From the Hilton to the Holiday Inn, Baku's five-star hotel scene is a cut above the metropolis mean. For here on the edge of the Caspian, comfort is king, with cavernous lobbies, sumptuous lounges and sweeping staircases coming as standard. The Big in Baku team went in search of the little details that can make all the difference when you are away from home.

For a taste of the local region, there is the boutique Shah Palace, on the edge of the Old City. Its classical architecture and clever use of natural wood, marble and stone conjures images of Arabian Nights. Take drinks in the vaulted and tiled inner courtyard for a positively Persian hit.

The Beaux-Arts-style Four Seasons wears its French influence firmly on its sleeve, but unlike its Parisian inspiration, it affords some spectacular views across the Caspian from the front balconies, as well as theUNESCO world heritage-listed Old City. The knockout swimming pool resides within a stone-clad atrium topped by a vaulted glass ceiling, and the four restaurants cover all eventualities, including the best Sunday brunch in town.

The Hyatt Regency complex offers five-star service with its New York-inspired designer apartments, ideal for longer-term residents as well as weekenders. Within an adjacent office tower are duplex villas with terraced balconies overlooking the interior courtyard gardens and the open-air rooftop pool is an oasis in the summer. 

The JW Marriott Hotel Absheron, features the largest ballroom in the city and, perhaps more usefully, in Fireworks Urban Kitchen it boasts one of the best steakhouses in town. The top-floor pool and spa has spellbinding views across the city to the Flame Towers.