In a city, and country, driven by modernisation, with global hotel brand openings like Shangri-La and EDITION, the newly developing Jeddah Marina and attractions like the Formula 1, it’s refreshing to be able to still step back in time to the Jeddah of the past. South of the city, jostling next to skyscrapers, sits the ancient district of Al Balad, a rabbit warren of heritage houses built from blocks of coral found on the neighbouring Red Sea coastline. The district was once the home of many wealthy merchants and families and is now a cultural and leisure attraction, home to many boutiques and cool coffee shops and cafes. Among them are three new heritage hotels, lovingly restored to bring travellers some of the most charming boutique hotels in the Kingdom.
Thanks to its priceless display of traditional Hijazi architecture, Al Balad is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, a move which, in 2018, paved the way for a wave of regeneration – leading to the opening of the Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan – a project by Al Balad hospitality. The first of 34 properties planned for the area by 2027, these restored properties are available to check into now – championing local artisanship and design and paying homage to Jeddah’s rich culture and history. Guests are greeted upon arrival with coffee and rose-infused tea, and each room can be scented with your own personal incense of choice – creating an entirely immersive experience, not just a place to stay. At the same time, they’re all equipped with modern amenities, such as wi-fi. Step back in time at these three beautiful Jeddah boutique hotels.
Beit Jokhdar
Book for: the first-floor restaurant using local ingredients
Taking travellers back to the 19th century, Beit Jokhdar is one of the most luxurious of the three Jeddah boutique hotels. The property offers nine rooms and suites, which are all individually designed to pay homage to the heritage of Al Balad, with classic rooms to the two-bedroom royal suite on offer. Two of the three suites have a private steam room, and all rooms have L’Occitane amenities. Traditional methods and materials were used to restore its decorative features, and today, the same gypsum carvings, woodwork and paint colours can be found, harking back to the district’s heyday as a home for wealthy local families. The property has lounge areas with Arabian furnishings and a main restaurant on the building’s first floor, which champions local ingredients. What makes Jokhdar a stand-out stay is its exclusive rooftop terrace, offering enchanting views of the surrounding historical buildings, which guests can access anytime – for a Saudi coffee in the morning or stargazing at night.
Beit Al Rayess
Book for: cosy rooms for solo travellers
Al Rayess also offers a range of rooms and suites, just six in fact. Its cosy entry rooms are perfect for solo travellers or those travelling as a group (thanks to interconnecting options) and its suites are more neutral and modern than the ornate grandeur of Jokhdar. There’s a lovely terrace for unwinding after a day’s sightseeing or enjoying your morning coffee on, and guided tours are available from the property (as with all the Al Balad properties). Book into the Al Rayess Prince Suite for a moody, dimly-lit Arabian experience with earthy hues and pops of jewel tones and plenty of dark local wood for a cosy, cocooned feeling. All rooms have plush king-sized beds with Malaika Linen, L’Occitane amenities, Nespresso machines, safes and more (as with all three Jeddah boutique hotels part of the Al Balad project). Mohammed Bamehriz, general manager of the Jeddah Historic District Program’s Heritage Assets Restoration Department, recommends the local textile and spice boutiques and the Zawiya 97 creative hub and district for artisan workshops.
Beit Kedwan
Book for: the rooftop terrace
Kedwan is the most unique of the three restored heritage Jeddah boutique hotels in that it can only be rented out in its entirety. More of a private villa rental than a hotel, Kedwan offers two spacious bedrooms with multiple lounge areas and a private dining room- all meeting Arabian design with contemporary comfort. There are guest bathrooms, so hosting isn’t a problem, and all rooms come with L’Occitane amenities. Private dining experiences can be organised for guests, championing local produce, and Kedwan guests have access to a butler for a wholly tailored luxury experience in Al Balad. The most magnificent part is the captivating roof terrace, an enclosed private escape in the thick of Al Balad – beckoning from morning coffee to nightly stargazing. The hotel backs right into the labyrinth, home to historic mosques and vibrant souks = and guest experiences are on hand to tell you exactly what to see.
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