Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Pomp and splendor, but also soul
01/14/2026 Reading time: 2 Minutes
Perfect for ... all luxury travelers who have retained their sense of wonder.
Anyone drawn into the hustle and bustle of what is probably the most iconic Middle East hotel expects many things, but not this Abdul as a first contact: a conservatively estimated 2.10 m tall man with the look of a James Bond villain, who admittedly took care of the luggage in a very charming manner. A short round trip with the buggy later to the beach and therefore the back of the mammoth building and the check-in hustle and bustle had already died down. "Perhaps a glass of champagne or Japanese tea?" - that's how stylish the reception in the "EP Club" was. The exclusive lounge with its fine snacks and drinks turned out to be a real island in the challenging hallways. Even those who avoid the gym will easily manage the 10,000 steps a day, even if they use lifts and escalators in between or have the club car drive them from one end of the 1.4 km long landmark to the other. There is an overwhelming amount to marvel at and discover: While an unexpected amount of greenery dominates the flanks of the outside area, the combination of gold leaf and splendor is predominant inside. Domes, monumental columns, 1,000 chandeliers, artificial flowers - Donald Trump would love it. The row of stores is designed to match the ambience of opulence.
"Right Jet" shows in the shop window how you should imagine the compartment of your private plane: With a champagne glass and tins of caviar on the little table, of course. The hotel itself impresses with culinary flights of fancy instead of clichéd catering. Almost a dozen restaurants are spread throughout the mega complex, two of which have been awarded a Michelin star (Hakkasan, Talea). The others, such as the innovative Japanese "Strawfire" or the "Broadway", were also great. Those who are satisfied with excellent hors d'ouevres and fine wines can return in the evening to the EP Lounge, which is not coincidentally also the favorite retreat of the hotel's general manager, Michael Koth from Hamburg.
Test highlight: The feeling of homeliness, the top gastronomy and the deep sea massage in a spa cabana.
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"Right Jet" shows in the shop window how you should imagine the compartment of your private plane: With a champagne glass and tins of caviar on the little table, of course. The hotel itself impresses with culinary flights of fancy instead of clichéd catering. Almost a dozen restaurants are spread throughout the mega complex, two of which have been awarded a Michelin star (Hakkasan, Talea). The others, such as the innovative Japanese "Strawfire" or the "Broadway", were also great. Those who are satisfied with excellent hors d'ouevres and fine wines can return in the evening to the EP Lounge, which is not coincidentally also the favorite retreat of the hotel's general manager, Michael Koth from Hamburg.
Test highlight: The feeling of homeliness, the top gastronomy and the deep sea massage in a spa cabana.
700394
