Hotel Hotspot: Navigating nostalgia at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

What’s it like to stay in one of the most recognisable landmarks in Riyadh?

As someone who watched the Faisaliah Tower rise from the ground up, staying at the newly-rebranded Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh felt like a surreal moment of accomplishment. Nestled on the bustling King Fahad Road, the Faisaliah Tower stands tall, dominating Riyadh’s skyline. The hotel occupies the lower floors of this architectural marvel, offering two distinct sides – one for regular, yet luxurious, guest rooms and the other for suites.

From the moment you step through its doors, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, exudes an air of sophistication and warmth. Welcomed by courteous staff and a refreshing spread of traditional qahwa and dates at the Mandarin Lounge, you’re immediately immersed in a world of pampering. The packed lounge on a Saturday afternoon proves that Riyadh’s love of luxury shows little sign of slowing.

A seamless Saudi stay

Accommodation at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh includes 325 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, complemented by Mandarin Oriental’s signature service to ensure a truly unforgettable Arabian experience.

Upon checking into our Premium King Room, we were welcomed with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the capital, including the Kingdom Tower. Having witnessed Riyadh’s transformation since childhood, a pang of nostalgia hit like a storm, so I decided to explore the accommodation before the waterworks began. 

All accommodation is designed in a modern style with Arabian touches. The room exudes luxury with its modern amenities, including a 24-hour butler service, ample wardrobe space, an LED TV and a king-sized bed adorned with contemporary lighting fixtures. Patterned cushions and carpeting pulled the room together. 

The bathroom, featuring ceramic and wood finishes with hints of gold, added an extra touch of opulence. The glass-enclosed tub provides views of the television in the room while you soak yourself, ensuring utmost comfort. There’s even a heated toilet seat.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh also boasts suites with spacious living areas and walk-in wardrobes. Connecting rooms under renovation aim to accommodate more guests, catering to the influx of tourists in the Kingdom. 

Dining Delights

There’s a lot to brag about when dining at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. The hotel offers several exciting dining concepts, including the FACT Award winning LPM Restaurant & Café, MAMO Michelangelo and Yauatcha Riyadh. With so many options on your doorstep, don’t miss the hotel’s vibrant all-day dining restaurant, La Brasserie, which offers a bountiful breakfast spread covering multiple cuisines and interactive stations for eggs, pancakes and waffles. Plus, there is a charming outdoor terrace where you can enjoy Riyadh’s crisp mornings.

However, the piece de resistance is undoubtedly the restaurant situated within the circular golden sphere atop the Faisaliah Tower. As a child, I often marvelled at it, never imagining I’d dine there someday. Yet, 24 years later, I found myself dining at The Globe with my best friend, soaking in the views of Riyadh from the restaurant’s lounge area and observation deck. Here, diners can experience a fine dining menu featuring Salmon Gravlax with acacia honey and a tender beef cheek.

Rest and recreation

Expect exceptional luxury and relaxation at the ladies-only spa, where the signature royal hammam treatment includes a steam, scrub, massage and mud wrap. Go grand and take a dip in the 16-meter indoor swimming pool.

The hotel is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and is within walking distance of Harvey Nichols department store and Mode Mall. So whether you’re getting your steps in while you shop or using cardiovascular equipment, a stay at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh is a no-brainer.

The verdict

As one of the landmark hotels in the Saudi capital, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh is a luxurious address inside one of the most recognisable structures in Riyadh. If you’re travelling to the Saudi capital for business or leisure and riyals aren’t an issue, rates start at SAR 4000 per night.

GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.