Top Seven-Star Hotels in the Middle EastDR. EHSAN BAYAT

Top Seven-Star Hotels in the Middle East

Hotel construction in the Middle East rose by 18.8 percent from 2015 to 2016, according to an STR publication. STR, formally known as Smith Travel Research, indicated in its Pipeline Report that more than 550 projects, for a total of 155,899 new rooms, were under contract as of July 2016. Under contract refers to those properties that are either in some phase of planning or that are under construction.

Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, stand out as the two leading markets in the region. Each of these cities added more than 20,000 rooms to the Middle East total, with the next closest cities—Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—reportedly in the 5,000 range. The rooms in the UAE will contribute to 67 hotel developments.

In the Middle East, conversations about real estate, particularly those surrounding the hotel industry, increasingly include the word “luxury.” Advancements in construction methods have brought some of the most ambitious concepts and designs to life, and many of these structures could potentially receive high, multi-star ratings. What factors into these valuations?

Star ratings—the levels of luxury

The star rating system used to indicate the various levels of “luxury” at a hotel tends to blur the lines between four and five stars. Some of the qualifications for these top-ranked facilities, such as high nightly rates and the latest accommodations, are readily apparent. However, others provide a more articulate system for determining the level of luxury.

The Four Seasons is as an example of a five-star hotel, and nearly 20 of these properties operate in the Middle East. Patrons can expect high quality in the furnishing of their rooms, including the bed linens, as well as prompt, 24-hour room service. Five-star hotels typically feature a selection of equally highly rated restaurants in order to help maximize the experience for visitors.

A four-star hotel also upholds high standards, somewhere between average and excellent. While room service is available, it is limited to certain hours, as with the concierge. The properties generally neighbor competing hotel companies, and guests have the option of having a continental breakfast, with the possibility of a restaurant for later meals. The biggest difference between a four- and five-star hotel is the level of proactive service.

Star ratings—the levels of luxury

One and two-star hotels, by contrast, meet only the most basic needs of visitors, rarely offering more than a vending machine for drinks and snacks. Lower-ranked venues provide a phone and television, but the amenities usually stop there.

Interestingly, these rankings vary by country. Tourism organizations, which are either privately operated or run by the government, often set the bar. For instance, France places a special emphasis on the physical value aspects of a hotel stay (the rooms, lobbies, etc.), whereas guests in Spain generally have a preference for cleanliness above all else.

Seven-Star Hotels

In some parts of the world, the Middle East included, certain properties are advertised as surpassing the traditional five-star system and may rank as high as seven stars. These are few and far between, as one might imagine, and whether they actually merit the extra stars is up for debate. Nevertheless, these “seven-star hotels” rank among the top of the five-star class, which itself is relatively small, with just 154 across the globe.

Italy, China, and Singapore are home to a few of the upper echelon of five-star hotels. Closer to the Middle East, The Centaurus in Pakistan and the Full Moon Hotel in Azerbaijan have drawn their fair share of attention. Of those on the short list of seven-star properties, three reside in the UAE.

Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE

The Burj Al Arab was designed well ahead of its time. Completed in 1999, the high-luxury hotel has maintained its standing at the forefront of hospitality. Critics did not initially warm to the design of the structure, although it has grown on the public over time. At 60 floors, Burj Al Arab is among the top five tallest hotels in the world. Burj Al Arab includes 205 rooms, and guests can reserve the Royal Suite for approximately $19,000 a night.

Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Emirates Palace, which is located in the capital of the UAE, is owned and operated by the government. Unveiled in 2005, the hotel cost roughly $3 billion to complete. Emirates Palace is the second hotel in the world to receive the seven-star designation behind Burj Al Arab. The massive structure has nearly 400 rooms, and 85 acres of landscape border the hotel. Rooms reportedly run between $625 and $13,000 per night.

Tameer Towers – Abu Dhabi, UAE

In 2011, construction began on Tameer Towers, which is still in development. Progress has since halted, and news on the multibillion-dollar project is sparse at this point. Once completed, the seven-star hotel will feature 150 luxury rooms in two towers, A and B. Conceptual renderings of the finished development show Tameer Towers as a landmark achievement, located on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.