Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

"Set the scene for us. Emirates Palace is grandiose and all about the bling. From its position on the western end of the Corniche , the eight-story, one-kilometer-long hotel is hard to miss; after all, it's larger than Buckingham Palace. Dripping in gold and boasting the largest dome in world, the five-star property screams luxury. There's so much gold here—more than 6,000 square meters of 22-karat gold leaf, in fact—that even the room keys are shaped like gold coins. Check-in is part of the experience; you're greeted at the door by staff in gilded tailcoats before being ushered to a reception area; there, women are given roses, and all guests are given a refreshing towel, dates, and juices and teas. Who stays here? The hotel is a popular tourist stop so expect to see a lot of interested travelers wandering through the lobby. Beyond the main building, you'll see locals and well-to-do guests. The hotel is also popular with visiting dignitaries and celebrities. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. The hotel has 394 rooms and suites. Our Khaleej Suite, located in the west wing was double the size of a standard room and boasted a comfortable king bed and a marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi-style tub, rain shower, and dual vanities. A separate dining and lounge area provided ample room to spread out. The decor was just as lavish as one one expect, with decorative chandeliers, silk fabrics, and palatial furniture. Each room is equipped with an iPad control station; unfortunately ours was faulty, which was disappointing for a hotel of this caliber and rate. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention? Fresh flowers are a nice touch in the guest rooms, and the Amouage toiletries were unusual and impressive, particularly the eye gels left on the pillow during turn-down. Food and drink: What do we have here? There are a dozen bars and restaurants here, from the Emirati restaurant Mezlai, a local favorite, to Hakkasan , an international Asian chain. BBQ Al Qasr is a beachside grill; Cascades and Las Brisas are poolside. Don't leave without trying the hotel's signature 24-karat-gold camel burger, which is served at various restaurants, including Le Cafe, BBQ Al Qasr, and Mezlai—as well as via room service. Did the staff do you right? Anyone in particular stick out? The spa team is particularly attentive. And anything we missed? The hotel is next door to Qasr Al Watan (the Royal Palace) and a 10-minute stroll from the Founders Memorial. Its 1.2-kilometer-long private beach is a luxury in itself; there's also a family pool and a kids' zone with its own beauty parlor for tots. Fitness buffs can explore the gym, two outdoor pools, bikes, and watersports. Bottom line: Why are we staying here? There's really is no place in the capital—or on Earth, for that matter—like it." - Melinda Healy

"Some experienced travelers would never consider a hotel a “sight,” but Emirates Palace is a full-blown spectacle. A world onto itself, this luxurious spot opened in 2006 to the tune of roughly $6 billion with every conceivable amenity—plus a few you never knew you needed. There’s a beach club with a lazy river, football fields, and nearly four miles of jogging paths; a golf course where you can get tips from a PGA pro; a Bedouin tent for relaxing before a beachfront camel ride; and a luxury spa complete with Moroccan hammam.Marble and gold embellish surfaces everywhere on the property, including in the magnificent tiled dome above the lobby. Whether or not you feel like shelling out serious dough to say you stayed here, you won’t regret a stroll in the lobby for curiosity’s sake."

"Some experienced travelers would never consider a hotel a “sight,” but Emirates Palace is a full-blown spectacle. A world onto itself, this luxurious spot opened in 2006 to the tune of roughly $6 billion with every conceivable amenity—plus a few you never knew you needed. There’s a beach club with a lazy river, football fields, and nearly four miles of jogging paths; a golf course where you can get tips from a PGA pro; a Bedouin tent for relaxing before a beachfront camel ride; and a luxury spa complete with Moroccan hammam.Marble and gold embellish surfaces everywhere on the property, including in the magnificent tiled dome above the lobby. Whether or not you feel like shelling out serious dough to say you stayed here, you won’t regret a stroll in the lobby for curiosity’s sake."

"Emirates Palace is grandiose and all about the bling. From its position on the western end of the Corniche, the eight-story, one-kilometer-long hotel is hard to miss; after all, it's larger than Buckingham Palace. Dripping in gold and boasting the largest dome in world, the five-star property screams luxury. There's so much gold here—more than 6,000 square meters of 22-karat gold leaf, in fact—that even the room keys are shaped like gold coins." - Melinda Healy

"Flights from New York and Washington, D.C., land around noon, so after you drop your stuff at the over-the-top Emirates Palace—or the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, if you’re not into gold leaf—head to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque."