If there was a prize for ostentatious splendour, a hot contender would probably be the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

The hotel is lavish, with no expense spared on internal decoration, and although it is relatively new (February 2005), the Emirates Palace has become a firm favourite with dignitaries and celebrities visiting Abu Dhabi.

A landmark construction, the Emirates Palace covers a huge area, and is so large, golf buggies are provided for guests to get between the two swimming pools that serve the east and west wings.  Inside, expect to get lost and to spend quite a while walking to and from your room.

Rooms and suites

With 302 rooms and suites, guests have a choice of Coral, Pearl and Diamond deluxe rooms, or go large and book one of the splendid Khaleej suites.

Add in marble floors, beautiful bathrooms with separate bath and shower, and views of the ocean.Diamond rooms are decorated in a soothing mix of pale blues, gold and cream, with silk upholstery and honey-brown woods.

Each room has a spacious work area, private balcony and 24-hour personal butler service.

Combine high-speed Internet and a 50" plasma screen TV, and no matter which room you choose, your room will be a blend of Arabian splendour and modern technology.

Suites combine a separate lounge, bedroom and luxury bathroom with jacuzzi and rain shower (Khaleej Deluxe also have a dining room).   Very elegant, suites are enhanced with Spanish marble, decorative chandeliers and 100% silk embroidered fabrics.   Each suite also has two 61" plasma screen TVs, one in the lounge and one in the bedroom.

Soft drinks from the room minibar are complimentary.  There are no in-room tea/coffee facilities and although available via room-service, prices are rather high.