Sheikh Zayed Road, 308 Road, 51, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | (618) 248-8274
On Sheik Zayed Road, across from the Dubai World Trade Centre
Spacious contemporary guest rooms with city or gulf views
Top-notch business services and meeting facilities available
Two rooftop pools on either side of the hotel offer sun throughout the day
13 dining and entertainment venues, two trendy clubs among them
Massive fitness center with gender-segregated workout spaces
On-site spa, salon, and posh shops
Free scheduled shuttle service to several key destinations
Free valet parking
Lacks the “wow factor” of some local hotels
Breakfast and Wi-Fi cost extra
Away from the beach and comparatively short on family features
Opened in 2002, this 394-room property was Fairmont's first foray into the international market. But, given the number of stylish high-end hotels in Dubai, it’s the location that most impresses the business execs who tend to stay here. Easy access to the Dubai World Trade Centre makes it a convenient choice for such guests, while a wealth of related features -- including on-site meeting spaces -- make it a practical one. When downtime is needed, a Romanesque spa, a pair of rooftop pools and a range of restaurants fill the bill. For a newer variation on the theme, try the Conrad Dubai Hotel, which debuted next door in 2013. If you’d prefer a beachfront place bearing the Fairmont name, consider its sister hotel on Palm Jumeirah instead.
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Scene
A classy, convenient choice for corporate types
Designed to evoke a traditional barajeel (or wind catcher), this striking 34-story building consists of four interconnected towers that are dramatically lit at night. The unique architecture firmly places it in the Arab world, while the layout and decor mark it as a luxury business hotel. Take the lobby: this rather sparsely-furnished study in platinum and white has a classy but cold contemporary look that is better suited to corporate travelers than canoodlers. Moreover, the 33rd floor (which promises stunning city views) is devoted to a conference center, and many of the handsome on-site eateries emphasize clean-lined comfort or convenience over an intimate ambiance.
Location
Directly opposite the World Trade Center in downtown Dubai
Big brand-name hotels line busy Sheikh Zayed Road, but this one -- set right across from the Dubai World Trade Centre and connected to it by a covered pedestrian bridge -- has a prime location for business travelers. The center’s metro station means public transport is readily available, but that’s not always the fastest option: for instance, its direct airport link takes 23 minutes, while a taxi takes about half that time. When relaxation is in order, the Burj Khalifa is an eight-minute cab ride away; guests can also cab it to popular shopping destinations and the Jumeirah Public Beach in 15 minutes or less. As an alternative, the hotel operates free scheduled shuttles that stop at several key business and leisure locales.- Eight-minute drive to Burj Khalifa
Rooms
Big, rather bland rooms with contemporary decor and compelling views
Glass elevators whisk guests from the lobby to the accommodations above -- and both are designed to maximize the enviable views this hotel offers. Size-wise, the air-conditioned rooms run from 440-square foot standards with small seating areas to a 5,900-square-foot penthouse suite with a rooftop terrace and on-call butler service. All, however, share a uniform style that some may find disappointingly ho-hum for a five-pearl Dubai hotel. There's little contrast between the contemporary furnishings, earth-toned draperies, and bright white bed linens. Standard equipment includes minibars, tea/coffee-makers, interactive 32- or 42-inch TVs with international channels and pay-for use Wi-Fi. Rooms also have perks with special appeal for business travelers -- namely large desks, laptop safes and free newspapers. Bathrooms, highlighted by marble or mosaic tiles, look a bit dated, but they are well-equipped and feature toilets, bidets, tubs with hand-held showers plus separate shower stalls. Robes, slippers, hairdryers and Le Labo toiletries are welcome extras. Suites add dining areas, at least one bedroom and, in some cases, a bar and multiple bathrooms.
Features
Business amenities complemented by a spa, pools, and multiple dining options
Boasting its own first-class conference center with meeting rooms, ballroom facilities, plus on-request clerical and catering support, the Fairmont Dubai is first and foremost a business hotel. But this place isn’t all work and no play. Two panoramic rooftop pools, located on different sides of the building, ensure guests can enjoy both morning and afternoon sun. Meanwhile, a sprawling full-service spa and health club with separate male and female sections provide opportunities for pampering inside; ditto for the hotel’s salon and luxury shops. Diners can choose between eight eateries, including a New York-style steakhouse, a Japanese sushi restaurant, a Turkish terrace, and a dine-in-the-dark experience. The equally varied entertainment venues here range from a tranquil wine bar to a pair of trendy clubs, Cavalli (a favorite among fashionistas) and circus-themed Cirque Le Soir. Note that some outdoor options close in summer and that operating hours differ during Ramadan.Other hotel perks include round-the-clock reception and room service; concierge, laundry and turndown service; free scheduled shuttles; an onsite car rental agency; and free valet parking. This Fairmont is wheelchair accessible, and, although it isn’t aimed at families, children are welcomed. Babysitting is available for a fee, as are cribs and cots.
