Fairmont’s Saudi Arabian debut is a beautiful marriage of heritage and modernity, with all the facilities required by the modern traveller
Why book Fairmont Riyadh
Set against a cosmopolitan backdrop of Riyadh’s Central Business District, this hotel beautifully combines gilded Middle Eastern glamour, state-of-the-art technology, modern elegance, and Fairmont’s globally recognised standard for excellence. Opening its doors in 2019, it’s a city hotel that very much excels throughout and in particular its dining. Rooms are spacious with modern amenities, there is a beautiful spa offering a variety of services and the location makes it perfect for both business and leisure travellers with the key business district and shopping centres a stones’ throw away. The service is also exceptional – friendly, welcoming and warm.
Location: 9
One of the USPs of a stay at Fairmont Riyadh is definitely its location! Centrally located in the Business Gate area, offering convenient access to key business districts, government offices, and corporate headquarters, the hotel is also conveniently close to King Khalid International Airport, within a 20 minute drive. Additionally, its proximity to major shopping malls and cultural attractions makes it a great choice for leisure guests looking to explore Riyadh.
It is also close to the enigmatic lanes of the old souqs and historical UNESCO sites. Additionally, within a 20-minute ride – best taken in Fairmont’s premium limousine service – you will find yourself at the Al Masmak Fortress, a symbol of Saudi’s historic power dating back to 1865 with fascinating local exhibits. At-Turaif, the spectacular birthplace of Saudi Arabia and former seat of Saudi royals in Diriyah, is also a short drive away. A maze of mudbrick buildings, the UNESCO World Heritage Site sits alongside Riyadh’s newest dining destination Bujairi Terrace and soon-to-be-open art galleries and boutiques built in the traditional Najdi architectural style.
Rooms and Suites: 7.5
Whilst the 298-room rooms and suites are not the most luxurious places to rest your head in the city, they are spacious, super clean and well thought out, fusing Western and Arabesque design. The bathrooms offer all the modern amenities, and the suites also offer Le Labo products. The beds are super comfy (let’s be honest, thats the most important aspect of any hotel room) and integrated technology enhances the convenience of every stay with an interactive media panel, dual-line phones and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The 40 suites also offer access to the private and luxurious Fairmont Gold At The Savoy, and interconnecting rooms are available on request. The creme de la creme is the Al Malaki Suite, the hotel’s crown jewel – located on the hotel’s highest floor and offering cinematic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, this suite has also become known as the Royal Suite, offering up a three-bedroom luxury residence sitting high above the skyline. It is home to spacious spa marble bathrooms, an indoor Jacuzzi, dual unit rain showers, personalised Le Labo amenities and offers Fairmont’s signature gold-standard butler service.
Food and Drink: 9
The food was one of my favourite things about my stay at Fairmont Riyadh. There are three themed dining outlets to cater to every taste, offering everything from classical American dining and contemporary Pan-Asian to the fresh and wholesome flavours of Southern Italy. There are also all-day café spaces perfect for meetings, coffees, and light bites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at 365, and whilst I am not normally a fan of buffet meals, both breakfast and lunch exceeded expectations when it came to variety on offer vs taste and flavour.
However, House of Grill was the stand out dining destination for me. An ode to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel; here, prime cuts of steak are served alongside beverages in vintage glassware accompanied by live jazz music. The true magic of House of Grill comes to life with culinary maestro, Michelin-starred Chef Nicolas Isnard – hailing from the captivating South of France, Chef Isnard has earned recognition as a master of culinary artistry through his previous roles at renowned Michelin-starred restaurants like La Prieure and Le Vieux Logis. His exceptional talents also graced the kitchen of the prestigious two Michelin-starred restaurant, La Rotonde.
Spa and Facilities: 8
The Fairmont Spa is home to a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and hammam experience and 24-hour high-tech fitness centre. Holistic and regenerative spa treatments are available and span bespoke massages, body treatments and rejuvenating facials, and there’s a dedicated ladies-only lounge offering the utmost privacy.
The Verdict: 8.5
There are many selling points that would urge me to stay at Fairmont Riyadh again, most notably the food and the service. I don’t think I have ever come across such welcoming and friendly staff during a visit to KSA – the team couldn’t do enough to ensure my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The location was another massive selling point for me – the 15minute drive from the airport meant I made the most of my 24 hour stay in the city and the excellent dining options meant I never went hungry.
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