Best In Baku: Discover The Enigmatic Capital City Of Azerbaijan Through These Luxe Modern Stays

Baku, the exotic capital of Azerbaijan lies on the serene bay of the Caspian Sea and hence, monikered the city of winds. From the old town’s medieval nucleus, it is undoubtedly the most burgeoning travel destination in recent times, offering an abundance of architecture, globally recognized dining, and multiculturalism. The prime requisite for any first-time luxury traveller to Baku is to find a retreat in the central part of the city with world-class amenities. DP armed with insider insights has curated a list of the best luxury hotels in Baku that are fine examples of Beaux-Arts style to fluid 21st-century architecture that are popular choices for design aficionados.

#1 The Four Seasons Baku Represents The Quintessence Of Exceptional Hospitality

Perched along the scenic Caspian sea, with a lovely promenade and a minute’s walk from the main bustling thoroughfare, The Four Seasons Baku is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. The award-winning architect firm, ReardonSmith designed the palatial façade adorned in the French Beaux-Arts style of the late 19th century. The lobby exudes a ceremonial welcome with a grand chandelier, gilded ceilings, and a statement staircase leading to the first floor’s ornate ballrooms, reminiscent of classical 18th-century France. The 175 rooms and suites, each a place where the desire to retreat becomes irresistible, feature arched windows leading to spectacular views of the city and/or the Caspian Sea depending on your room. Off the main lobby, the ‘Piazza’ is a perfect spot for afternoon high-tea rendezvous over French confectioneries. The ornately orchestrated ‘Zafferano’ is a gastronome indulgence in Italian fare. Of special note is the ‘Eyvan Terrace’ studded with immaculate landscaping, an ideal place to kick start your evening over Turkish shisha and live music.

Drawn from its Ottoman era, the rooftop spa designed as a luxury cocoon takes visitors into a realm of Turkish beauty regimes and hammam baths.. At Jaleh Spa, treat yourself with Moroccan Argan oil or dip in the ice fountain after your age-reversing, 24-karat oil ritual. For curious travellers looking to go beyond the usual, the hotel concierge curates immersive cultural journeys. The Four Seasons excursions include exploring the art of traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving, or in collaboration with Baku Caviar Boutique, a gourmet journey at the terrace to introduce the flavours of the Caspian shores or historic guided tours into the maze of its 12th-century fortification.

#DP loves the 9th-floor Jaleh couple massage at the spa’s penthouse VIP suite overlooking the sea views where you luxuriate in a milk bath in a private tub.

#2 The Ritz Carlton Baku Is The New Address Redefining Luxury Hospitality 

Sitting in the trendy Nisimi District of Baku lauded as the vibrant hub of shopping, museums, and eateries, Ritz Carlton is the new lux hotel on the block offering elevated luxury and world-class hospitality. Towering at an impressive 33 stories, the hotel offers 190 spacious guest rooms and suites that pride on its spaciousness and elegant decor. Ritz Carlton’s design makeover by Kristina Zanic Consultants infuses the cultural narrative of the place in tune with the brand’s quest for excellence into the interiors. Its luxury rooms and suites are complete with balconies or private terraces that have  breathtaking views of the cityscape.

An added luxury for suite room residents is the club lounge access. Bold, inventive, and extraordinary dining awaits at the fine dines. The American Brasserie, ‘Tribeca,’ serves breakfast, casual lunches, and a hip dinner in a modern space with a pretty outdoor terrace while the speakeasy bar, ‘Blind Tiger’ conjures an elegant unwinding with ‘Prohibition-era’ themed cocktails paired with sumptuous snacks.

At Ritz Carlton Baku, the team understands modern travellers are keen to blend nature, art, culture, and cuisine discoveries in their travels. In collaboration with community partners, the hotel concierge organises tours that span a myriad of activities like an excursion to the culture centre of Heydar Aliyev and around the city to explore mud volcanoes. 

#DP loves The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the hotel’s 13th floor offers Azeri food throughout the day.

#3 JW Marriott Absheron Baku is an Ode to The Culture-Rich Azerbaijan  

JW Marriott Absheron is one of the modern-age skyscrapers with views of the Caspian Sea. Designed by ReardonSmith Architects, the imposing glass facade overlooks Baku’s famed Azadliq Square. The lobby restyled by conceptual artist Henry Chebaane is an open art gallery of sorts. The natural elements found in abundance in the country, wind, water, fire, and wood combined with the inherent culture of Azerbaijan act as a conceptual tool for the hotel’s design and art installations. The giant chess set made of the country’s treasured walnut wood symbolises the fury of wind and water instrumental in shaping the millennia-old geological wonders of the country.

Settle into one of the property’s 237 rooms that range between  from Premium Deluxe to Executive suites, and the Presidential Suite. The premium business suites embrace modern luxury and extend add-ons for your well-being which include wholesome breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and bar service fromsix in the morning until midnight. That is not all, complimentary use of the executive conference and dedicated office space is granted for business travellers. This hotel is a great option for leisure travellers in Baku.

The ‘Fireworks Urban Kitchen’ is a unique steakhouse that showcases the historical and cultural significance of fire on the interiors and the curated menu. For more local fare and mindful eating, the ZEST Lifestyle Café aims to leave you replenished. Explore how Turkish tea differs from the Azerbaijani-style afternoon tea in the colourful ‘Tea Lounge.’  At ‘Oro Nero,’ a bar and  ristorante greets visitors with its walk-in wine cellar and a menu that celebrates the finest of Mediterranean and Sicilian flavours. The hotel also boasts the Spa Absheron complete with a heated pool, jacuzzi, and sauna chambers.  

#DP loves the JW garden, a sanctuary for unwinding around herbs and exotic flowers, as well as key ingredients to some of the spa treatments that are classified under JW Garden Essentials. 

For the longest time Baku has been under the clasp of the USSR. But in the past decade, the city has seen a wealth of hotels, restaurants, modern museums that are architectural marvels, and shopping arenas––all of which are integral to Baku’s facelift. While skyscrapers mushroom each year, the city also preserves its Silk Route traditions and cultures which is best experienced from the city’s renowned luxury hotels.