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 Friday 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 New York Italian (12:00-3:00pm for lunch or 6:00-11:00pm for dinner) or Mazaj Lebanese restaurant (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 (Frankie's, Cedar Lounge, Marco Pierre White, Sushi Cafe) 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.

CuiScene (International buffet with theme nights), Marco’s New York Italian, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Mazaj (Lebanese cuisine), Chameleon (bar, sushi), Al Naba’s Lounge, Poolside, Café Sushi, Puesta del Sol (Latin lounge), Sport Café. 

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 (5684)
  • Very good (1021)
  • Average (286)
  • Poor (105)
  • Terrible (110)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great ambience and food

Dec 2, 2023 912aswinj Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Food was great and ambience is good. Especially Asian food and grill items chef chandrakant joshi is highly talented. Great place to go with family and friend on weekends. Would recommend to add more items to menu. Sushi in particular was also good
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible international food

Dec 2, 2023 Dennis H

Chadrakant was amazing, food was delicious, amazing Indian cuisine. Exceptional service and fantastic presentation. Cook was perfect, not too spicy, and powerful flavour. I would absolutely recommend.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating top class, lovely staff, great ambiance

Dec 2, 2023 RobandJenPepper Dublin, Ireland

From the moment you arrive you know its going to be good. lovely warm welcome by the Valet, told us to leave our bags and showed us to reception where you notice this lovely aroma the moment you arrive. my only qualm about check in was it could have been quicker but it was warm and welcoming, our rooms were ready and our bags arrived within 2… Read more
From the moment you arrive you know its going to be good. lovely warm welcome by the Valet, told us to leave our bags and showed us to reception where you notice this lovely aroma the moment you arrive. my only qualm about check in was it could have been quicker but it was warm and welcoming, our rooms were ready and our bags arrived within 2 minutes of us getting to our room. our room was really large, air conditioning was perfect and fabulous view of the canal and the Mosque, well worth the extra for the view. room was very nice, fancy shower and large comfy bed. the choice of food and drink is as good as you get anywhere in the world, staff are handpicked and excellent, room was always kept very well too. i loved my stay and will go back many times. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Impressive hotel with amazing staff!

Dec 2, 2023 SamanthaE429 London, United Kingdom

The hotel is impressive when you arrive. We were there early after an overnight flight and very pleased our room was available early. The room was huge with a stunning view of the Grand Mosque. The bathroom is part of the room. Fine for couples but I’d prefer more privacy if I was travelling with a friend. There were some tiny things in need of… Read more
The hotel is impressive when you arrive. We were there early after an overnight flight and very pleased our room was available early. The room was huge with a stunning view of the Grand Mosque. The bathroom is part of the room. Fine for couples but I’d prefer more privacy if I was travelling with a friend. There were some tiny things in need of attention such as the broken pop up plug in one of the two sinks but nothing that spoilt our stay. We booked half board which was great. We could choose from three restaurants, two of which were open every day. We loved cuiscene where we enjoyed the barbecue buffet and the seafood buffet. We adored Marco’s Italian too. The staff were all fantastic, nothing was too much trouble and the mastered the balance between being attentive without being intrusive. I enjoyed the Caesar salad every night we dined there. So tasty and a generous portion. Every dish we tried hit the spot. The other restaurant was nice but couldn’t hold a candle to the others. We also enjoyed the Cafe Sushi one evening. The salads were delicious and again. Super helpful staff who looked after us well. We were able to put our dining credit towards the dinner too which was a nice touch as this restaurant is not included in the half board package. The doormen were great too. Promptly getting us taxis when we needed them and making sure we didn’t get ripped off when we travelled back to Dubai Airport. Sadly the same cannot be said about our arrival (the hotel was not involved in that). The team by the pool and beach were great too. As were the facilities. Plenty of beds, umbrellas and cabanas too. Towels provided as we arrived and even some bottles of water in an ice bucket when we were there for a few hours one day. We loved watching the sunset on the beach. Magical. There are two gyms fit guests to use. The one in the hotel is not huge but was very well equipped. I’d seen Volt Fitness on instagram and it looked amazing. However, I was not as impressed when I experienced it. Great marketing team fur sure but it didn’t compare to the boutique gyms I use in London. Thankfully the hotel gym was more than adequate for my needs. All in all, we had a wonderful time and would be delighted to stay again if we return to Abu Dhabi. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Brunch in Abu Dhabi

Dec 2, 2023 847ahmets Toulon-sur-Allier, France

The best indian hand and mix grill, chef Chandrakant Joshi in Cuisine, thank you for the welcome and hospitality. Best Brunch in Abu Dhabi. I highly recommend and will return. then enjoy the beach swimming pool with a magnificent spot. We love Thant