As an example - I bought a bottle of wine in Al Mahara and it cost about AUD $150 - I could buy the same wine here in Australia for AUD $22. However I must say that the cocktails were great value for money - ranged from $20 -$30 AUD plus we were given a stand shaped like the Burj containing canapes, nuts, olives - so all in all drink soft drinks if you don't like paying for wine but certainly have one of their cocktails.

If you do high tea you are definitely best having it in the skybar. Don't worry about not getting a window seat as the view is easy to see from all over the bar. Let them know when you are booking that it is for a special occasion and they make a point of looking after you. thye high tea is quite decadent and if you are not such a pastry fan then I would suggest that you go to dinner on the 27th floor and have drinks in the skybar first. If you book dinner for say 7 and have an hour in the bar beforehand then you will have a great time. Don't go into the Gold Bar if you are a non smoker - Skybar is much better.

Celebrated my 40th there with the 4pm afternoon tea in the skyview bar last week! They no longer reserve window seats despite prior request. Window seats now have a charge of 100DHM per table on top. First come first served basis and there are only a few tables with the city view. We arrived at the hotel for 3:45 for 4:15 seating and were the first to be seated! You can look around the hotel but we went straight through and were the first couple to arrive! We were allowed up to the Skyview bar almost straight away and took the opportunity for a city view table. Although you don't get to stay up there until sunset you are allowed to stay in the hotel and access most of the grounds. We walked around and watched the sunset from the back of the hotel and then had some nice photos in front as well. I would save the looking around for after your tea. The staff even allowed us to walk through to the other side of the skyview bar which was set for dinner before leaving so we could take more photos! The staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough to help. I have heard some bad reviews but I am a firm believer that you get treated as you treat others! Yes you are paying a lot of money but seems most bad reviews are based on people assuming that they are buying the right to be rude to the staff! If you let them know in advance it is a special occasion they will will give you a little extra to celebrate. There were plenty of people celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. After tea I wouldn't advise looking to do too much as there is a lot of food!! We simply had a stroll round the hotel and grounds, although there aren't a lot to actually walk around. Also whatever cakes you don't finish they will happily box up for you to take away! If you are a travel worrier make sure you have your printed reservation to show security at the gate else you may have an issue even getting to the hotel! It is a fantastic experience. Anything else you think of let me know. Other than that, enjoy it!