Bling it on: Afternoon tea in the Skyview Bar at Burj Al Arab

Bling it on: Afternoon tea in the Skyview Bar at Burj Al Arab

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For those of you not familiar with the Burj Al Arab, it’s the world’s only seven-star hotel, whatever that means. When I was in Dubai last year I had afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab. However, I was only able to reserve a table at Sahn Eddar, the hotel’s lobby lounge. This time around I was hoping to have afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar, which is located on the 27th floor of the hotel.

We were planning only a couple of days in advance, so I figured we had virtually no chance of securing a table. I sent off an email to their reservations department, and was shocked to receive a confirmation for afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar for 1PM on the 13th, our day of arrival.

The afternoon tea is seven courses and costs 450AED (~$122USD) per person, which must be among the biggest and most expensive afternoon teas out there.

We left the Grosvenor House at around 12:15PM and made it to the Burj Al Arab at around 12:30PM. The hotel is located on a man made island, and there’s no public access allowed. So at the gate you have to show your confirmation before they’ll let you enter.


Burj Al Arab exterior


Hotel exterior


Signage


Entrance

As was the case last time, I found the public areas of the hotel to be a complete spectacle. The hotel guests seemed to mostly either be Middle Easterners or older Russian men with their daughters wives.

Meanwhile there were the people at the hotel just to enjoy afternoon tea, which seemed to be mostly Brits and Japanese people, both of which were taking pictures as if it were a red carpet (hey, I was part of that group too!).


Lobby


Lobby


Lobby


Lobby bar (where I had afternoon tea last time)


Atrium

After briefly touring the hotel we took the elevator to the Skyview Bar at around 12:45PM and “checked in.” We were invited to take a seat, as our table would be ready shortly. If you’re having afternoon tea at either of the facilities it’s worth noting that they seat tables in order, starting with the best tables by the window. So the earlier you arrive, the better table you’ll get. We were among the first there, so got an awesome table by the window.

The bar is interesting in that it feels more like a cruise ship from the late 90s than the world’s most expensive hotel. Though I guess it does feel a bit gaudy/tacky, which fits in with the theme of the hotel.


Skyview Bar


Bar


Our table by the window


Our amazing view for afternoon tea

Our waitress was a lovely lady from Indonesia, and she familiarized us with the menu and explained that we could have as much as we wanted of everything, except champagne, which was an extra 150AED per glass beyond the first one.

Service began with a glass of champagne, which was Louis Roederer Brut. That was quickly followed by an artfully presented berry tart with cream.


Champagne and berry tart with cream

The second course was the “chef’s carvery of the day,” which was some sort of beef with potato.


Chef’s carvery of the day

At this point coffee/tea orders were taken. I ordered both a cup of vanilla infused tea and an iced coffee. They encourage you to try as many as you’d like, so I certainly took them up on that.

While those orders were put in, we were offered a selection of finger sandwiches, each of which was explained to us in great detail. We were offered more sandwiches, though had to turn them down as seven courses is plenty for us. 😉


Finger sandwiches

As we finished the finger sandwiches our coffee and tea were served.


Tea and iced coffee

We were then offered a tray of sweets, presented on a “Burj Al Arab” style carrier.


Sweets

This contained lots of sweets.


Sweets

And cookies/muffins.


Cookies/muffins

And scones.


Scones

Which were served with clotted cream and jams.


Clotted cream/jams

The next course was a lychee and rose sorbet, along with some Christmas cookies.


Sorbet


Christmas cookies

We were also offered a to go box with some more sweets.


To go box

I know the summary seems pretty brief, though this was a roughly 90 minute affair. We were always asked if we wanted more, and the service was great throughout.

I’ve now had afternoon tea at both Sahn Eddar (the lobby bar) and the Skyview Bar, and definitely enjoyed the latter more for the amazing views.

