Fairmont Bab al Bahr

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Virgin rating

The hotel

In a prime location and boasting unrivalled views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Fairmont Bab al Bahr is the epitome of luxury. Everything is world-class, including service, the restaurants and leisure facilities. Guest rooms are a delight, furnished in contemporary style with all mod-cons. Upgrade to a Fairmont Gold Room and you benefit from Gold service too which includes dedicated check-in/check-out and complimentary Continental breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks. There’s a health club and a beach club to explore, the former boasting state-of-the-art gym equipment, the latter, two swimming pools, one Olympic sized and beach games galore. Restaurants abound at the Fairmont, opt for the bustling atmosphere of Marco’s New York Italian, or dine in style at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill. Mazaj is probably the finest Lebanese restaurant in Abu Dhabi, serving everything from mezze to kebabs to tapas or feast on sumptuous buffet fare at CuiScene, which also hosts theme nights and the famous Fairmont Saturday Brunch.

Amenities

  • Babysitting service
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Close to Beach

Where is it

Overlooking a pristine and private stretch of beach on the canal. Transfer time from Abu Dhabi International Airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

369 rooms and suites. All with air-conditioning, LCD TV, telephone, WiFi access, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, safe, hairdryer, iron and board. Fairmont Rooms with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years.

Half Board option: includes breakfast at CuiScene restaurant, including free-flow tea, coffee, water and juices (6:30-10:30am only). Lunch or dinner - international buffet at CuiScene restaurant (exclusive of beverages; 12:00-3:00pm for lunch or 7:00-11:00pm for dinner), or 3-course set menu at Marco’s Italian (12:00-3:00pm for lunch or 6:00-11:00pm for dinner) or Mazaj Bab Al Bahr (12:00-3:00pm for lunch or 6:00-11:00pm for dinner). Reservations are required, subject to availability.

Full Board option: includes lunch and dinner (except Fridays). Beverages are not included and will be charged separately to the guest bill.

Should guests wish to dine in any other outlets (Marco’s Italian, Mazaj Bab Al Bahr, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill and Café Sushi) a credit will be issued towards their final bill.

Fairmont View Rooms with views of Abu Dhabi Creek and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child (under 12 years).

Fairmont Gold Rooms are more spacious with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child (under 12 years).

Fairmont Gold View Rooms with views of Abu Dhabi Creek and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child (under 12 years).

Fairmont Gold Superior Rooms with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (under 12 years).

Fairmont Gold Superior View Rooms with views of Abu Dhabi Creek and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (under 12 years).

Fairmont Gold Suites with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

Fairmont Gold Rooms and Suites enjoy Fairmont Gold Service and benefits that include:

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary pressing of one suit, dress or kandoura
  • Complimentary deluxe Continental breakfast, afternoon tea and sundowners served in the private lounge
  • Sweets on seven

Complimentary shuttle bus to mall and local sights.

Mazaj Bab Al Bahr (all-day dining, Mediterranean cuisine), CuiScene (International buffet with theme nights), Café Sushi, Marco's Italian (Marco’s Italian by Marco Pierre White, traditional and authentic Italian dishes), Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, The Lobby Lounge. Poolside bar and Bridges Bar.

Olympic length swimming pool, covered kids' pool (currently closed), Jacuzzi. Health Club*. Water sports* including paddle boards and kayaking. Beach games including football, badminton, softball, volleyball and table tennis. Beach aerobics. 

Complimentary WiFi access available in public areas and rooms. Babysitting* (on request). 24-hour concierge desk. Speciality shops including souvenir shop, hair salon* and florist. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. 24-hour room service*. 

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (5858)
  • Very good (1039)
  • Average (288)
  • Poor (106)
  • Terrible (111)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Can’t wait to return!!

Mar 27, 2024 76russellc London, United Kingdom

Fantastic stay, very relaxing, great food choice, stayed in a gold view room with mosque view which was stunning, however what made this stay unique was the staff very friendly and very helpful, big thank you to the fairmont gold butlers, Raman, Mark, Phoo, Paolo, Rony, Stephen, Eve, and not forgetting the chef Daniel, who went above and beyond to… Read more
Fantastic stay, very relaxing, great food choice, stayed in a gold view room with mosque view which was stunning, however what made this stay unique was the staff very friendly and very helpful, big thank you to the fairmont gold butlers, Raman, Mark, Phoo, Paolo, Rony, Stephen, Eve, and not forgetting the chef Daniel, who went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect, even arranged for our favourite brand of Rum to bought in as the hotel did not stock it ! We enjoyed that much we have booked to go back in May 2024, see you all then. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A 10 day holiday

Mar 26, 2024 Cambridge53 Cambridge

We have just finished our 10 day stay and there are many positives but also many negatives to report First the good points our room on the 6th floor with a view of the Grand Mosque was great it was spacious quiet and had a large double bed and sitting area The beach area had lots of sunbeds and the staff were great at moving umbrellas and… Read more
We have just finished our 10 day stay and there are many positives but also many negatives to report First the good points our room on the 6th floor with a view of the Grand Mosque was great it was spacious quiet and had a large double bed and sitting area The beach area had lots of sunbeds and the staff were great at moving umbrellas and generally looking after our needs The beach was very busy at the weekend and seemed to serve many non resident visitors The pool bar and kitchen provided good quality drinks and food Unfortunately the hotel is slightly isolated and there is very limited to see around the site The maximum distance we could walk was a 15 minute stroll through the grounds of the two hotels nearby Our stay coincided with Ramadan and this affected our evening meal options A special tent was set up to serve buffet meals after sunset this was very popular with locals but was chaotic for hotel residents it was far too busy and the staff were unable to cope, plates were not cleared food was left under tables and generally it was a mess and spoiled our dinner The same negative comments applied to breakfast at times the staff were overwhelmed the meet and greet staff at the desk just brought people in to the dining area but failed to help the waiters who had not had time to make sure tables were ready On many occasions there was a long wait to obtain cutlery and have a drinks order taken The meet and greet staff need to work with the waiters and not just deliver guests to an already full dining area The food offerings were ok but the choices were limited we dined at the specialist restaurants but the food was certainly not 5 star in quality We had previously stayed at the Grosvenor Hotel in Dubai and this is a 5 star establishment and the Fairmont management team could learn so much from this high quality hotel Overall we enjoyed visiting Abu Dhabi but felt that the Fairmont did not live up to its 5 star rating Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A great day out!

Mar 26, 2024 katherinemusson Eastbourne, United Kingdom

We spent the day here. My daughter made use of the teacher’s discount and we had an amazing time swimming in the cool sea and bathing in the swimming pool. We also enjoyed playing table tennis in the opulent surroundings. The mozzarella sticks and quinoa salad we had for lunch were delicious, as was the ginger biscuit served with the cappuccino.… Read more
We spent the day here. My daughter made use of the teacher’s discount and we had an amazing time swimming in the cool sea and bathing in the swimming pool. We also enjoyed playing table tennis in the opulent surroundings. The mozzarella sticks and quinoa salad we had for lunch were delicious, as was the ginger biscuit served with the cappuccino. The service was quick and efficient and all the staff were friendly and helpful. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Hotel

Mar 25, 2024 Dean K

Amazing Service highly recommend this hotel , Fully Relaxed , Staff members were so helpful . its facilities are exceptional. Room service was another level. The food was very well presented . The swim up bar was i nice touch. The whole Holiday was extremely well worth the cost . Highly recommend.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Check in , check out , michael front desk agent ... Ammar , shandan bell captain

Mar 22, 2024 Anastasia V Moscow, Russia

I would like to take a moment to appreciate this guy from the front office as he deserves.. ( Michael). He really shows how much he loves his work by by going extra mile with us, He is very friendly and i loved that he welcomed us as we arrived home... Very talented guy with great smile ... Thanks for all staff in this hotel it was a great time… Read more
I would like to take a moment to appreciate this guy from the front office as he deserves.. ( Michael). He really shows how much he loves his work by by going extra mile with us, He is very friendly and i loved that he welcomed us as we arrived home... Very talented guy with great smile ... Thanks for all staff in this hotel it was a great time with you and of course will come back ... Read less