The Middle East's Ultra-Luxury Hotels (page 2 of 2)

The hotel boasts 19th-century marble and mother-of-pearl in the main lobby.

The original stone latticework and marble colonnade on the hotel façade were recreated by hand from rubble salvaged from the original site. Hotel guests receive a view of the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, the 13th largest suspension bridge in the world.

Although nothing trumps a palace, hoteliers must compete for modern travellers' interest in experiencing all the luxuries of a bygone era - indoors and out.

With that in mind, hoteliers are allowing travellers to sleep high on the dunes in swanky tents modelled after the portable palaces of the Bedouin.

The Al Maha Desert Resort in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers falconry, camel rides and archery. Eco-friendly but also tasteful, the Adrere Amellal in Siwa, Egypt, is built from mud and saltwater; palm trunks are offered up as furniture and the pool is sourced by Roman springs and shaded by olive trees.

The 27 rooms offer views of the Great Sand Sea and Lake Siwa, the site of the Temple of Oracle. It is an enclave rich with the same natural phenomena and mystical associations that inspired the poet Pindar, the Persian king Cambyses and Cleopatra to journey there.

More organic hotels are planned - Dubai developer Crescent is building a 220-suite submarine hotel, literally 20 feet below sea level, projected to be completed in early 2009.

Even the region's prices are somewhat old-world; room rates average $143. But while living like a sultan is affordable now, regional occupancy rates average 70 per cent and prices are projected to climb 16 per cent this year.

Still a deal considering Cirigan Palace's ancient visitors reputedly paid for their stay in blood.

See also:
Shariah-compliant hotels rise in the Gulf
Fujairah: a growing tourist destination
Ras Al Khaimah targets property and tourism for economic growth