I was a bit sceptical about the Fairmont Dubai on Shaikh Zayed Road being a great staycation hotel. I couldn’t imagine that it would be the ‘escape’ that I was looking for. It is in no way remote or away from the city. And then I experienced their Gold Lounge, which they term as a ‘hotel within a hotel’.
Located just 2 minutes from the Dubai World Trade Centre metro station, the hotel lobby was quite crowded, with mostly families and business visitors. As I walked in, dreading the long lines, we were told that the Gold Lounge has a separate check-in desk on the 33rd floor. We were quickly ushered upstairs and given the details of what our stay entailed in a very quick and friendly check-in process. From that vantage point on a comfortable chair (very unlike a regular check-in), I could see part of the huge lounge area, which also houses a bar, dining table, lounge nooks, all with beautiful views of the city.
Fairmont Dubai has the highest Gold Lounge out of all the Fairmont properties across the world. The 34-story property in Dubai features 394 guestrooms, residential apartments and offices as well as the Fairmont Gold product, 13 dining and entertainment venues, The Spa and two rooftop pools.
The room
We stayed in a one-bedroom suite which is one of many Gold suites located between the 17th and 20th floors. What I didn’t expect on entering the suite was the feeling of being very removed from the crowded and busy city life that was right outside. My earlier worries disappeared.
The entryway opens to hall with a small dining area and refreshments counter, leading on to a lounge area with a sofa (comfy enough to be used a make-shift bed). There is a small bathroom in this hall, presumably for guests. The bedroom also has a TV, double-door closet, a work table and a large bathroom. I felt that the suite could comfortably house a family of four, with two adults and two children, or three adults.
What to do
Being so close to the metro station and to the hub of the city makes the list of things you could do limitless. Downtown Dubai, old Dubai, beaches – whatever interests you – most attractions are a short metro or taxi ride away. I was there for a relaxing weekend, so we went to the lounge area after lunch and played board games all evening. We also spent some time on the roof by the pool.
What to eat
The Fairmont Gold comes with facilities including complimentary breakfast, along with heavily discounted or complimentary beverages and canapes in the afternoon and during happy hour. I also tried the Exchange Grill restaurant, which is now among my favourite steak houses in Dubai.
There are several restaurants offering diverse cuisines including French, American, contemporary, Japanese and Turkish-inspired cuisines. A restaurant I definitely recommend trying is Noire, where you are immersed in total darkness for your gourmet meal. The waiters, who have night-vision goggles, assist you during the whole process.
What we recommend
We loved the Gold offering and would recommend it to anyone aiming to have a relaxed stay in the city without actually going anywhere. Families and couples would love the experience with the private easy check-in, well-appointed rooms, complimentary breakfast and refreshments attached to the lounge and the on-call concierge service.
Ratings
Rooms: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Location: 3/5
Location Fairmont Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai Cost From Dh850 per night (includes breakfast and other Gold Lounge privileges)
