We picked Fai in The Palace Hotel Downtown for early evening drinks. We wanted somewhere in Downtown that would be a bit special but not too crowded and from reviews this seemed to tick the boxes. The Palace is also home to famous names Thiptara (the Thai restaurant) and Asado (an Argentinan steak house). If you’re looking for dinner then both are excellent options (but bear in mind they have a price tag due to their location and view!).
Location:
Located next door to the Souk Al Bahar (and a short walk from Dubai Mall), the entrance to the Palace is impressive with a beautiful walkway down to the reception area. Dubai Mall is dry in terms of drinks so the Souk Al Bahar and Palace hotel are good options if you fancy an alcoholic drink when watching the fountains.
The entrance to the Palace Hotel, Downtown
Burj Khalifa and the main entrance to the Palace Hotel
Inside:
Inside is suitably plush and ornate with Al Bayt in the lobby area (recommended for afternoon tea). It’s a bit of a maze to locate Fai which is downstairs and outside. You pass through Ewaan and Ewaan Lounge to get there, the latter is located in the pool area of the hotel. This is lovely too with cabanas and seating overlooking the lake and the spectacular Burj Khalifa. The main Ewaan restaurant also offers an excellent brunch if you are here on a Friday.
Fai is located nearby (next door to Thiptara) and is really small with only a few indoor seats around the bar and a small number of tables outside too. Head there just before sunset to get the best of both worlds in terms of the view and seeing Downtown in the day as well as at night.
One of the other bars on offer – Ewaan Lounge overlooking the lake and Burj Khalifa
Food and Drink:
Fai focuses mainly on drinks (except for a few small plate options). So you’ll have to head to the many options in the hotel or in the nearby Souk Al Bahar if you are looking to eat, but it’s a great pre dinner place. Cocktails don’t come cheap (expect to pay around AED 80). Look out for Groupon vouchers which often come up for this bar. If you have Privilee it’s also 20% off food and beverages throughout the Palace Hotel. The cocktail menu offers an array of options from your traditional to your quirky. I sampled the kiwi and marshmallow based drink but it was probably a bit too quirky for me!!
Drinks aside, you are really coming for the setting here. You don’t get a full view of the fountains but you can still see them which is an added bonus. The bar feels a bit like a hidden gem and if you head early doors you can easily get a table. Having said that you might be a little disappointed if you’re looking for a lively after work drinks option (which it certainly wasn’t when we went, although it might get busy later). It is perfect for impressing guests though or for a date night with those stunning views.
View from Fai overlooking the fountains and Burj Khalifa just after sunset
Cocktails with a view