I had to pay even before entering the grounds. I don't think that's the way to gain a reputation as a great hotel in the UAE.
I know that there is a similar system at the Burj al Arab, which is a "seven star" hotel, but I fundamentally disagree with the strategy. It makes people feel like they shouldn't be there. Take the Emirates Palace, for example. Everyone feels equally welcome as they pass through the golden doors and the place still feels classy.
Couple of things:
1 - Charging an entry fee for a hotel is not classy, although in the case of the Burj al Arab, it may be the only way to avoid the lobby being overrun by tacky tourists taking photos (not a good look for a $1000 a night hotel). But the Burj al Arab is a legitimately iconic building on a global scale, unlike pretty much any other hotel in the world, meaning it faces a challenge few others would. Although the Yas Marina Hotel is gorgeous, I don't think it is a mass-market tourist drawcard.
2 - The fact that they still got the patronage of a cheapskate like yourself shows that their plan is not working. If you're going to charge an entry fee to keep your hotel exclusive, at least charge a lot. Dh100 is so indignified and cheap, like they are asking for donations to pay for the window cleaners or something - its no surprise they end up with a tighfist sipping lattes and ordering a bowl of popcorn in the lobby. Make it something like Dh500, and that will be enough to keep the riff raff away.
I would like to correct a few mistakes from Mr Hope's post.
1. Burj Al Arab is undoubtedly the world's most luxurious hotel, but it is a five star hotel nevertheless: that's the highest ranking available at the moment.
2. There are no fees to enter Burj Al Arab: by booking a meal or high tea in one of Burj Al Arab's many restaurants, visitors can get a glimpse of what the icon of Dubai looks like from its splendid atrium. There is even someone available at the gate of Burj Al Arab to make "spur of the moment" restaurant reservations.
Genevieve Picard
Corporate Communications Manager
Jumeirah Group
Must agree with Tom, AED 100 wouldn't deter a scrubber like me from going. I feel cheapened by such a low amount, I'm worth far more than that before I declare it a rip-off.
The Burj Dubai has it all. Along with the residences Burj Al Arab have to offer, there are fabulous amenities like, a cigar club, restaurants, four luxury swimming pools, an observation platform, 15,000 sq ft of space for just fitness, a library, a residents lounge and corporate suites.