Since Saudi Arabia opened to tourism in September 2019 and the city of Riyadh expanded, a host of incredible new hotels have opened. As tourist numbers continue to grow, the capital is no longer just hosting business people here for work – it's also the perfect spot for a holiday with friends and family or solo travel. These are our favourite places to rest your head after a busy day enjoying all the fun things to do in Riyadh.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at the Kingdom Centre
Luxury hotels are described as "iconic" a bit too liberally, but that title is warranted in the case of Riyadh’s Four Seasons. As the sole hotel set within the capital’s Kingdom Centre, it takes pride of place within a landmark intrinsically associated with its home city. That prime location means the accomplished team is accustomed to welcoming VIPs and delivering five-star service effortlessly – notable guests include Ronaldo, who bedded down here when he first moved to the city. Disciplined athlete that he is, he possibly avoided the hotel’s Pierre Hermé patisserie and instead made use of the hotel’s extensive wellness facilities, including its squash court, 24-hour gym, and leafy outdoor pool.
2. Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort
This enrapturing hotel is more akin to a desert safari than a city hotel. From Nofa’s expansive open ranges, safari seekers can witness a unique glimpse of untamed wildlife, including over 700 free-roaming animals such as camels, herds of Grévy's zebras, lions and pygmy hippos – all less than one hour’s drive from the centre of Riyadh. Guests at the luxury retreat stay in villas and bungalows with a desert-safari-inspired design complete with canopy beds. Animal lovers, be sure to take an open-topped safari drive to observe a multitude of fascinating exotic creatures.
3. The St Regis Riyadh
This stunning property is the only hotel inside Via Riyadh, a high-end mall full of designer boutiques, incredible restaurants and a cinema located inside Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The design of the hotel is inspired by the brand’s New York heritage with references to its latest outpost in Saudi Arabia.
For a most luxurious stay book the 2,421-sq-ft Royal Suite, the jewel in the crown of the hotel’s 83 rooms and suites, replete with decadent detailing, including mother-of-pearl inlaid doors and other high-end decorations and amenities. Another highlight of the hotel is the spa: a 13,437-sq-ft enclave that takes guests on a rejuvenating and pampering journey.
4. Jareed Hotel
There are very few boutique hotels in the Saudi capital and Jareed is one of the very first – this design hotel is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. A five-star boutique hideaway in the heart of Riyadh, its dazzling rooms feel like upscale apartments and have been specially curated with stylish details, Assouline books and Hermès toiletries, and even a pillow menu. This is one place that will feel like the most glamorous home away from home – it won’t disappoint.
5. Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
This hotel has long been an icon in Riyadh’s urban landscape and hospitality sector. Located at the foot of Al Faisaliah Tower, designed by Foster + Partners, it features Saudi Arabia’s first skyscraper completed in 2000. Now part of the Mandarin Oriental family, the hotel features stunning high-end rooms with a sleek contemporary decor of dark wood interiors, unique Arabian design elements and state-of-the-art high-tech amenities. Several upscale restaurants offer guests a variety of places to dine – Mamo Michelangelo, an Italian restaurant; The Globe, an epicurean sensation high above Riyadh with incredible views; and LPM featuring French Mediterranean cuisine.
6. The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh
This acclaimed hotel is one of the best bets for a luxurious stay in Saudi Arabia. There’s nothing quite like it. From exclusive events, conferences and important meetings for Heads of State to the ideal place to dine or escape for a regal stay, the Ritz Carlton is the perfect match for any important occasion. Its baroque and classically decorated interiors ooze luxury and majesty with references to stately French and Italian neoclassical architecture. Be sure to check out Italian restaurant Azzurro which has an impressive indoor pool that sits under an elaborate dome. There’s also a six-lane bowling alley and a courtyard with a 600-year-old olive tree.
7. Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
This hotel opened in 2019 amid a verdant landscape next to several embassies. Waking up here is akin to being outside the city – the vibe is relaxed, a blissful escape from the city buzz. The decor is also reminiscent of the Kingdom’s desert landscapes, utilising an abundance of curves and colours in sandy hues. There's also an outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. It is one of the more relaxing hotels in the city; far removed from the traffic-packed central yet close enough to Oud Square should you want to grab a coffee or lunch from a string of restaurants.
8. Aloft, Riyadh
This more affordable hotel option is a hip place to stay filled with vibrantly coloured furniture. It is often frequented by young creatives as a more viable place to lodge when the high season sets in during the autumn and spring months. It is also centrally located in the Olaya district, which makes it easy to get to most venues in the city. There’s an outdoor pool and a gym for those who wish to get away from work and focus on body and spirit.
9. Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya
Also in Olaya, this upscale hotel boasts stunning views of the Saudi capital and a chic upscale design. The beds are extremely comfortable, making it the ideal spot for a good rest during a busy work trip. The gym is quiet and very well equipped – a great escape during a jam-packed day. There is also a handful of diverse restaurants, including 56th Avenue Diner which serves meals from across 50 American states for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
10. Narcissus Hotel & Spa, Riyadh
This super fancy hotel is just a seven-minute walk from Al Faisaliah Mall and offers accommodation that echoes the opulence of contemporary baroque architecture and design. Lavish marble and plush decor make this an ultra-regal stay. Book a table and enjoy an incredible feast of international dishes at Where East Meets West. There’s also a lovely spa with a well-equipped gym for a wellbeing escape.
11. JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh
Located in one of the Saudi capital’s tallest towers, this hotel opened in 2015 under Kempinski and has since switched to JW Marriott. The interiors are contemporary, filled with natural light and complemented by grounding wood furnishings. The rooms offer breathtaking views of Riyadh while a list of upscale culinary options provides top-notch places to eat, such as the hotel’s signature JW Steakhouse, and the JW Glass Garden.
