Fairmont Dubai

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. 

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
• Eight-minute drive to Dubai International Convention Centre
• Nine-minute drive to Dubai Mall
• 12-minute drive to Dubai International Financial Centre
• 12-minute drive to Dubai Fountain
• 12-minute drive to Dubai International Airport
• 14-minute drive to Jumeirah Public Beach
• 15-minute drive to the Gold Souk
• 15-minute drive to the Spice Souk
• 20-minute drive to Mall of the Emirates
• 31-minute drive to Palm Jumeirah

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. 

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.