Hotel Hotspot: A storied stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

The glitz of The Ritz extends to the Saudi capital.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, is perhaps the most famous hotel in Saudi Arabia. The headline-hitting property has been visited by everyone from MBS to BTS and is conveniently situated in Al Hada, a short drive from King Khalid International Airport and mere moments from the luxury lifestyle destination of Via Riyadh. The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, offers elegant accommodations, world-class facilities and exceptional levels of service to its guests, who can relax in the stunning spa or indulge their appetite in one of the hotel’s fine-dining restaurants.

The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh, is a hotel with a storied history. Originally built to house guests of the King, the property was converted into a hotel with palatial proportions: there are 492 rooms and suites, 62,000 square feet for events and two grand ballrooms. It’s not just about the building but also its surroundings – it includes 52 acres of glorious gardens and a 600-year-old Chorisia tree.

The glitz or The Ritz is evident from the moment we enter the large arches and travel up the expansive driveway. A wow-worthy entrance reveals the hotel’s dynamic façade amidst jets of water from a flourishing fountain. We step onto a red carpet with The Ritz-Carlton logo embedded in a gold thread to reveal a lobby as grand as the name suggests. Towering ceilings, dark wood, and floral blooms abound across the entrance while a golden elevator delivers us to our suite on the 9th floor. On the way, we travel through gilded corridors painted with frescos of fluffy white clouds and searing blue skies.

Suite Dreams

If space, views and amenities are at the top of your list, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh ticks all the boxes. Visitors wishing to relax in a lavish and private setting can opt for one of the hotel’s luxurious abodes, from the welcoming guest rooms to the grand opulence of the Executive Suites or the regal luxury of the two-bedroom Royal Suite. Suite guests also enjoy access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Level, which offers exclusive services such as meeting rooms and regular culinary presentations throughout the day.

Our One Bedroom Executive Suite boasts a classic feel, decked out in hues of gold and red. Two 42-inch LED TVs with premium channels are available, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the hotel’s perfectly manicured gardens. You’ll sink into the plush king-sized bed, which ensures more than 1001 Arabian nights of good sleep. The lovely sitting area is the perfect place to kick back and put your feet up for everything from reading a book to having an afternoon nap or lounging for some screen time. If you’re visiting for work rather than leisure, the small writing desk is comfortable for catching up on emails.

Marble graces the bathroom floor and counters, and gold accents are found in everything from the faucets to the tissue boxes and shower rails. A soaking bathtub, rainforest shower, terry cloth bathrobes and comfortable slippers, luxurious Asprey brand bath amenities, an endless supply of towels, a hair dryer, lighted shaving and make-up mirrors are also provided.

Deluxe Dining

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, is one of the most glamorous hotels in the capital and provides a feast for the senses with distinctive restaurants that feature fresh, innovative cuisine and a tempting range of sophisticated fine dining and entertainment. 

Al Orjouan is its all-day dining restaurant, which hosts brunches, the biggest buffet in the capital, and theme nights ranging from Butcher’s Night to Seafood Night. Diners can indulge in international and Middle Eastern flavours in the opulent setting at this FACT Award-winning spot. It’s a great excuse to dress up for a fine dining experience.

Azzurro serves Italian food with finesse. The dining room includes plush pillars, marble features and the chic spot takes pride of place poolside. The menu is inspired by dishes from Sardinia and offers authentic flavours with a modern twist.

Following three years of closure, Hong has emerged from its COVID cocoon, melding contemporary cuisine with traditional Chinese opulence in an auspicious red setting. Signature dishes include pumpkin and king crab soup, wok-fried beef, and cherry yuzu creme brûlée, resulting in a memorable meal.

For something casual, Chorisia Lounge is named after a 600-year-old tree that stands proudly in The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh’s garden and is the place for afternoon tea and people-watching in the regal lobby, while Palais Des Délices is the place to be for afternoon tea and signature desserts.

Fantastic Facilities 

Looking to strike it lucky? The recreational options are endless, from the Turquoise Cigar Lounge to the 1,000-square-meter six-lane Strike Bowling Alley. Alternatively, you can work up a sweat in the 24-hour gym before retreating to the steam room, sauna or wellness faculties.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa invites guests to lose themselves in a haven of pampering and relaxation at one of the finest wellness centres in the Middle East. The treatments and products, including the Royal Groom of Arabia and Royal Extravaganza, use exquisite local techniques to relax the mind, body, and spirit. The Royal Groom of Arabia is a customised wedding preparation showcased through a collection of tailor-made treatments, including a floral feet ritual, a full body scrub and body wrap, and a full body massage. The Royal Extravaganza uses all natural ingredients for a head-to-toe treatment encompassing full body exfoliation, a body wrap, a hydrating body massage and an olive facial mask

Both the gym and pool are mixed-use modernised facilities, and the swimming pool has to be one of the most Insta-worthy in the Kingdom, boasting a glistening body of water beneath soaring ceilings, flanked by colonnades and plenty of loungers.

With so much on offer, it’s unlikely you’d need to leave the hotel. However, a handy shuttle ferries guests to Via Riyadh for additional dining adventures at Madeo, Scott’s, Spago by Wolfgang Puck or the FACT Award-winning Gymkhana.

An upscale city sanctuary located at the heart of the Saudi capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, has become the go-to destination for the discerning traveller who wants to be in the centre of the city, eating great food in a fabulous ambience. There are many reasons why The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, is as revered as it is; reliable, classy, inviting and a true resort feeling is what this place is all about.

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