Mr.Vinjamuri Sriram Dutt sharing his experience of working in BURJ AL ARAB

He is now working as Assistant Professor | Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration

About BURJ AL ARAB

The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai. Rising on a man-made island, 280 meters from the shores of the renowned Jumeirah beach and designed to resemble the graceful sail of an Arabian dhow, it soars to a height of 321 meters, dominating Dubai’s coastline. The all-suite hotel offers 201 luxury duplexes with stunning views of the ocean, private beach access, luxury leisure on a breath-taking terrace with pools and cabanas as well as 9 of the world’s best dining and entertainment venues helmed by Michelin-starred chefs.

Each day was a new and a surprising chapter

Each and every day I enter the majestic hotel Burj Al Arab I feel so thrilled and absolutely Wowed. Its never boring and always intriguing and the beauty inside lies only inside. Those two eyes of humans aren’t really enough to see the beauty and embrace it. It was a visual treat to all the guests and even to all the staff as well.

From Housekeeping to Executive Butler.

I remember still today the day I went to give my interview and was amazed by the hotel and interiors. I gave my interview in one of the executive suites of the hotel. It was quite strict and nobody without permission was allowed to go inside. I was stopped by the security for taking photos as my concern of visit was to give an interview. Even the security had taken my phones and deleted the photos which I took for safety purposes and which I really appreciate. After getting selected in a span of months I got awarded as Employee of the month followed by giving an interview for Butler’s role.

7 rounds for Executive Butler interview.

Such an extensive and impressive learning experience it was. From round 1 to round 7. Started with simple English writing skills to replying to an email, followed by role-playing and guest handling, and as well there was one round where all the members who came to give the interview were divided into teams to interact with managers. The screening was done and later they noticed who are interactive and engaging. One of my favorite interview steps was role play where a situation was given and we had to enact. Finally came the second last round of panel interviews by 3 managers and lastly interview by the Hotel Manager.

Par excellence service

I have never ever seen as a guest or worked in such an out-of-the-world kind of hotel. The service to the guest related to any department was top notch and everything was unique. Staff is encouraged to go beyond their ways and bring innovation and new ideas to implement in the service handling. The ambiance is so niched to all the guests from the arrival to the departure to post-departure. I would like to quote an example wherein which I happened to go beyond my ways and made the guest happy by getting the couple two Burj Al Arab caps with logo and having the name embodied of husband and wife and surprising them.

Sister properties

Working at Burj Al Arab was fun and as well having the privilege to visit the nearby sister properties is absolutely a pleasure. I was lucky enough to see Jumeirah beach hotel before and after renovation. East access to Madinat Jumeirah which is a combo or collection of 4 hotels together. JBH has its own identity and is the first hotel in Jumeirah. I still remember how each HOD and GM and other of Jumeirah Beach Hotel were celebrating and dancing to the songs on the opening day ceremony. Madinat has its own Souk and Boutiques and a beautiful lake where the guest can go and do boating. Both the hotels have a private beach for the guests attached.

Helipad and its View

One of the amazing assets of the hotel is the helipad. I remember after getting selected as Executive Butler I was been chosen to welcome one of the top UAE government officials. I was there standing and dreaming and realizing if it’s actually happening. The helicopter came landed and the guest arrive and was smiling and wishing all and I was so happy inside as I have had the first experience of a lifetime to stand and see the helipad landing and welcoming such a dignitary.

Welcoming the VIP in Human Chain

Those days I still remember that forming a huge beautiful human chain standing next to each other all the butlers welcoming any VIP or VVIP. It was so warm and cinematic. From the General manager and Hotel Manager coming and receiving the guest from getting down from the car to entering inside the hotel. Smiling and giving the wet towels followed by dates to eat and Arabic to drink. And collecting the wet towels with all hygiene and the guest always could smell the beautiful fragrance of Bakhur. Later would be taken to the suite and checked in inside the suite itself.

Oh well, it’s all Suites and not Rooms.

Although Burj Al Arab is 312 meters in height, it only has 28 double stories, containing only 202-bedroom suites. These 202-bedroom suites include 142 One-bedroom Deluxe suites, 28 Two-bedroom Deluxe Suites, 18 Panoramic suites, 6 Diplomatic Suites, 4 Club suites, 2 Presidential suites, and lastly 2 Royal suites. All our suites and none are rooms out there.