Obviously afternoon tea here is outrageously expensive, and it’s not something you have to experience multiple times. That being said, I think everyone that visits Dubai should make an effort to have afternoon tea here once, as it’s an unforgettable experience.

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  1. Norine Guest

    I have booked for afternoon tea late October 2018, you now pay extra if you want a seat by the window. After looking at all the photos I am very excited.

  2. Liz Opp Guest

    I have been trying to book a tea there for my trip next week. Having a bit of trouble with the up-front payment. They sent me a link to pre-pay, and I used the same capital one card I've used on 4 continents but it was unsuccessful despite me responding to the CC's text that the charge was kosher. Hopefully I can get this worked out as now that I've seen your pictures I can't wait! I love anything over the top

  3. Dinesh Khandelwal Guest

    I would like to visit Sky View Bar for High Tea. What is the current cost per person? Any advance booking deals for 5 persons?

  4. Mariela Guerrero Guest

    Hi,
    Thanks for his post is amazing and very explicit, I like it, but I want to know
    how many time before visit the bar, do I have to do m reservation? And I have to pay 150 dollars per person in the entry, or is when I finished?

  5. Chet Guest

    Hi
    What is best way to reach to Skyview Bar. We are not driving while visiting Dubai.
    Thanks

    1. lucky OMAAT

      @ Chet -- Just take a taxi. They're easy to use and inexpensive in Dubai.

      And I doubt being under 21 will be an issue unless you're obvious about it.

  6. Chet Guest

    Hello
    Thanks for detailed review. I heard one must be 21 yrs or older to visit Skyview bar.
    I have 19 yrs old son. Do they really enforce age restriction ?
    Thanks

  7. David Guest

    @Lucky thanks for your quick response^-^

  8. lucky OMAAT

    @ David -- What I ordered was afternoon tea for two. Enjoy the experience! :)

  9. David Guest

    Great review. @Lucky I just email Skyview Bar, and they told me if you come with 2 people, then 2 sets of afternoon tea should be ordered. How did you managed to get 1 afternoon tea + extra champagne for 2 people? Any tricks:)

  10. Dr Wilson Guest

    Thank you for the tips, I look forward to visiting Dubai, it is fabulous place with beautiful hotels unlike our dire hotels in London! sad but true.
    I have emailed to book high tea at Skyview bar,for the experience...I have also booked high tea at the Atmosphere Burj Khalifa as we will be staying by Mall Dubai at the palace, we will also visit the address for dinner to watch the fabulous fountainDubai is...

    Thank you for the tips, I look forward to visiting Dubai, it is fabulous place with beautiful hotels unlike our dire hotels in London! sad but true.
    I have emailed to book high tea at Skyview bar,for the experience...I have also booked high tea at the Atmosphere Burj Khalifa as we will be staying by Mall Dubai at the palace, we will also visit the address for dinner to watch the fabulous fountainDubai is just marvelous luxury, we could never afford here in europe nor the US.
    Thank you Dubai.
    NB: by the way foreign workers flock there by their own volition for money, I never seen anyway being dragged to the UAE to work, it is a priviledge, our children who are unemployed here are only too pleased to find employment and go to work there and earn good money too...what is wrong with that? I guess the same apply to all other nationalities.

  11. Al Guest

    Going to do this tomorrow. 1pm res

  12. lucky OMAAT

    @ Jan -- Takes about 60-90 minutes in my experience.

  13. Jan Guest

    It looks great we are going there in May...how long is a sitting for High Tea.

  14. ShaneinTulsa Guest

    I absolutely want to do this!

  15. cedarglen Guest

    Great review. Except for the obscene upcharge on that second glass, High Tea in Arabia should be experienced once. Of one is a big fan, perhaps twice. Yes, U$D 122 is a bit dear for a 'late lunch,' but...
    The glitz, bling and display produced my major Arab hotels is beyond my understanding. It seems to 'Western Imitation,' by designers who don't quite get it. For the best in foreign comfort, a 4/5 star...

