In its bid to constantly outdo itself, Dubai is about to open the world’s tallest hotel, replacing the previous world’s tallest hotel that is situated in…Dubai!
At 1,164 feet tall, the newly opened JW Marriott Marquis has torn the ‘Biggest Bed & Breakfast’ record from the – frankly diminutive – Rose Tower Dubai, which sits at a stunted 1,093 feet tall.
Staff at the Guinness Book of World Records will have had to carry out a hasty rewrite to the tome’s pages concerning excessive hostelries, as the new Marriott’s 72 floors – spread over 355 metres – trample all before them. And not content with building just one elongated edifice, and with an admirable disregard for history, the hotel’s designers opted for a twin-tower format.
Only one tower will be open initially, with the second expected to open by 2014, but even as it pines for its partner the current edifice has enough available space to pack in 804 rooms of various shapes, sizes and expense, 9 restaurants, 5 bars, 2 ballrooms a spa, and a health club. It also has the capacity to host conventions with up to 1,000 delegates.
Marriott International president and CEO, Arne Sorenson, was quoted in the Daily Mail, saying, ‘Dubai is an important destination for Marriott International as one of the world’s most exciting cities offering world-class facilities and infrastructure, central location in the region and future growth potential. Our expanding collection of world-class JW Marriott hotels offers accomplished travellers a one-of-a-kind luxury experience. The investment in this unique and visually stunning hotel is testament to the continued opportunities that lie ahead for the brand and company.’
Travellers with a head for heights will be keen to know that the Emirates Group-owned hotel will have room prices commencing from around GBP215.