Skip to main content

The tallest hotel in the world: Inside the record-breaking skyscraper

This stunning hotel features 75 floors of pure luxury.

Gevora Hotel
ElenVD / Shutterstock

When we think of record-breaking buildings, names like the Empire State Building and Burj Khalifa often come to mind. But among these iconic skyscrapers, there’s another record that’s starting to gain attention: the tallest hotel in the world. This title is currently held by the Gevora Hotel in spectacular Dubai, a true marvel that stands at a staggering 1,168 feet. As Dubai continues to set the bar  for modern architecture, the Gevora Hotel not only adds to the city’s skyline but it also draws global attention for its unique design and luxurious amenities. Let’s dive into what makes this record-breaking skyscraper so special.

About the Gevora Hotel

Gevora Hotel
M7kk / Shutterstock

The Gevora Hotel, located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, UAE, proudly holds the title of the tallest hotel in the world. At a remarkable 1,168 feet (356 meters), this towering structure surpassed the previous record-holder, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, by approximately 3 feet.

Recommended Videos

Completed in February 2018 after 12 years of construction, the Gevora Hotel is not only the tallest hotel but also ranks as the eighth-tallest building in Dubai, the ninth-tallest in the UAE, and among the 50 tallest buildings in the world.

The hotel’s design is a striking example of modern architecture, with its glass façade featuring gold-tinted elements contributing to its distinct look. Inside, the Gevora Hotel offers 529 rooms spread across 75 floors, providing guests with premium amenities, including restaurants, lounges, and a rooftop pool. Built at a cost of over $140 million, the hotel was designed to stand out as a world-class destination.

Design and architecture

Gevora Hotel
Gevora Hotel

The Gevora Hotel’s design is as impressive as its height. Originally planned as a residential tower, the building took a dramatic turn during construction and was transformed into a hotel. Al Attar Properties, the developer behind the project, broke ground in 2005. After laying the foundation, the skyscraper rose quickly, reaching the top floors between 2006 and 2008.

Sitting on a 100-by-100-foot plot, the Gevora Hotel climbs to a dizzying 75 floors, with the highest floor reaching 906 feet. A deep foundation was necessary to support the narrow design to make it stand tall and stable, which is no easy feat when building this high.

Inside, the hotel is no less impressive. Six elevators whisk guests up and down, the fastest of which travels at 16 mph and reaches the top in just 38 seconds, so you’ll feel like you’re zooming through the sky. The 75 floors include a mezzanine, three mechanical floors, and two basement levels, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. 

Inside the tallest hotel in the world

Gevora Hotel
Gevora Hotel

Step inside the Gevora Hotel, and you’ll quickly realize it’s more than just a record-breaking skyscraper. With 529 rooms ranging from deluxe accommodations to the ultra-luxurious Gevora Penthouse, there’s something for everyone. Speaking of the penthouse, it’s the crown jewel: a 10,000-square-foot, five-bedroom masterpiece on the 72nd floor, complete with en-suite bathrooms, a master bedroom fit for royalty, and unbeatable 360-degree views of Dubai, including direct sights of the Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Sea.

For those ready to unwind, the 12th floor offers a serene escape with a pool, baby pool, and a hot tub, plus fully equipped gyms for both ladies and gents. And the cherry on top? An outdoor pool overlooking the sparkling Dubai skyline.

Hungry? Gevora’s got you covered. Gevora Kitchen whips up everything from biryani to Thai curries and Arabic mezze, while Le Veyron Café serves La Marzocco coffee, premium teas, and yummy mocktails. For a dining experience like no other, head to the Highest View Lounge & Restaurant perched 280 meters above the ground. At AED 295 (around $80) for a two-person set menu, the Crown Dinner is both indulgent and surprisingly affordable.

Need to work? You can enjoy the hotel’s business center and boardroom. If you’re interested in hosting an event at the hotel, Gevora Hotel’s Event Curators will make sure everything is tailored to your needs.

Do other hotels come close?

