Emirates Palace - Abu Dhabi 6.7

The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates operated by Kempinski and opened in February 2005.ConstructionThe building was designed by Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo . The design of the hotel aims to incorporate traditional Arabian elements such as the grand dome and 114 smaller domes spread over the building. The colour of the building aims to reflect different shades of sands found in the Arabian Desert. Construction started in December 2001 and the hotel opened its gates in February 2005. The construction costs were around 3 billion USD making it the third most expensive hotel ever built. It is only surpassed by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas and the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore Rooms and facilitiesEmirates Palace consists of 394 residences, including 92 suits and 22 residential suites. The residences are spread over two wings as well as a primary central building. The majority of the suites are furnished in gold and marble. The main primary building houses an expansive marble floor and a large patterned dome above, picked out in gold. The penthouse floor has six Rulers' Suites which are reserved exclusively for dignitaries, such as royalty.The facilities include 2 spa facilities, over 40 meeting rooms, a 1.3 km long beach, a marina, 2 helicopter landing pads, a ballroom that accommodates up to 2500 people, various luxury shops and international restaurants.