Esmie Erasmus
Google
After living in Dubai for over 13 years, I finally decided to visit the iconic Burj Al Arab, booking their Afternoon Tea experience to treat my visiting in-laws to something truly special. Unfortunately, the experience was far from the 7-star service one would expect from such a world-renowned hotel.
From the outset, we were greeted by a waitress whose rudeness left us shocked and embarrassed—especially disappointing considering I had arranged this as a thoughtful gesture for my husband’s family. Mocked us, replied to our questions with disrespect and just not a friendly face overall. While I won’t delve into all the details, the interaction cast a shadow over what was meant to be a memorable outing.
To their credit, two kind gentlemen on staff stepped in to salvage the situation and offered their apologies, which we appreciated. However, the damage was done, and we left with a sour taste in our mouths.
Beyond the service issue, the Afternoon Tea itself was underwhelming and not worth the high price point, especially the savoury selection. The air conditioning was not working properly—an uncomfortable oversight in Dubai’s climate—and there were no warm or wet towels offered, which is a basic courtesy in any high-end establishment.
Sadly, I cannot recommend this experience to anyone visiting Dubai. For a hotel that brands itself as the pinnacle of luxury, the experience fell dramatically short. A major disappointment.