    Great review. Except for the obscene upcharge on that second glass, High Tea in Arabia should be experienced once. Of one is a big fan, perhaps twice. Yes, U$D 122 is a bit dear for a 'late lunch,' but...
    The glitz, bling and display produced my major Arab hotels is beyond my understanding. It seems to 'Western Imitation,' by designers who don't quite get it. For the best in foreign comfort, a 4/5 star house in England or Bavaria is a far better experience. Christmas trees and similar décor in the public spaces of a prime UAE hotel just don't work for me. If there is any local/cultural influence, I missed it. If not imitation English/Western, the themes are too bland to catch an interest. Three unproductive trips (properly arranged and scheduled) were a waste. It seems that they are trying to copy something Western, but don't understand what they are trying to copy. Traditional Arab service, food, rooms, etc., would have been a lot more interesting. UAE: Never again. The UK and the whole of Europe (including as much of Eastern Europe as possible): As often as I can get there! Nice series of posts.

  16. Brendan Guest

    @ Mike--I'm curious about your criticism. Does it stem from the country's denying rights to and persecution of women, gays, and guest workers, its awful environmental record, or other issues? I've never been to anywhere in the UAE and am both intrigued by a potential visit and appalled by the notion of contributing my scant financial resources to such a political entity.

  17. lucky OMAAT

    @ John -- I took the pictures as we arrived, and we were among the first there. That's why it's so empty. It was full by the time we left.

    Between the two of us we managed to finish most of it, though didn't go for seconds.

  18. John Guest

    Ben- The Skybar seemed empty when you took the pictures. Did it fill up? Also, how much of the food did you actually eat (as opposed to just taking pictures of it).

  19. Mike Guest

    Just to remind everyone: dubai sucks. Take your money to paris or london where it will be better spent in every possible way.

  20. Shawn Guest

    Just to clarify, while the Skybar is on the 27th floor, all of the floors with guest suites (as there are no guest rooms at the Burj) are actually two floors in one. So the acutal height of the 27th floor is much closer to the 54th floor in an ordinary building. It is a spectacular view.

  21. Brendan Guest

    Were the hotel's sewage issues at all apparent?

    http://www.salon.com/2012/12/29/worlds_tallest_and_smelliest_building/

  22. lucky OMAAT

    @ Randall -- Dress code is smart casual. They describe it as follows:

    Gentlemen are required to wear a collared shirt, full-length trousers or elegant jeans and closed shoes (no trainers or sport shoes). Ladies are required to wear a suit or dress, long or short skirt or dressy slack and top. UAE national dress is welcomed. For gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops; open and running, gym, tennis, basketball shoes, etc are not allowed.

  23. lucky OMAAT

    @ Raffles -- Thanks for the tip!

    @ choi -- In the off season rates seem to start at around $1,300USD per night.

    I don't believe you can visit the bar unless you have a reservation there.

    I also went to the Burj Khalifa. :)

  24. choi New Member

    2 questions, how much would it cost to stay a night and second, can you visit the view bar if you dont intend to have afternoon tea but have reservation for other dinning venue. the point is to go up there to check out the view. by the way, why didnt you visit the tallest building in DB ?

  25. Tom // Sit in first Guest

    We just stayed at Dar al Masyaf (the on-land villas in this same complex). What a wonderful stay. Several other families in our little compound were repeat guests and now stay in the villa over the Burj.

  26. Raffles Guest

    Quick tip for others. If you look at the picture 'Our amazing view for afternoon tea' you will see a round building at the end of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel's pier. This is a very good bar / club, no entry charge, and well worth a vist.

    I hope you toured Madinat Jumeirah as well whilst at the Burj. I have had drinks in that bar and, frankly, it is all very scary if you have taste!

  27. Wendy Guest

    Lucky now that you are living in Seattle. You need to go have High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC.

  28. Randall Guest

    What's the dress code for afternoon tea? I suspect you can't roll in there wearing shorts and a visor.

