Cocktails at Burj Al Arab

Decided to do a speed boat trip then we could view some of the buildings etc from a different angle. We arrived at the marina and was meet by a friendly young man who explained we were in the correct place, the instructions on the paperwork accurate. (One thing to be aware of is you at the marina - there was not a booking office etc and if you need the toilets before boarding you would have to visit a cafe). The speed boat held about 8-10 people - all were provided with life jackets, was exceptionally clean and surprisingly comfortable. We set off at a sedate pace (harbour rules) but once out in the open the pace increased. We were given information about areas and places along the way and stopped at different points for photo shoots with famous buildings in the background. We were treated to a couple of bumps against the current and raced back towards the harbour. The trip was excellent and definitely worth the money and experience. A great way of sightseeing. We loved it.

Some cruise friends told us that they had a fantastic night at the Burj al Arab, with personalized attention from the bartenders, three exotic made-to-order drinks and a couple of unparalleled hours at a 6 star hotel. We thought that's what we were signing up with this attraction. Boy, were we wrong! At first it didn't really bother us that we were only supposed to get only 2 drinks, or that the cost was much higher that what our friends had paid. We were really looking forward to" the experience" which had been described by our friends. To say that this fell short of expectations would be a huge understatement! We arrived extra early since it was already dark, the hotel is rather remote, and we wanted to see some of the hotel interior, which was touted as being incredible. First impressions were great, as we waited in the lobby and "people-watched" for 30 minutes before approaching the check-in counter for the elevator ride to the cocktail lounge. After a 15 minute wait for "our designated time" to ascend to the lounge, we were greeted at the elevator exit and escorted to a nice corner table overlooking the area. The view was nice, but it was dark, so other than lights there wasn't much to see. Again, to be expected at night, but then the evening began to fall apart. A waiter approached with a small drink menu. He explained that we could choose form several beers, a couple of wines (cheaper Chilean wines), some standard spirits which could be mixed with whatever, OR we could select one of the THREE fixed cocktails on the menu. I explained the personalized bartender interaction and concoctions that had been enjoyed by our friends, and the endless possibilities for cocktails, and asked if that was not part of our "package"? He explained that the fixed drink menu was the only thing available. Biting our tongues, and checking that my wallet was still in my pocket, since it was obvious we'd been "taken to the cleaners", we settled in for our two $77.50 drinks. I will say we were provided with a couple of trays of nuts and olives, so being very generous, the drinks may have only cost $70 each (not worth it by any stretch of the imagination). Regardless, after spending only an hour in the lounge, we left feeling completely ripped off, but much wiser for the future. My advice--spend your money on something else more worthwhile; this was a total disappointment and rip-off!

1. Dirty carpets 2. Waiters throughing drinks on the carpet and clean it with a tissue 3. Scratched elevators 4. Damaged and dirty coasters on the table 5. 22 mins to bring a single bottle of beer 6. Paid 1200 AED for the sky view bar and they placed us at the back where we could only see the tend of the hotel 8. All the aluminium frames were damage, corroded and scratched 9. We asked for the car to be ready 5 mins before we leave as the valet ticket mentioned and we had to wait 20 mins for the car to arrive 10. The music was sometimes on and sometimes off if you could hear it after the sound of the barman while preparing the drinks 11. Wooden damaged drawers between the tables which was supposed to be invisible or at least 7 stars quality

Wonderful---Viator described the tour exactly as happened---you have to have a reservation to even get near the hotel---we were allowed to roam around the hotel and take in the ambiance--then we were put on an elevator to the 27th floor (which is the top of the hotel) --seated in the bar area---then re-seated near the windows for a beautiful view of Dubai---there was a nice selection of cocktails---you might have to tell them to put a little liquor into the cocktails---otherwise, everything was fantastic--service was great---a magical evening!!

Well organized tour - everything was as described. We had a table by the window and the view of the city was spectacular. The cocktails were great and the service was excellent.