Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Emirates Palace


The Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi's 7 Star Hotel, there are not many in the world that are graced with that rating.  It was built partially by the Government in 3 years at a cost of 3 billion dollars.  They also partially own it.  One nights stay will cost you anywhere from $600 to $7,800 US dollars, at that's only if you book far enough in advance.  It stretches 1 km from wing to wing and has over 1000 chandeliers.  There are 128 Kitchens and pantries and has a private drive and entrance for special guests, ie; Presidents, Secretary of States, Prime Ministers, Royalty, etc.  The marble used within it's walls came from 13 different countries.  And the facts go on and on.  If you don't want to stay the night and dinner at no less than $100.00 per person is too pricey you can go for afternoon coffee.  It is served with tea cakes and has 22 karot flakes of edible gold in it!!  It's only 100 dirham ($27.00)!  In fact, 5 kg of that edible gold is consumed by guests each year!
The good news for us and other residents of Abu Dhabi is they use the facility for many cultural events and concerts which are often affordable and some even free.  Recent concerts have been; Elton John, Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, and George Michaels.  In August we visited for the free Picassco Exhibit, which was wonderful.  We've been to an Itar there and most recently to the Hydra Open Air Cinema.
The Palace on a hot August day.
I had to take a picture in the ladies room!  Look at the marble and gold plated faucets!
Look at the Hillbillies hanging out in one of the smaller lobbies!
It was at least 125 that day, we were truly melting the few minutes we were outside.
The water looked beautiful, but was actual hot to the touch!
One of the wings, west I believe.
It was a wonderfully cool night when we walked the grounds the night of the Hydra Open Air show.  We walked up the private drive and all around the back balconies without seeing a soul only to find out much later we weren't supposed to go that way!  Oops!
The fountains as you pull onto the property.
Overlooking the back of the property toward the west.
Looking the same way from a different position.
Overlooking the center of the property , those are little dinner huts!
Toward the east.
And all the way east toward the private beach.  If you want to see more they have a website at www.emiratespalace.com   

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