The location in the middle of the desert feels (and is) miles from anywhere. The main road to Dubai from the hotel is pretty trying with lots of traffic and construction delays. Don't use Bab al Shams as a place from which to explore Dubai. That said, Bab is such a relaxing place that you may not want to leave.
The room (ground floor with "garden") was great. Lots of space for two adults and infant in cot (sharing the room). Facilities were good, so too the aircon. Clean and welcoming. Garden space was fine - a relatively private place to relax, but not much more than patio size.
The food was good at the Indian restaurant - highly recommend. Breakfast was a huge buffet with great variety. The roof top bar was good but unadventurous. For a five star place, the nibbles were disappointing and the cocktail list could do with further ideas.
The main negative comment is the lack of awareness by the staff. On the whole, they are all very nice, but just lack a sense of "switched on-ness". You are paying top dollar for Bab and you feel that it could deliver a bit more. There are exceptions - the chef in the Indian restaurant went out of his way to make some puree vegetables for our baby son, the room maids were quick and efficient, and some of the staff by the pool were great.
The front desk was general chaos with no one seeming to take charge of a problem, or ownership of sorting it out. Room service was painful in getting an order through (an not worth the wait / hassle when it arrived).
Bab al Shams may be five star, but they just lack the sense of service found elsewhere in the world. As a location it is fantastic and facilities are great, but be aware that staff awareness for client need is not high on their list.





Value
Rooms
Business service



Value




