July 1, 2008

On luxury

Category: photos, travel — Cosima @ 3:14 pm

For 999 Dirham (USD 272) per night you can stay at the Al Qasr, at the moment the premier hotel in Dubai. That’s a lot of money, but compared to other hotels in the same category in other places around the world it is a very good deal. The caveat is that the price above is the summer price, when Dubai truly is a desert and the temperature outside becomes unbearable.

We didn’t stay there, but we had lunch, looked around, and marveled at the architecture and interior design. It’s a perfect illusion of Arabian dreams.

With wind towers and exquisite stone masonry work…

alqasr1.jpg

marble and chandeliers…

alqasr2.jpg

a dining hall held up by palm columns…

alqasr3.jpg

more delicately carved stone masonry…

alqasr4.jpg

water channels with boats that ferry guests around the extensive grounds…

alqasr5.jpg

a sumptuous lounge with views to the ocean (they serve wonderful lemon-mint mocktails and mezze platters)…

alqasr6.jpg

and views to the next seven star hotel down the beach, the Burj Al Arab, managed by the same hotel group …

alqasr7.jpg

Now, back to the real world.

6 Comments »

  1. I love the old world splendor of the design.

    Lecram, It is meant to resemble an old-style Arabic summer palace, and it is not hard to get lost in the illusion. I expected Laurence of Arabia to ride by.

    Comment by lecram — July 1, 2008 @ 6:32 pm

  2. As you traveled around Dubai were you able to go shopping? If so, what did you find interesting in the stores?

    Larry, so far I have only been to shopping malls, which are very similar to what you find anywhere else around the world these days. The newer ones seek to impress as much as the hotels. We have been to one with a stunning glass vaulted arcade and an artificial ski slope attached to it. I loved to look around in the supermarkets. The seafood selection was very good, also the choice in vegetables, fruits and herbs was wonderful, and the cheese and yogurt aisle was extra long. Oh, and camel milk is very popular. It comes au naturel and with all kinds of flavors. Because it is an Islamic country supermarkets don’t sell alcohol (but licensed bars and restaurants do), and the selection of soft drinks, syrups, and juices was much larger than any I have seen in the US or Europe. I am itching to go to the gold and spice souq and shops in the old part of town, but during the day it is very hot, and so far little man was much too tired in the evening because of jet lag. I am hoping that we will get the chance in the next few days.

    Comment by Larry w. stammer, jr — July 1, 2008 @ 7:17 pm

  3. the carved masonry is what impresses me most. that’s real craftsmanship.

    Comment by lime — July 1, 2008 @ 11:49 pm

  4. That is absolutely beautiful! I wonder how ridiculously comfortable the beds are! :) Awesome pictures!

    Comment by Solitaire — July 2, 2008 @ 12:57 am

  5. other than the heat part — it looks/sounds dee-vine!

    Comment by APj — July 3, 2008 @ 8:56 am

  6. Very luxurious indeed! Cheers!

    Comment by Kien Lim — July 12, 2008 @ 6:06 am

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