Burj Al Arab: The World's Only 7-Star Hotel

If I didn't already say it, burj in Arabic means "tower." The Burj Al Arab is this giant ship-sail-like hotel jutting out into the Gulf that shines like a beacon of wealth and luxury. Technically with five stars, the Skeikh of Dubai proclaimed that this is the only "7-star hotel." You can't get in unless you're a guest. Or unless you're Katja and Katie who pretended to be waiting for friends who were staying there, then sneaked in but had to avoid security guards in two places. We went though the lobby and then wound around the inner garden courtyard until we found away out to this lovely restaurant on a boardwalk, the 360 bar, and had a nice fruit juice and enjoyed the view.

The service in Dubai is impeccable. Whether you're spending the wad or having a modest lunch, you're bound to be treated as royalty. Everything you've heard about world class service is true. Waiters pulled out my chair for me, they filled my water glass for me when it was low without my asking, they switched out Katja and George's ashtray ever 10 minutes, "Madame" this and "Madame" that... royalty!