Jumeirah’s name is synonymous with Gulf luxury, and its Caspian resort near Baku carries the family resemblance. The Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel has won Azerbaijan’s leading hotel award several times, and even out of season it impressed.
At a glance
Location: Bilgah, Baku, Azerbaijan
Rooms: 176 rooms and suites
Stayed in: Junior Suite, Caspian Sea view
Best for: families, beach breaks and travellers wanting a resort near Baku
Reviewed: September 2015
9.0 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The hotel’s sweeping arcs of glass and steel recall its Dubai and Abu Dhabi siblings, and it sits on the sea a short drive from both the airport and Baku’s UNESCO-listed old city. A flawless airport transfer in a black Mercedes delivered me to the lobby, where the 58-metre chandelier, with 72,000 LED lights reflecting off gold and silver detailing, is impossible to ignore.
The rooms
My Junior Suite had a panoramic view of the Caspian Sea, modern furniture with gold accents, a large, cosy sitting area with an L-shaped sofa and a big balcony with loungers. The earth-toned marble bathroom has a walk-in rain shower and separate soaking tub. Every room has remote-controlled curtains, a docking station, minibar and Wi-Fi, and at the top of the range the Presidential Suite is a baroque fantasy of gilding and gallery-sized paintings.
Dining, drinks and facilities
The resort has excellent restaurants and bars, a private beach and a wide range of activities, including the largest waterpark in Baku. Multilingual staff provided consistently warm service.
The verdict
Jumeirah Bilgah brings Dubai-style glamour to the Caspian. Beautiful suites, a private beach and facilities for every age make it the finest resort in Azerbaijan.
- Rooms: 9.0
- Service: 9.0
- Dining: 9.0
- Facilities and spa: 9.5
- Location: 8.5
Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel Baku, Bilgah, Baku, Azerbaijan.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in September 2015. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
