After being severely enthralled by the lavish Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, it was time to explore the even more resplendent Emirates Palace. Thesaurus.com defines luxury as “a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity”. For Emirates Palace probably even luxury is an understatement.
Introduction
Arabian dreams and fantasies are one of the most profligate, audacious, and imprudent. Nevertheless, when Sheikhs start dreaming and possess gigantic amounts of pecuniary means, architectural wonders, such as this hotel, emerge in the middle of the desert.
Actually, the palace is not really in the desert, but is located very close to a pristine beach, private marina, and landscaped pools. Boasting one of the largest conference halls in the Emirati capital – Abu Dhabi – Emirates Palace is described as going “beyond 5-star luxury” (since 6- or 7-star ratings are officially non-existent). It is more of a palace than just a hotel.
Interior of Emirates Palace
As soon as you enter inside, on the left wall, there are portraits of two of the most important Emirati Sheikhs.
The hotel itself houses 394 magnificent rooms and suites spread in the two wings and the central building of the palace. A good amount of those is richly furnished in marble and gold.
If there are sweet tooths among you, do not worry – your inner desires for appetising delicacies will be met inside the Palace. Take a look.
We did not have time, but if you do, spending an extra hour sipping the world-popular Palace Cappuccino. The coffee is strewn with 24-carat gold flakes. For a price of around 70 AED (19 USD), you get the aromatic gold cappuccino accompanied by dark chocolate and a special date.
After the regal treat, you can visit the restrooms.
Exterior of Emirates Palace
Winner of many awards, including Best Beach Resort in the World for 2014, the hotel was constructed as a superlative for national prestige. Multitudes of pillars support the 114 domes that are over 80 metres in height. The Palace is within walking distance of the Etihad Towers and quite close to Heritage Village.
Emirates Palace – Figures and Facts
- The Palace was opened in February 2005.
- It is owned by Abu Dhabi’s government.
- Managed by the oldest, European hotel group – Kempinski – the Palace is a ground-breaking hotel worldwide.
- There are different sand shades found in the Arabian Desert – the building’s colours reflect them.
- More than 2,000 staff members and around 50 nationalities maintain the Palace,
- The Grand Atrium dome with a gold and silver glass mosaics is 42m wide.
- Guests may benefit from 755 plasma TVs – in each room, suite, and inside the halls.
- Emirates Palace is a proud owner of 1,002 gorgeous chandeliers decorated with the premier Strauss crystals of Swarovski.
- Two helicopter pads are found on the floor.
- Seventeen top-brand shops will cater to the needs of even the most fastidious guests.
Emirates Palace – where opulence meets luxury, one is left breathless. Have you been there? Did you choke on that 24-K gold while sipping your expensive cappuccino?
PIN ME, WILL YOU?
