The hotel connects directly to the Palm Jumeirah Mall, with its shops and restaurants and a station on the Palm Monorail, the easy way to get around the island. The airport is about 30 minutes away by car.
A grand spiral staircase, inspired by the first St. Regis in New York, rises through the marble lobby around a chandelier shaped like a palm tree. We checked in seated, a St. Regis touch, and the hotel gladly granted a late check-out.
Our corner Metropolitan Suite looked out over The Palm and the sea, with the Burj Al Arab in the distance. The living and dining room sits apart from the bedroom, and the marble bathroom has a freestanding soaking tub at its centre and a double vanity.
The butler service brings coffee and tea at any hour, presses clothes, and will pack and unpack for you.
Breakfast at Cordelia is a big buffet of Western, Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, with eggs made to order and tables outside by the pool.
There are two infinity pools, one for families and one for adults only, with pool butlers bringing towels, fruit and cold drinks. The spa has a steam room and a sauna, and the fitness room is open around the clock.