Fairmont Bab al Bahr

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Star 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

  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Location 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 (6398)
  • Very good (1071)
  • Average (298)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (117)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional Weekend Getaway at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

May 18, 2025 Zandra A

We spent a relaxing weekend at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and were truly impressed. Zalimar welcomed us with a warm, genuine smile—he is an outstanding asset to the hotel. Our dinners at Café Sushi and Marco Pierre White were delightful, with staff who were both friendly and professional. A special mention to the Fairmont Gold team for their exceptional… Read more
We spent a relaxing weekend at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and were truly impressed. Zalimar welcomed us with a warm, genuine smile—he is an outstanding asset to the hotel. Our dinners at Café Sushi and Marco Pierre White were delightful, with staff who were both friendly and professional. A special mention to the Fairmont Gold team for their exceptional service throughout our stay. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a luxurious and memorable experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing stay at Fairmont AD

May 18, 2025 Markcoia1984 London, United Kingdom

My recent stay was truly exceptional. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Their efforts ensured that my experience was not only enjoyable and welcoming but also brought a sense of comfort that felt very much like being at home. I would particularly like to… Read more
My recent stay was truly exceptional. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Their efforts ensured that my experience was not only enjoyable and welcoming but also brought a sense of comfort that felt very much like being at home. I would particularly like to acknowledge Akmaral, who kindly assisted with facilitating a later checkout, and Sofia, whose warm, friendly, and efficient check-in made for a seamless arrival. Such attentive service and genuine hospitality made a lasting impression. I highly recommend this property and look forward to returning in the future. +++ Highly recommended. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Views and Peaceful Setting, but Inconsistent Service

May 16, 2025 fallinlovewithearth Tallinn, Estonia

We stayed in a Fairmont King Room with Creek View. The room itself was very nice, with a spacious bathroom and great views of the creek and pool area. The beach and pool were lovely, though the sea (creek) was a bit murky with a muddy bottom. Still, it’s a peaceful place for relaxing and sunbathing. Service didn’t quite match the hotel’s price… Read more
We stayed in a Fairmont King Room with Creek View. The room itself was very nice, with a spacious bathroom and great views of the creek and pool area. The beach and pool were lovely, though the sea (creek) was a bit murky with a muddy bottom. Still, it’s a peaceful place for relaxing and sunbathing. Service didn’t quite match the hotel’s price level — check-in felt impersonal, and there wasn’t much attention to guest experience. The breakfast area was somewhat disorganized, and the outdoor terrace looked worn and could’ve been cleaner. That said, a friendly and professional lady at reception from Kenya made our check-out truly pleasant — a great final impression! Overall, a calm and quiet location in Abu Dhabi that’s good for combining city exploration with downtime by the pool. For more travel inspiration and tips, feel free to follow our journey on Instagram: @fallinlovewithearth Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not Worth the 5 Stars

May 13, 2025 X6644WZnataliab Limassol City, Cyprus

We were really disappointed with our stay at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in April 2025. The hotel looks great online, but the reality didn’t match at all. Even though the room was spacious, our bathroom was clearly old and needed renovation, and the curtains had stains. The breakfast area was overcrowded, messy, and felt more like a noisy cafeteria than… Read more
We were really disappointed with our stay at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in April 2025. The hotel looks great online, but the reality didn’t match at all. Even though the room was spacious, our bathroom was clearly old and needed renovation, and the curtains had stains. The breakfast area was overcrowded, messy, and felt more like a noisy cafeteria than a 5-star hotel. Tables were full of dirty dishes and food leftovers with birds eating them, and it was nearly impossible to find a clean spot to sit, neither inside, not outside. The food selection was also quite limited, with a strong focus on Arabic cuisine, which seemed unbalanced considering that many of the guests were European. On Easter Sunday, after a sleepless night with our sick child, we were woken up at 9 a.m. by housekeeping asking when to clean the room — on a weekend morning! That was just too much. To make things worse, a bag of small chocolate eggs I bought for my daughter disappeared from the room. I guess housekeeping thought it was trash and threw it away, but it was upsetting. The kids’ club was also disappointing — the staff did not seem particularly engaging or welcoming, and my daughter, who usually enjoys kids’ programs in European hotels, was not comfortable staying there without me. Overall, the service was poor and far from what you’d expect from a real 5-star hotel. While the location and hotel structure are promising, the service and attention to detail are far from what one would expect from a true five-star experience. I would not recommend this hotel to travelers who value genuine hospitality and high service standards. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Simply the best hotel in the UAE

May 11, 2025 banjax31

If I could give this hotel 6 stars I would. I’ve been staying at this hotel in Abu Dhabi for over 10 years and they never once have let me down. This stay was particularly important as it was my wife’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. From start to finish the staff could not have done more for us. Every member of staff in this hotel was… Read more
If I could give this hotel 6 stars I would. I’ve been staying at this hotel in Abu Dhabi for over 10 years and they never once have let me down. This stay was particularly important as it was my wife’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. From start to finish the staff could not have done more for us. Every member of staff in this hotel was polite, courteous and always willing to help. Particularly Reem in guest services was amazing as were the staff in Marco Pierre Whites Steakhouse and the Mazaj restaurant. The GM Elias does an amazing job running this hotel to such a high standard. I want to thank you Elias and all your team for a truly unforgettable experience and of course we will be back very soon. If anyone is thinking of coming to Abu Dhabi to stay for a holiday then look no further than the Fairmont Bab Al Bar it’s the only place to stay. Simply the best hotel in the region by far! Thank you guys. Read less