The Best Places To Stay In Riyadh
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Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Among all the big names that have arrived in Riyadh, Four Seasons still stands tallest. This is where Cristiano Ronaldo stayed when he first joined local team Al Nassr – and a recent refurb will keep it ahead of the game for years to come. Sharing the 99-storey Kingdom Tower with a luxury mall, the hotel still lets its views do the talking – and remember, the higher up your room, the better the vista. Beyond the eminently comfortable, almost understated rooms, there are some more statement-making options, like dinner on the Sky Bridge, at a single candlelit table 300m up in the air. All of the usual facilities are also here, and staff can arrange anything from historic city tours to off-roading experiences in the desert.
Visit FourSeasons.com
Mansard Riyadh
Part of the Radisson Collection, the Mansard blends Arabian hospitality into European architecture. From the outside, you might think you’re on one of Baron Haussmann’s wide Parisian boulevards – a feeling you can embrace inside at French fine-dining spot L’Ami Davé. Or you can break the spell at Carbone, a new outpost of New York’s TikTok-famous Italian-American eatery. Looking to indulge in a different way? There’s a spa opening here soon. In the meantime, trendy Hittin is in easy reach, while a new metro line makes it easy to get to and from the airport and financial district.
Visit RadissonHotels.com
Fairmont Riyadh
It’s closer to the airport than the competition, but the Fairmont isn’t just for flying visits. This five-star property is a place you can settle into, once you’ve adjusted to the splendour of the chandeliers, water features and statement art pieces that define its public spaces. In a quieter part of the city, everything is set up for you to rest and live well. The spa, pool and fitness centre are all finished to a high standard. The 365 restaurant sends out a diverse range of international dishes, while Pesto zooms in on the cuisine of southern Italy.
Visit Fairmont.com
The Ritz-Carlton
Entering the grand gates to its 52 acres of manicured grounds, and passing an extravagant water feature, The Ritz-Carlton makes a breath-taking first impression. It backs this up with ornate ceilings, lavish flower displays, pristine wall mosaics and golden interiors. But, on the western edge of town within striking distance of the centre, this palatial property also hides a few surprises, from a bowling alley to a 600-year-old olive tree. Dining options are many and varied, from Azzurro for Italian to Hong for Chinese. Just be aware the luxury spa is men only.
Visit RitzCarlton.com
JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh
The Burj Rahal is a 70-storey skyscraper and a key piece in Riyadh’s ever-developing skyline. JW Marriott is its headline tenant. Beyond a tall, light-filled atrium lobby, there are 349 rooms that add Arabic accents to a smart international luxe aesthetic. The spa has an outdoor pool set beneath a pergola, and separate facilities for men and women. There’s also a gym and tennis court on site, as well as rooftop yoga sessions. Fork & Pipe is the place for a sundowner, then there’s a signature JW Steakhouse and even Casa Cacao – a chocolate-focused offshoot of Spain’s three-starred El Celler de Can Roca.
Visit Marriott.com
InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa
On the edge of the desert, 40 minutes north of downtown, this luxurious and low-rise resort is built around a lagoon that gives it an oasis feel. In and around the rooms, suites and villas, there’s an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a mini golf course. The spa has its own indoor pool, while a fitness centre has separate spaces for men and women. Les Palmiers offers top-end international cuisine; there’s billiards and shisha in Café Lagoon; or Oasis is a poolside café for lighter options.
Visit IHG.com
Nofa Riyadh
This Radisson Collection resort is a lush and plush retreat around 60 miles west of Riyadh. Amid the surrounding sand dunes and mountains, the headline act is its safari park, with elephants, big cats and more – you can even go horse riding with the giraffes. Other activities include golf, cycling and boating on its pair of freshwater lakes. Thatched roofs give the place a traditional feel, in spite of the thoroughly modern facilities. Its 57 villas all have their own pools, jacuzzis and gardens, while dining options include the Aji sushi lounge.
Visit RadissonHotels.com
Jareed Hotel
Part of the Boulevard complex on the edge of the hip Hittin district, the Jareed is a rare treat in Riyadh: a design-led boutique hotel. Art deco-inspired interiors give a luxurious feel that’s enhanced by on-point details like the pillow menu and Hermès toiletries. In-house restaurant Morini delivers Italian fine dining, while The Living Room is as homely a lounge as the name promises. The Jimam spa offers an array of private treatments, and Jareed guests also get access to men’s and women’s fitness centres within the Boulevard.
Visit JareedHotels.com
PauseAway
Riyadh and its surrounding desert is enclosed by a 500-mile ring of mountains. An hour to the south-west of the city, PauseAway is the best way we know to get out into that starkly beautiful countryside. Stay in luxe pods and spend your days wandering with Arabian horses or swimming in a private pool. Come night, you can cook outdoors, sit around a bonfire or just stargaze.
Visit WhereToPause.com
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
Early in 2024, the Al Faisaliah took the Mandarin Oriental name and got a refresh. The fundamentals remain the same: you’ll be staying at a landmark address that defines Riyadh’s glitzy Al Olaya district, you can look forward to exemplary service throughout, and you’ll get free access to the observation Globe at the top of the Al Faisaliah’s obelisk-shaped home. Rooms are chic spaces of calm, and the ladies-only spa is one of the city’s best. For dinner, Yauatcha and LPM each have an outpost here. Desert days out are also easily arranged.
Visit MandarinOriental.com
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