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Marriott

While the Gevora Hotel in Dubai holds the title as the tallest hotel in the world, it doesn’t actually house the highest hotel rooms. That distinction belongs to the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, located on floors 102 through 118 of the International Commerce Centre.

Coming in second is the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, while the third spot is claimed by yet another Dubai marvel: the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana. If you’re noticing a trend, it’s because Dubai is essentially the capital of towering luxury, with six out of the ten tallest hotels on this list.

Here’s how the world’s tallest hotels stack up:

  1. Gevora Hotel: Dubai, UAE (1,168 ft)
  2. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai: Dubai, UAE (1,165 ft)
  3. Rose Rayhaan by Rotana: Dubai, UAE (1,093 ft)
  4. Burj Al Arab: Dubai, UAE (1,053 ft)
  5. Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel: Dubai, UAE (1,014 ft)
  6. Baiyoke Sky Hotel: Bangkok, Thailand (997 ft)
  7. Tower Plaza Hotel: Dubai, UAE (965 ft)
  8. Four Seasons Hotel: Manama, Bahrain (961 ft)
  9. Nassima Tower Hotel Apartments: Dubai, UAE (957 ft)
  10. Centara Grand at CentralWorld: Bangkok, Thailand (830 ft)

The Gevora Hotel continues to reign supreme as the tallest hotel in the world. While ambitious hotel projects are always in the pipeline, none have yet managed to dethrone this icon of Dubai’s skyline.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Thailand has changed its entry rules: Here’s what travelers need to know
Make sure you complete these requirements before your trip
Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Thailand has changed its entry rules, and if you're heading there soon, you’ll want to be prepared.

Already a favorite with beach lovers, backpackers, and now thanks to the White Lotus effect, high-end travelers too, Thailand is more popular than ever. But now, the country is rolling out a new requirement that affects all foreign arrivals.

Read more
This dreamy European city was just named the best place to get a good night’s rest
You're sure to get some good shut-eye in Funchal, Portugal
Funchal, Portugal

If you’re craving a peaceful escape, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like London or Paris, then Funchal, Portugal, might just be your perfect getaway. A recent study by MattressNextDay ranked the best European cities for sleep tourism, and Funchal topped the list with an impressive score of 75.62. This charming city on the Madeira Islands boasts the second-lowest light pollution in Europe, making for the perfect starry nights. It also has the best safety score on the list, ensuring you can rest easy. Plus, with 23.7 walking trails per 100,000 people, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

When you're not enjoying peaceful rest, take a stroll through the city’s botanical gardens or explore the views from Cabo Girão Skywalk. You can also taste the island’s famous Madeira wine.

Read more
I was terrified of water — then I went diving in Bonaire
Traveling to a popular dive site to overcome fear of water
Bonaire coast

Fear is one of the primary drivers for all of us. A fear of failure can drive us to work hard every day to accomplish our dreams. Or, on the more negative side, fear can be one of the main reasons we pause instead of jump. While our fear can keep us paralyzed at the edge of the door in a plane, we will never feel the exhilaration of flying and the freedom of skydiving if we give in to that fear and refuse to trust the parachute. That same concept invades every aspect of our life. You may not approach that person for fear of rejection, sacrificing a long and fulfilling journey with the love of your life. For me, a fear of water has kept me from swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving. Is there a good reason for that fear? Of course, there always is a good reason for fear. I can't breathe underwater or move quickly, and I am at the mercy of every other creature in the ecosystem. But on a recent trip to Bonaire, I got an opportunity to face that fear and experience that ecosystem in a whole new way.

When I told friends and family that I was going to visit the small island of Bonaire, one of the first questions all of them asked was if I was going to go scuba diving. Uh, no, I wasn't. It wasn't even something I thought about. I realize I travel differently. I am similar with food. I eat steak and potatoes and drink an old-fashioned, so when someone asks me how the food is, I simply shrug. It is the same with the typical experiences that include water activities in the Caribbean. I planned on just shrugging. Then, of course, I started thinking more about it and realized I could be missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something truly exceptional, and I was letting fear dictate it.

Read more
OSZAR »