Exorbitant fees at the Yas Hotel

While I am extraordinarily impressed by

Yas Island

, especially the race track, I do have one gripe with the new ultra modern, ultra sleek

Yas Hotel

(the curvy one with the exterior that lights up at night).

I decided to visit this weekend, but upon arriving I came upon a long line of people at the security gate at the bridge that connects to the hotel. Many of the cars were turning around - including Mercedes and Maseratis. When I came to the gate, I found out that several of the would-be patrons of the hotel were so offended of an entrance fee of Dh100 each that they were heading home. It turned out that the certificate could be redeemed at the restaurants and cafes, but the payment still had to be made before entering the hotel.

I personally lost money on the deal because I couldn't drink enough coffee to spend the full Dh100. Even if I had gone there for dinner, I would still begrudge the fact that the hotel was so distrustful of me that I had to pay even before entering the grounds. I don't think that's the way to gain a reputation as a great hotel in the UAE.

I know that there is a similar system at the Burj al Arab, which is a "seven star" hotel, but I fundamentally disagree with the strategy. It makes people feel like they shouldn't be there. Take the Emirates Palace, for example. Everyone feels equally welcome as they pass through the golden doors and the place still feels classy.