HotelChatter

The party took place at a massive private estate in Bel-Air just off Sunset Boulevard. Some guests were shuttled in from a nearby parking lot at UCLA while the real stars of the evening pulled up to the property in their town cars and limos. (Trump, who was there with his two kids Ivanka and Donny Jr., used a stretch limo.)

Celebs and other red-carpet staples hit up the catwalk to pose for paparazzi while everyone else shuffled into a dome cinema. Outside greeting guests were men on stilts with head pieces that looked like the top of the Trump Dubai building. Yes, over the top was the theme of the party.

Inside the dome, guests could order drinks from one of the two open bars but once the presentation of the property began, the bars were shut down, irking many peeps who wanted to get their drink on. It was a good move though, because it forced us to pay attention.

The presentation was half about the city of Dubai and the creation of all its man-made islands and half about the actual Trump Dubai building. We're not sure if this was because they were playing to a Hollywood crowd or if they just liked this presentation-style, but the whole thing sounded like a movie trailer complete with that ba-boom sound effect you hear on Law & Order.

The City (ba-boom!): Dubai (ba-boom!).

The Company (ba-boom!): Nakheel. (ba-boom!)A company that dares to dream and then takes those dreams and turns them into a reality. (ba-boom!)

Then The Donald himself came out to speak. We were too far away to judge his hair but it looked fine. Some choice quotes from Donald:

· "We are building this in the ocean. It doesn't have ocean views. It's in the ocean. We don't play games."
· "This is not a launch party. It's a celebration of success. Sales are doing better than any other building in the Middle East."
· "Suddenly I don't feel so big. I don't like it!"--Talking about how successful his partner Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem is.

After Donald, Sulayem spoke. While less flashy than Donald, he explained how the man-made islands came out of necessity as Dubai becomes increasingly popular. He also said he picked Donald and his Trump brand because they are known for a high-level of quality. So far, Sulayem is very pleased with the interest in the Trump Dubai.

Then Donald got back on the mike to tell party-goers about Christina Aguilera's upcoming performance. And in praising her as a performer and a person, he left us with this choice quote:

I've been with her many times. Not in a sexual way. I wish. Oh, I wish.

Finally after we spent about 45 minutes of star-gazing and grazing the food tables, Christina Aguilera came out to perform. She did a very short set, only about five songs. But she rules. Proof that most people came just to see her? Pretty much everyone left after her performance, include Donald and co.

Trump Dubai is expected to open by 2010. We just hope they sound-proof the windows here.

Celeb Sightings:: Hilary Swank, Aaron Eckhardt, P. Diddy, Wayne Gretzsky, Adrian Grenier, Tom Arnold, Jim Belushi, Hayden Panetierre, Omarosa, Tracey Edmonds and Pete Wentz. (These are just the ones we actually spied but there were more.)

Gift Bag Rumor: We skipped the gift bag opportunity like we usually do because we just don't need any more stuff. But we heard rumors that this bag, shaped like a briefcase, included an iPod touch. D'oh!