Intercontinental Fujairah: A property without an identity.

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The great thing about having a husband who’s into diving (even if you personally tried and failed epically) is that you get to visit a lot of beach destinations.  In this instance, with Hubs on his way to becoming a Dive Master, he is in need of some additional certifications and hours in the water.  He usually goes out with Al Boom Marine, who tender from Fujairah and tends to drive up and back on the same day.  However, with my interest in the recently opened Intercontinental Fujairah, it was easy to say yes to a staycation instead.  While I previously stayed at (and was impressed by) the Fairmont Fujairah, for this weekend visit, we decided on something new.

For those who haven’t visited Fujairah, it’s a roughly 2-hour drive from Dubai through desert and mountain landscapes.  I wouldn’t recommend the trip for those on a first visit to the UAE, but for those interested in diving, or who are in the country on an extended stay, it’s well worth a two night trip to this quieter emirate.

So, what’s memorable about the property?

Pros

• An accommodating team.  When I asked for an early check-in, I wasn’t sure if it would be possible.  Imagine my surprise when I rocked up at 9:30 AM and they were happy to mention my room was ready!  (Suck on it, Oberoi).  Honestly, access to my room was a perfect way to stay the weekend.  (As a side note, there seems like a lost business opportunity here for all the hotels in the area — allowing guests guaranteed early check-in for an extra AED100-200 would be well worth the expense, in my opinion).
• Multiple pools.  Again, in comparison to the recently visited Oberoi, which presented some sound issues (even as beautiful as the pool is), the Intercon is spacious and includes two pools (actually, a third, private pool if you spring for a club room).  We chose the pool closest to the beach, which offered an infinity edge and plenty of space.
• Excellent soundproofing (from the outside).  As someone who is wildly sensitive to sound, I was a bit worried about our room on the first floor, near one of the pools.  With the door shut, I couldn’t hear anything.  There were some weird overhead ‘settling’ noises which woke me up during the night (hello, insomnia from 2-3AM), but that is just my life, really.

Cons

• Lack of F&B outlets.  Honestly, some sort of fine dining element wouldn’t be out of place.  With only a seaside venue and an all-day international option, I was glad to venture over to the nearby Le Meridien (who’s beachside cafe felt much more authentic) for lunch on our first day.  With a real lack of variety (and not wanting to battle against all the families), we simply decided on room service for dinner.  This feels like a real loss of profit for the hotel, as I’m sure would’ve been much higher had we dined in one of the venues.
• Strange branding. Personally, the Fujairah property doesn’t ‘feel’ like an Intercontinental.  I’m not sure specifically what is going on with the brand, but for me, while the property is perfectly lovely, it reads as ‘hotelus genericus.’  Given how some properties come to be bought and sold in the UAE, I realize it’s difficult for some hotels here to truly be 100% on brand, but there is nothing about the hotel – lovely as it is – that reads as an Intercon.
• Poor signage.  Now, I’m of course a bit more clued into the wayfinding situation of a property (mostly because I’m married to a landscape architect) but I had to legit SEARCH to find the fitness facilities.  Like, I made three wrong turns and basically wandered around until I guessed right.  I’m pretty sure that’s not what the hotel intended.

Would I go back?  Yes, probably, but I would definitely check out the club rooms.

Who is the Intercontinental Fujairah best for?  Families, really.  The resort is clearly designed for those traveling with young ones.

Where is your favorite place to stay in Fujairah?

A to Za’atar received a reduced rate at the Intercontinental Fujairah.  Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.