Affluent travelers pick Burj al-Arab

Burj al-Arab Dubai - Arab Today The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, best known for its sail-like silhouette, has been named the best hotel in the world by readers of The Telegraph’s luxury magazine Ultratravel. In addition to taking the title of best hotel in the Middle East, the luxury hotel in Dubai beat Claridge's in London, the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, the Mandarin Oriental and The Upper House in Hong Kong to take the lofty title. The Burj Al Arab was also chosen by the UK publication's readers as the best hotel on the planet last year. In the glittering city of superlatives that makes sport of claiming a string of firsts, largest and tallest records, the Burj Al Arab offers a slew of extravagant hotel services including butler service for kids, weddings on the hotel helipad, and 24-carat-gold-plated iPads. It was also named the world’s leading hotel at the World Travel Awards last year, an event known as the Oscars of the travel industry. Other major winners of the Ultratravel awards include Emirates, which won in the category of best long-haul first class, and British Airways for best long-haul business class. Here are the other major winners: Best hotel in the Middle East: Burj Al Arab, Dubai Best new hotel in the world: Rosewood London Best hotel in the Americas: Four Seasons Hotel New York Best hotel in Africa and the Indian Ocean: Cape Grace, Cape Town Best luxury hotel chain: Four Seasons Best airline lounge: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow Terminal 3 Best long-haul first class: Emirates Best long-haul business class: British Airways Best hotel in Asia: The Upper House, Hong Kong Best hotel in Europe: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris Best hotel in the world: Burj Al Arab, Dubai Best country: United States Best ski resort: Whistler, Canada Best large luxury cruise line: Cunard Best city: New York Best luxury tour operator: Kuoni Best golf resort: The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland Best airport: Changi, Singapore Best river cruise line: Viking River Cruises Source: Relaxnews