  29. JetAway Guest

    Good report. For the doubters, you're paying for a very unique experience. It's meant to be fun. And it's worth it.

  30. Coutureguy Guest

    Lucky, thanks for the great report! My next big trip will be Dubai and I definitely look forward to afternoon tea @ the Burj. I thought tea at the Crillon in Paris was nice, but the Skyview Bar is a whole other level. Also thanks for the tip about getting there early to get the best seat. Hope I can make it there next year.

  31. Heather @ passthedressing Guest

    @FlyingDoctorWu, yeh I was surprised to see that it was that much. Honestly, I think the $122 isn't too terrible especially since you get what looks to be a pretty full meal, but that champagne per glass is gouging.

  32. Mike Q. Guest

    There is actually a much cheaper and, IMO, a much better option if you want to visit the Burj Al Arab: Majlis Al Bahar restaurant. It is on the beach. You can visit the hotel and they will take you there when you are ready on a golf cart. My wife and I had dinner there this year and the total was around $150 for both of us. Food was OK, but not spectacular.

  33. lucky OMAAT

    @ HansGolden -- For sitting there, or what? They have two seats, so I guess that's the main constraint.

  34. HansGolden Guest

    Is there a time limit?

  35. FlyingDoctorWu Guest

    150 AED per extra glass of Louis Roderer Brut? Ouch.... that's about 40 USD... what I would pay for a bottle at my local liquor store....

    FDW

  36. Zz Guest

    Reading your report is enough. I now have no need to spend $122 for this unforgettable experience. Thanks!

  37. lucky OMAAT

    @ Papa Smurf -- You can specify which venue you'd like. Often one has availability and the other doesn't. So when I emailed them I was clear to say that I had complete time flexibility, but wanted the Skyview Bar.

  38. Travel Summary Guest

    I have nearly identical pictures of everything except the food! It even looks like you sat in the same spot as me!

  39. lucky OMAAT

    @ Al -- You can either call (971 4 3017600) or email them. I emailed them at [email protected] with my exact request.

  40. Papa Smurf Guest

    To expands on Al's question when making the reservations do you get to chose whether you get the lobby bar or the Skyview bar? If so, can you see the availability online or is it more of a guessing game?

  41. TonySCV Guest

    The Skyview Bar's decor reminding you of a 90's cruise ship is right. Good God. The Encounter restaurant at LAX is more tastefully decorated.

  42. Al Guest

    how do you go about making a reservation for afternoon tea?

  43. lucky OMAAT

    @ janyyc -- Well if you're not a fan of afternoon tea to begin with then it'll be tough to sell you on it (I don't like roller coasters, so no matter how great one is, you won't sell me on it!).

    But afternoon tea is the cheapest way to visit the Burj Al Arab, and as far as afternoon tea spreads go it doesn't get more impressive than this.

  44. silver springer Guest

    great pictures and narrative. I look forward to repeating this myself within the next year.

  45. Beth Guest

    I was in Bahrain one year at Christmas and giggled at the abundance of trees and singing figurines at the airport

  46. janyyc Guest

    I can't really make out what's so special about it... (To be completely honest & frank). I don't really like afternoon tea service itself, even when included in AMEX FHR or Virtuoso bookings. Not my cup of tea, ;) so to speak...

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Norine Guest

I have booked for afternoon tea late October 2018, you now pay extra if you want a seat by the window. After looking at all the photos I am very excited.

0
Liz Opp Guest

I have been trying to book a tea there for my trip next week. Having a bit of trouble with the up-front payment. They sent me a link to pre-pay, and I used the same capital one card I've used on 4 continents but it was unsuccessful despite me responding to the CC's text that the charge was kosher. Hopefully I can get this worked out as now that I've seen your pictures I can't wait! I love anything over the top

0
Dinesh Khandelwal Guest

I would like to visit Sky View Bar for High Tea. What is the current cost per person? Any advance booking deals for 5 persons?

0
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