An Evening at the Al Qasr Hotel

Last night we went out for dinner and drinks with DH's work crowd. It was a fun night. We went to the Al Qasr Hotel. Al Qasr means 'the palace' and this place was certainly designed to be a jewel in the crown that is the Madinat Jumeirah. Lining the drive up to the hotel are golden horse statues frolicking and prancing amidst palms and carefully uplit. It's lovely during the day and magical at night. We pulled up to the portico and left our ride with the valet. The outside of this hotel is beautifully appointed and authentic.

The fountain at the top of the hill continues the Arabian Horse theme. There's even a statue with a traditional Berber saddle up by the doors to the lobby. All glamorous tassels and deep russet reds. We arrived in late afternoon and left long after nightfall. In the evening light, the hotel is wildly impressive.

There are mosaic pools on each side of the entry with palm trees shading them. The blue of the tiles is reflective and provides a romantic backdrop for the classic architecture of the hotel itself. I find the entire Madinat Jumeirah an enchanting area, but this hotel is one of my favorites. Everything about it is restful and relaxing. It's like they managed to infuse the big structure with the homey feel of a large family estate. Now that the weather is cooling down in Dubai, I'm looking forward to exploring the terraces and outdoor restaurants and bars along the canals. --Sandee Wagner