Flame Towers: Discover the epitome of luxury in one of the tallest hotels in the world

Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, is a city where the old meets the new, blending ancient souks, mosques, and UNESCO World Heritage sites with striking modern skyscrapers.

The most striking features of Baku's skyline are the Flame Towers – three soaring structures designed to resemble fiery tongues, reaching high above the Caspian Sea.

Created by the renowned US architectural firm HOK, these towers are the tallest in Azerbaijan, with Tower 1 soaring to a height of 182 meters.

Visitors can experience the Flame Towers firsthand, as one tower is residential, another serves as office space, while the third, the 165-meter Fairmont Baku, is a luxurious five-star hotel.

Step into the flame

Visible from nearly every corner of Baku, the Flame Towers truly shine at night. The orange, red, and pink LED lights shimmer across the structures, resembling flickering flames.

For many in Baku, the Flame Towers have become a powerful symbol of home.

"You can spot the Flame Towers from the air as you approach the airport, glowing in vibrant colors, guiding the way," says fashion designer and media professional Nina Zandnia in an interview with Dinogo Travel. "They’re the beacon that signals your arrival in Azerbaijan."

So, what’s it like to stay in one of Azerbaijan’s most iconic landmarks? It’s far from your average hotel experience.

The striking, often over-the-top design makes a bold statement from the moment you approach the exterior, continuing throughout the entire interior.

The lobby, stretching over seven stories, is dominated by a magnificent chandelier composed of five kilometers of strands, adorned with 840 lights and over 600,000 crystal beads, weighing an astonishing two metric tons.

At the heart of the space sits a limited-edition Fazioli piano in black and red, one of the priciest pianos on the planet. This piano, part of the M Liminal collection by NYT Line and Philippe Gendre, famously accompanied Nigar Jamal and Eldar Gasimov during their 2011 Eurovision-winning performance for Azerbaijan.

Though it’s an iconic piece, don’t expect to hear it played casually – this piano is reserved for elite pianists and special performances only.

Stunning sea views

Even the most basic rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows and generously sized double beds. The décor strikes a balance between modern luxury and comfort, featuring soft carpets and stylish, contemporary furnishings. Spacious and inviting, each room offers either city views or a serene perspective over the bay and the Caspian Sea.

While chic and glamorous, the design has a slightly corporate feel, lacking the royal ambiance of nearby luxury hotels like the Four Seasons.

A standard one-bedroom suite on the 17th floor offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea and, for those eligible, access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold lounge on the 19th floor, complete with private check-in and concierge services.

The high-speed elevator to the 17th floor opens into a stunning landing offering breathtaking views across the bay. Inside the suite, you'll find a welcoming lobby area, more spectacular views, an office-dining space with a wooden desk and a four-person dining table.

The suite features a spacious, luxuriously carpeted lounge with an oversized sofa and a stylish signature chair. The separate bedroom boasts a massive king-sized bed, while a vast walk-in closet, stocked with hangers, drawers, and laundry essentials, leads to a large bathroom complete with both a bathtub and a shower.

Both bathrooms in the suite offer custom-made toiletries – with your name printed on the bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer. It’s a personal memento that’s hard to resist taking home.

The Royal Suite

The hotel certainly attracts attention, though celebrity names remain discreet. According to Zumrud Ismayilova, the hotel's PR and marketing manager, the guest list is rumored to include world leaders, royals, and high-profile stars.

"While we’ve hosted many VIP guests, we always respect their privacy and confidentiality," says Ismayilova to Dinogo Travel. "Our guests expect discretion, and that’s exactly what we ensure for them."

Located at the pinnacle of the Flame Towers, the Royal Suite offers breathtaking panoramic views of both the city and the Caspian Sea. With two bedrooms, each with its own en suite, a spacious lounge, private dining room, study, guest bathroom, kitchen, and an elegant hallway adorned with a chandelier, it spans an impressive 375 square meters (4,036 square feet).

"VIPs or families usually take the suite, but their entire party often takes over the entire floor," says Ismayilova. "We have additional rooms for security, staff, and extra suites for family members."

The suite features an open-plan living area, a private study, a dining room designed for 12 or more guests, and a fully equipped kitchen (reserved for staff, of course). The highlight, however, is the luxurious en suite bathroom, complete with an enormous oyster-shaped bathtub and a window offering stunning views over the bay.

Wellness

The hotel offers a diverse range of amenities. There’s an elegant two-level spa with an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, hammam, and dedicated relaxation areas. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s also a fully equipped gym.

The Sky Garden is a beautifully designed retreat where guests can unwind on the sundeck or enjoy the poolside sauna while taking in the sea view. It features an S-shaped rooftop pool and an outdoor bar, though the view is more impressive from a distance than up close.

The best time to visit is in the evening. During the day, the towers reflect the sun, intensifying the heat and turning the area into a virtual frying pan.

Dining and Entertainment

In keeping with the grandeur of staying in one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the main Le Bistro restaurant offers a selection of fine Azerbaijani wines and traditional delicacies. Meanwhile, the Balcon café specializes in afternoon sushi, specialty teas, and delightful cakes.

The Nur Lounge presents a lively and stylish space for cocktails and light bites, making it an ideal spot for pre-drinks before heading to the hotel’s Jazz Club, a beloved local venue.

"We always recommend guests visit the Jazz Club after 9 p.m., that’s when the energy really picks up. It’s a hit with both hotel guests and locals alike, and we always feature something fresh to keep the entertainment flowing," says Ismayilova.

Two things most hotels can’t offer are a shopping mall and a cinema. But at Fairmont Flame Towers, you get both.

Park Cinema offers guests, as well as the general public, six screens, including IMAX, screening the latest films in Arabic, English, and Russian.

Adjacent to the cinema is the Flame Towers Shopping Mall, which is set to open in early 2020. Expect a mix of luxury brands, popular high street stores, cafés, and restaurants.

Fairmont Flame Towers, 1A Mehdi Huseyn St, Baku 1006, Azerbaijan; +994 12 565 48 48