Saudi Arabia, a kingdom of ancient luxury mixed with modern innovation, offers everything from busy cities to the peacefulness of the desert. Start in Riyadh, the capital and financial hub, and admire gleaming skyscrapers or visit Masmak Fort and learn of the region’s cultural heritage. Then travel to Jeddah and stay in a secluded resort and enjoy word-class shopping or the seafood from the Red Sea. Journey to the holy land of Islam in Mecca and Medina, where millions of pilgrims come together every year to complete their Hajj. Discover the beauty and peace of the desert. Ride on camels or admire wildlife before lying beneath the stars in a stunning desert resort. Saudi Arabia is a place of unmatched luxury and hospitality with accommodation options for any traveller. From urban apartments to calm beach resorts on the coast, Saudia Arabia has something for everyone. Read on to find out about our favourite places to stay.
Jeddah
The Jeddah EDITION
The Jeddah EDITION, situated on the scenic Jeddah Corniche, elegantly blends into the city’s cultural scene with its yacht-like architecture near the Jeddah Art Promenade and the historic Al-Balad, a UNESCO Heritage site. A result of a partnership between Marriott International, EDITION Hotels, and designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel features 52 rooms and 11 suites, including luxurious Penthouses with panoramic views. It offers a unique experience with its art-filled lobby, tranquil spa, and signature restaurant, Maritime, led by chef Cédric Vongerichten, which serves French-Asian cuisine tailored to local tastes. Additionally, the hotel is a vibrant social hub with spaces like The Roof and The Den, catering to both relaxation and social gatherings, reflecting Jeddah’s motto, “Jeddah Ghair,” celebrating a fusion of tradition and modernity.
Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah
Experience the famed Arabian hospitality, with a stay at Assila. Home to more than 2000 artworks, the Luxury Collection Hotel showcases national artistry, along with Middle Eastern Cuisine served al fresco at Aubergine. You’ll also be able to partake of American or continental breakfasts, alongside local delicacies on the morning buffet and Argentine dishes at the Pampas grill restaurant. Guests can swim in the rooftop pool, book treatments at Assila Spa and get a haircut at the in-house barbershop. Bedrooms and suites have a contemporary style with a neutral palette and marble bathrooms. Book one on a high floor for the best views.
The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah
Once a palace, this five-star premier resort is now home to Jeddah’s largest convention space, attracting a host of international business guests. A huge fountain stands at the front of the grand and intricate building, found overlooking the water in the District Southern Corniche. Inside are 224 classically styled bedrooms and suites with pillow tops and iPod docks, arranged over its 18 floors of opulence. Antique furnishings, chandeliers and highly polished surfaces throughout create a sense of heritage and glamour, maintaining the Ritz-Carlton image, while incorporating Saudi influences. The hotel has a gentlemen’s spa, two restaurants, a tea lounge, an outdoor cocktail and a hookah bar.
Shangri-La Jeddah
Occupying a prime stretch of waterfront, the Shangri-La rises high into the skyline, accommodated within floors nine to 26 of the 64-storey Burj Assila tower. From here you can walk to restaurants, cafes and shops, including the Red Sea Mall, which is reachable in around 10 minutes on foot. 220 bedrooms include 55 suites and 17 are serviced apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the views. Up-to-date, neutral decor is accented by bold modern art pieces. The seventh floor houses the male and female wellness areas and the Technogym, and provides access to the outdoor pool, with a terrace surrounded by glass balustrades.
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq
Step into the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria and your eyes will be met by an incredible Swarovski crystal chandelier, hung over three storeys of the hotel. The property was built in 2006, with all of the brand’s designer sensibilities and a regal Arabian style. Its 46 suites are magnificent (especially the Royal ones), with high-end Italian linens and personalised butler service. And there are two places to eat onsite; the Mediterranean meets Venetian Aromi Restaurant and the Asian-inspired, palatial Mataam Al Shar. The hotel’s ladies’ spa boasts a unique aqua medic massage pool.
Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club And Spa
Stay here for direct access to the marina’s amenities (you can watch the boats pass by from your balcony) and some thalassotherapy to boost your well-being. There’s a choice of three restaurants and four swimming pools; two indoor and two outdoor pools with loungers and parasols. And you can take advantage of the limo service into town (many attractions are within 20 minutes). 142 bedrooms are decorated in monochrome colours, with bold and colourful accent headboards, for a funky, fashionable feel. Hypo-allergenic bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets and Select Comfort beds are provided to ensure a sound night’s sleep.
Rosewood Jeddah Hotel
Sit in a jacuzzi beside the rooftop swimming pool, as you gaze out to the Red Sea, at the Rosewood. Located in the Al Shatie District, the hotel caters well for families, providing younger guests with the Explorer programme of special services, Rose Buds amenities, kids’ menus, special events and fun activities. 127 bedrooms benefit from TVs in the bathrooms as well as bedroom area, touch screen controls, espresso coffee machines and butler service around the clock. Enjoy a romantic meal outside on a boat-stern deck, or dine in the Arabian-style Habsburg, or Venetian-style Soleil restaurants.
Riyadh
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center
Stay in what is perhaps the city’s most iconic building, the 99-storey Kingdom Centre. 274 guest rooms at the Four Seasons range from deluxe doubles to a four-floor Presidential Suite, offering far-reaching views across the skyline. Guests can dine at The Grill, specialising in meat and seafood, with a semi-open kitchen; at the Asian and Middle Eastern fusion Elements; and in the Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, two indoor squash courts, a basketball court and a TRX room, and there are two spas (one for men and the other catering to women).
Le Méridien Riyadh
Just a 25-minute taxi ride from the airport and a minute from a metro station, this contemporary chic property places travellers at the heart of the Business District. The decor throughout is simple and sleek, with a European leaning, combining Arabian accents. Get together with colleagues for food anytime of the day or evening at Milwan; order signature coffee from the baristas at Latitude 24; or tuck into Asian dishes come dinnertime, at Kazo. Le Méridien has a 24-hour fitness centre, a pool and children’s pool and LMR SPA by Le Meridien (treatments can also be booked in-room).
JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh
The 349 bedrooms and public spaces of the 66-floor JW Marriott in Riyadh, embody modern Najdi architecture. This hotel may have all the trappings of an international chain, but it also offers authentic Arabic hospitality. A full-service spa incorporates two outdoor freshwater swimming pools, a large jacuzzi set beside floor-to-ceiling windows, a health club, and a sauna. Dining takes place at Kitchen On 3, via around-the-clock room service, or guests can buy snacks and drinks in the coffee shop/cafe. Valet parking, an airport shuttle, bicycle hire and a local limo service makes getting around, a breeze.
Hotel Fairmont Riyadh
298 guest rooms at the Hotel Fairmont (including state-of-the-art Fairmont Gold suites) provide Le Labo design bath products, in-room business facilities, hypo-allergenic bedding and Nespresso coffee machines. The property houses a gentlemen’s spa, a ladies’ lounge spa area with a beauty salon and a health club featuring a sleek indoor pool. Grab a quick bite to eat at Cafe connect with its menu of gourmet snacks and wellness treats, served in a lounge planted with indoor trees. Take high tea in The Savoy Room. Or linger over a meal at one of the Fairmont’s restaurants; The Plaza, The 365 and Pesto.