Abha’s hotels offer surprisingly good value for money, with prices often far lower than in other major Saudi cities. There’s a great mix of accommodation here, from five-star luxury in out-of-town resorts to serviced apartments and contemporary downtown hotels with great access to the city’s top sights. Currently, few international hotel chains operate in Abha, although that’s soon set to change with the hotly anticipated launch of the region’s first Hotel Indigo. These are some of the best hotels and resorts in and around Abha.
1. Citadines
Citadines is not just one of Abha’s most glamorous hotels, it's also one of its most family-friendly. Less than ten minutes’ drive from Abha International Airport, Citadines is the perfect place to crash and unwind after a long journey. Everything you need is on-site, from the gym, large swimming pool, steam room and jacuzzi to quiet lounges and a business centre. Kids are equally well catered for, as there’s a separate children’s swimming pool, indoor and outdoor play areas, and lots of games and books to keep them entertained. For an extra charge, the hotel can also arrange babysitting services.
The elegant and light-filled hotel restaurant, Zurna, serves Turkish, Lebanese and Armenian dishes, all presented beautifully. You can dine indoors, but it would be a mistake to skip the al fresco dining terrace, which has views overlooking Abha city.
The serviced apartments (studios, one-beds and two-beds) are spacious and modern, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and fully-equipped kitchenettes – ideal if you’re a family who prefers to self-cater.
A Studio Deluxe starts from approximately SAR 710 per night.
2. Abha Palace Hotel
One of the city's longest-standing five-star hotels, the imposing Abha Palace Hotel has a location that’s second to none. It’s close to the Sarawat Mountains, overlooks Abha Dam Lake, and is just a half-hour drive from the airport. And as for city access – what could be more exciting than jumping on a cable car to get into town? The station is located in the grounds of the hotel and cabins transport visitors over the city’s rooftops right to the top of Abha’s iconic Green Mountain (check timings in advance, as it operates seasonally).
Abha Palace Hotel certainly has a more traditional style than the city’s newer hotels, but it does offer a good range of well-maintained facilities, from tennis courts and a decent gym to the indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room (men only). Rooms are elegant with thick carpets and polished wood furnishings and almost all have dreamy mountain or lake views.
While any number of excellent restaurants are within easy reach, guests who prefer to eat at the hotel can head to the lovely rooftop restaurant, Nahran. A buffet of Arabic and international dishes is served (a la carte is also available) and diners are treated to wonderful views of the lake and Abha city. For more casual snacks and coffee, the Palm Court Cafe in the hotel’s grand lobby is a good option.
A Superior Double Room with Mountain View starts from approximately SAR 750 per night.
3. Hotel Indigo Abha
Abha’s tourism scene is developing at pace, so it’s no surprise that there’s a swanky hotel opening on the horizon. Hotel Indigo Abha is scheduled to open its doors in December 2025 and will be the brand’s first opening in the KSA. Located on the road between Khamis Meshit City and Abha International Airport, it’s expected to have 110 rooms, a restaurant, coffee lounge, business facilities and a fitness centre.
Further details are yet to be revealed, but as fans of the chain will know, Indigo hotels are typically boutique style, very contemporary and full of character. With branches across the world from London to New York and Hong Kong, Hotel Indigo is known for finding creative ways to incorporate local cultural influences into the design and service – no doubt Aseer’s vibrant style will be well-represented.
Room rates are yet to be confirmed.
4. Blue Inn
Blue Inn is a friendly, well-located city centre hotel that’s a great choice for travellers who want to stay at the heart of Abha’s action. Lively local restaurants and shops are right on its doorstep, and tourist highlights such as Al Muftaha Village and the Art Street are less than a ten-minute walk away. There’s a quiet, well-equipped gym and swimming pool in the basement of the hotel (women are welcome to use these facilities on request).
One of the hotel’s highlights is its top-floor restaurant, which serves everything from hot and cold mezze to pastas and salads. No matter where you sit, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and wraparound terrace mean you get uninterrupted views of the city buzz below. Best of all, the staff here are very kind and accommodating. While not as cheap as some other city-centre options, Blue Inn is definitely one of the city’s best value hotels, and a great option for those keeping an eye on the budget.
A Twin Room with City View starts from SAR 1,110.
5. Nivel Hotel Abha
One of the best luxury hotels just outside Abha, Nivel is located on the road that connects the city with nearby Khamis Mushait. This mega-hotel has facilities galore, including a spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and massage services, plus a steam room and sauna. It’s also connected to the Waha Mall, making it very convenient for guests to pop in to this enormous complex for shopping, entertainment and eating out.
On-site, the hotel itself has three impressive restaurants. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style at the Al-Qandil Restaurant, which features live cooking stations and a designated ‘health corner’ for anyone trying to avoid the overwhelming temptation to pile their plates with treats. Elsewhere, Orchid Café Lounge serves freshly baked bread, pastries, and pizzas, while Nivel Cafe is the go-to spot for coffee and juice.
A Deluxe King Room starts from approximately SAR 1,600 per night.
