Let's be honest: although (or, more probably, because) Abu Dhabi remains infused with the unique Arab culture of the United Arab Emirates, the city – and in a sense the entire emirate – is a genuine tourist destination... and rightfully so, as the whole location is a very balanced mix between the hustle and bustle of Dubai and the tranquility typically found in smaller cities.
While searching for the number of hotels in Abu Dhabi, we find mention of more than 700 different ones, and Extreme Tourist guide Achmed tells us that another 119 hotels are currently under construction. Whether that number is accurate or not, one thing is clear: amidst this vast array of hotels, it's not always easy to choose. At least, not until you step foot into the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. We arrive with the intention of staying for two nights and then moving on to discuss other hotels, but the number of things to add to our article keeps increasing every day, so we decide to extend our Fairmont experience for another 2 nights. Soon, we'll be publishing a comprehensive review of this fantastic hotel, but for now, here's a brief preview!
About Fairmont Hotels
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has a history dating back to 1907, when the iconic Fairmont San Francisco opened its doors on Nob Hill. Since then, the chain's history has been filled with captivating or remarkable events, from the drafting of the UN Charter in the Garden Room of Fairmont San Francisco to the secret meetings between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Additionally, celebrities such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono have left their mark on history with their Bed-In for Peace at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, while Fairmont also strives for environmental friendliness and sustainability, with initiatives such as reducing operational CO2 emissions and achieving WWF Climate Savers goals. It is undeniable, then, that each of its individual hotels must live up to a certain reputation.
First Impressions
The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is located just around the corner of the Al Maqta Bridge, offering a magnificent view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its 82 domes, 1000 columns, and the world's largest handmade carpet, making it the largest mosque in the UAE and, at the time of writing, the 21st largest in the world. While the facade, compared to some other five-star hotels in the city, may not be the most impressive in Abu Dhabi, upon arrival, we can immediately see that this Fairmont Hotel exudes the luxury we've come to expect from the chain... and that impression is more than confirmed upon entering: a beautiful lobby with direct access to the double elevator leading to both the lower floor (where most of the restaurants are located) and the rooms and suites higher up. It maximizes the stunning view, ensuring that we never forget where we are.
Ask anyone what the most important aspect of a hotel is, and chances are they will answer that it's the overall experience, with several aspects being important. These usually align with the categories you can find on booking sites, such as staff, comfort, free wifi, facilities, value for money, cleanliness, and location. Whether each factor carries equal weight is likely more of a personal preference, but let's just say that the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr scores high in every category, with perhaps the staff being the standout. From the housekeeping staff to the receptionists and managers, there is a large and clearly carefully chosen group of people working here. So, it's no surprise that there are also regular activities organized together, as our concierge on the seventh floor informs us.
However, there is much more to write about than just the staff: we will extensively cover our junior suite, the excellent value-for-money experience, the extensive buffet and dining options, the events, the private beach area, and much more. Until then, you can find out more about this exceptional hotel here:
More info: www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi
Text: Dirk Vandereyken
Pictures: Paula van Unen & Dirk Vandereyken
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