eTN hotel evaluation: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the new Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the new Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. I found out I was in good company with a flagship Fairmont property in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr serves as an inspiring example of aesthetically-forward architecture, while adhering to the design principles of functionality and ambience. Stevie Wonder and Britney Spears have stayed at this Fairmont.

The hotel has an impressive lobby, and after a short check-in, I found my room to be spacious, with everything you could expect from a 5-star hotel and more.

The only โ€œcomplaintโ€ I have are the beds. They were so comfortable that I really had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.

You donโ€™t find many hotels with bathroom amenities like this one. Even if your luggage for some reason doesnโ€™t make it, you will be ok at this hotel.

For me, when I travel I have to work on my computer, so a modern desk with plenty of plugs that didnโ€™t make me crawl under the desk to hook up my laptop and cell phone was a nicety that was truly appreciated. Although the Internet access did not come free, it was fast and reliable, and the TV had a wide selection of international and local cable channels.

I enjoyed the international breakfast buffet, but the coffee or espresso at the buffet was awful. I did find a small lobby coffee shop that made excellent espresso, and it was worth every penny of the $8 for a cup. Dinner at the international restaurant was a large buffet, but for me, it had little taste, and I did not really enjoy it. The hotel had several other restaurants, so a la carte would have been the best way to go.

It was a long way up and down hallways and stairs to the gym. The gym was small, but acceptable for a hotel work out. And I guess you could consider the trek to get there part of your work out.

The pool was large, but not very deep โ€“ perhaps they are catering to Asians who like their pools at one not-too-deep level? The pool bar was busy, and specifically, local male guests enjoyed the bar with their attractive girlfriends. The Jacuzzi was a meeting point for some young locals as well, and I enjoyed being among the local people. The beach was nice and sandy, and well maintained with a fantastic view over the Abu Dhabi mosque.

In 1907, history was made when The Fairmont San Francisco, Nob Hill’s grand dame, opened its doors. The iconic hotel soon became the city’s venue of choice for glittering balls, presidential visits, and political gatherings, making the name Fairmont synonymous with โ€œplace of occasion.โ€ With this auspicious beginning, the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand was born.

The Fairmont has grown to be associated with unrivaled properties – experiences which reflect each property’s unique location and warm memorable service. Celebrated addresses in the Fairmont portfolio include The Fairmont Banff Springs; The Savoy in London; Quebec Cityโ€™s Fairmont Le Chรขteau Frontenac; New Yorkโ€™s The Plaza; Nairobiโ€™s Fairmont The Norfolk; Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai; and Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, among many others.

Hotels under the Fairmont name have hosted celebrities, royalty, politicos, and artists for more than a century. Hollywood A-listers have traveled to Fairmonts through the decades for rest and relaxation, as well as for memorable film work, and many of Fairmont’s distinctive facades and interiors are recognizable on the silver screen.

Fairmont properties offer more than a luxurious room, a grand lobby, and world-class dining; they offer a chance to create lasting memories. With over a century of hospitality excellence to build on, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts looks forward to creating unforgettable and enriching experiences for years to come.

Since its opening in October 2009, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has already established a reputation in the city as an environmental leader. Despite its relative youth compared to other properties in the Fairmont collection, remarkably, the hotel was recognized this year for its green initiatives, receiving first place across all Fairmont hotels and resorts in the Seedling category (properties with 0-3 years of involvement in the program).

Located in the โ€œnewโ€ Abu Dhabi, an area destined to become one of the most exciting office, retail, and residential developments in the city, the hotel benefits from spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with easy access to the Abu Dhabi City Centre and Corniche, and is in close proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

According to Wieland Schorer, the lead architect of the hotel from 4D Design, the mandate was to develop a unique landmark destination with its uniqueness achieved primarily through light patterns that would also reflect Arabian culture. The challenge then became to balance this tradition with a modern piece of architecture that was both functional for a business friendly hotel, as well as demonstrate a tranquil ambience for the leisure traveler.

This was met by embracing the organic qualities of the destination. Given the hotelโ€™s close proximity to the Abu Dhabi Creek and the fact that the capital city is made up of over 200 islands, the attribute of water is reflected through the exterior facade measuring 19,000 square meters with high-performance blue glass and LED lighting modules. Moreover, the white lighting pattern on the facade is suggestive of moving water and sea crests, while the geometric shape of the building and the innovative light display pays homage to modernity and cutting-edge technology.

These design principles were also carried forward to the landscape design, pool areas, and the ballroom. This digital interpretation of landscape and water was emphasized to create a feeling of serenity, while the design elements deliver clean lines and simple forms to create a contemporary response to the demands of business and leisure guests with well-defined spaces for work and relaxation. Lastly, the structure of the building allows for unfettered views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and a fixture in Abu Dhabi culture and society.

The ambiance within the property, combining aesthetic design with a genuine sense of comfort, was enhanced with Interior Motives. This design company was commissioned to dedicate 1,015 square meters to the central lobby by expressing both the expansive airy quality of the interior with a sense of welcoming relaxed ambience and a practical flow throughout. This is demonstrated by floor-to-ceiling windows and a skylight, striking silver pillars, and a wide marble staircase leading downstairs to the hotelโ€™s restaurants and lounges. The furnishings include very distinctive โ€œropeโ€ chairs from Italian designer Fernando E Humberto Campana, hanging light cocoon pendant lamps from Flos, and crystal-encrusted sofas, both also sourced from Italy.

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Embracing an organic theme throughout, each one of the 369 elegantly-appointed guestrooms features a range of rich textures, employing the use of marble, walnut wood paneling, and bamboo-inspired soft furnishings. A unique interior design feature, guests can also enjoy a โ€œbath with a view,โ€ as many bathtubs are situated to provide an ideal vantage point to take in breathtaking views of the creek.

The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr – a recommended choice for Abu Dhabi.
eTN was not asked to write this evaluation, and did not receive any compensation, advertising or advantages from the hotel for publishing this story.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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