Fairmont Bab Al BahrvsEmirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Both properties are praised by writers. On balance, Emirates Palace ranks significantly higher than Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Emirates Palace ranks #1 in Abu Dhabi with positive reviews from 11 sources including DK Eyewitness, Frommer's and Condé Nast Traveler.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi 114304, United Arab Emirates
From $110/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Time Out
"A large, glass monolith impresses with its great steakhouse courtesy of Marco Pierre White. Surprisingly homely, with great views over the creek." Full review
Star Service
"The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (which means "gateway to the sea") is Fairmont's first hotel in Abu Dhabi." Full review
i
It has 27,000 sq ft of function space and avoids the traffic congestion of the downtown area.
Oyster
Kid-Friendly
"The 369-room luxury Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a high-end, exclusive hotel with fantastic views of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque." Full review
Jetsetter
"Waterfront retreat overlooking Abu Dhabi Creek with butler service and tons of outdoor activities on two private beaches." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"Take a strikingly modern facade combined with exceptional service and a pristine beachfront locale and you’ve got the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"With stark glass facade and rectilinear night-lighting, this hotel resembles an office complex but...dramatic chandeliers and textured surfaces signal a sophisticated accommodation." Full review
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi Show All Reviews
West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
From $265/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Frommer's
"Abu Dhabi's landmark hotel is unsubtle evidence of the city's wealth and grandiosity." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Fit for a king (or for that matter an empress, an emir or a sultan), which is just as well because that is principally what this regal, super-luxurious hotel was built for."
Travel + Leisure
"Perhaps the best way to express the grandeur of the newly built, Kempinski-operated Emirates Palace—reportedly the most expensive hotel ever built—is to break it down by numbers." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"All the rooms feature wide plasma TVs and extras such as welcome cocktails, flowers and fruit in the room, butler service, complimentary minibar and Internet access."
Rough Guide
"Abu Dhabi’s landmark hotel (see opposite) is the favoured residence of visiting heads of state and assorted celebrities, with every luxury you could think of."
Time Out
"It’s not just giddy hyperbole either; it really feels palatial, with luxury that regularly accommodates royalty." Full review
Star Service
"With glorious domes and manicured gardens, the exterior exhibits just a small taste of what's on the inside." Full review
Gayot
"Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi Hotel Review: This immense property overlooks the Persian Gulf and is close to everything the city has to offer."
The Telegraph
9.0
"This landmark Abu Dhabi hotel draws tourists as well as guests to its extensive grounds, private beach and opulent interiors on the far western end of the Corniche." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide
5 Stars
"One of the most inspired properties
in Abu Dhabi, if not the planet, Emirates Palace is the luxury standard for
which many resorts around the globe are judged." Full review