Arrival/Check-in: I traveled from Abu Dhabi and arranged for a Fairmont Dubai car to meet me for the 90-minute drive. The Fairmont’s Mercedes delivered me in style and the check-in process was swift and efficient. Staff briefed me on the Fairmont Gold privileges included with my one-bedroom suite. On the way to my room I noticed the tower’s striking, modern silhouette, inspired by an Arabian wind tunnel.
Guest Quarters: The suite was spacious, bright, and decorated with a tasteful blend of Middle Eastern, European, and Asian influences. The overall effect was fresh and timeless. The full-size living room featured a half bath, a solid wood dining table, and a work desk with Internet access. The bedroom was separate from the living area and the master bathroom was generous and well appointed.
Services/Amenities: The Fairmont Gold team provided attentive, helpful service and went out of their way to supply the information I needed. The only minor issue I faced was difficulty reaching the hotel by phone; calls sometimes took several attempts to connect to an operator. While exploring the gold and spice souk I got temporarily lost. After about 30 minutes of asking for directions and trying to flag a taxi, I called the hotel for assistance. It took a few tries to reach the concierge, and by then I had secured a taxi, so it was not an emergency. Once back at the hotel, the personal service continued to impress.
The 40,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa felt like a true oasis. Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with a separate, smaller gym dedicated for women, as well as sunrise and sunset pools positioned on different floors to capture sun at all times of day.
Among the hotel’s ten dining venues, I dined at Spectrum One, a fine dining restaurant that features eight separate open kitchens. If everyone at the table orders from different kitchens, the chefs coordinate via headsets to ensure dishes are plated and served hot and together. My selection from the Middle Eastern kitchen was excellent.
The Experience: Unlike many historic Fairmont properties, Fairmont Dubai was designed and built specifically for the brand. It stands as an iconic and dependable hotel in Dubai’s financial district. I would confidently recommend it to business travelers seeking a reliable, well-appointed stay.
Total Score: 94/100
The Fairmont Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, U.A.E.
tel 971 4 332 5555
http://www.fairmont.com