Best hotel I have ever been to. Hotel staff was impeccably excellent, the rooms are very luxurious, although the design might not appeal to all, and the views out of this world (we were on the 22nd floor... which translates to 44th and 45th floor in a standard hotel).

Food also of very high standards. In essence, the hotel lives up to its reputation as the most luxurious on earth. All topped by the birthday cake and orchestra they brought to our room in occasion of my birthday. Really a memorable stay.

Stayed in panoramic one bedroom suite in July 2012. Arrived in Dubai on an early flight and we were allowed to checkin to our suite early with no issues. The suite itself is huge, as expected, with fantastic views through the floor to ceiling windows. Lights, curtains, etc. were controlled with a tablet. Door could be opened remotely by video phone. The suite included a full desktop computer and free wi-fi. Full sized Hermes bathroom amenities and perfume and cologne were included. The lobby and fountain are spectacular, it seems like half the hotel is plated with gold. One of the restaurant bars had a ceiling which was a replica of the Milky Way made of Swarovski crystals. Everything in the suite and hotel is over the top, extravagant and excessive. The included breakfast was huge and delicious although we were charged for breakfast the first morning even though we were told it was included at time of checkin. Breakfast is brought to your room by 2 waiters who bring a toaster with them to toast your bread insuite for you. Complimentary afternoon snack were brought to our suite everyday. We did the culinary flight which allowed us to sample all of their restaurants, which was a great experience. The Skyview Bar and Al Mahara aquarium restaurant are a must see. The floor butler made sure everything was taken care of for you, even opening the room door for you when you returned to your suite. Beach service was attentive and they provide you with a cooler full of cold water, cold towels and misters. They would also bring you popsicles every once in a while. A definite must for 40 degree temperatures. The biggest gripe I have about the hotel is that they failed to answer any of the multiple emails I sent them prior to arrival with respect to sponsoring me for my visa to Dubai or requests for checkin preferences. It is simply unacceptable for a hotel to not respond to emails from your guests in this day and age. Other than that it was an amazing experience.

Well, I was there on a business trip representing my company and boy was the experience overwhelming or was it overwhelming. I mean the place is not just a hotel its an architectural wonder. With the best views I have ever seen and the best services in every kind the people of Dubai must be keen to make this their trade mark :)

I am giving this hotel 5 stars because it really does hit all the marks (as you would expect). And I only stayed one night, so I don't know if I adequately experience the place. But I have to say (just as a matter of personal taste) it was too over the top for me. The staff are dedicated and trying very hard - but to me it felt oppressive. The 2 story rooms are ludicrously well-appointed - but for me it was a little too glitzy and formal. The food is excellent - but it felt like a mini photo shoot at every meal b/c so many people are documenting their trips. I guess I would urge people to look at the photos and see if it appeals to you.