Located in the north of Riyadh, mystical Diriyah is the birthplace of Saudi Arabia as we know it today: the seat of the House of Saud and where the First Saudi State was established in 1727. Today, the area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif, a maze of mudbrick buildings, highlighting the beauty of ancient Najdi architecture and the new Diriyah project to revitalise the area and bring it into a new era. The development houses Bujairi Terrace, a collection of restaurants, and now, the area’s first hotel – blending modernity with the past. With dozens of stunning hotels in the pipeline, including two Aman properties, here are the hotels to visit in Diriyah.

Bab Samhan, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah

Bab Samhan, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Diriyah, has become the first hotel to open in the Saudi capital’s historic district. The hotel stays true to the area, nestled within a labyrinth of alleyways with mudbrick architecture, open courtyards and spaces to gather. The hotel has been carefully crafted with restored Najdi design elements inspired by the sun and the region’s wildflowers, palm fronds, and mountains. Of course, this is a Luxury Collection hotel, so expect modern amenities, turn-down service, events spaces for up to 250 people, a fitness centre and The Earthen Spa. Three restaurants also showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich epicurean traditions, including Taleed by Chef Micheal Mina, Jareed (for Najd culinary methods) and all-day diner Medheef.

‘We are proud to be celebrating the opening of this extraordinary and unique property – one that captures the essence of Diriyah’s proud history and heritage,’ said Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company Group, on the launch. ‘This is the first of 40 amazing hotels Diriyah is developing to welcome the world to our City of Earth and experience world-class luxury set among a beautiful and inspirational landscape.’
From 1,500SAR a night ($400), marriott.com  

Near+Far’s top hotels in Diriyah to look forward to

Aman Wadi Safar

Opening 2026

Aman Wadi Safar will feature just 78 rooms alongside 34 fully-service Aman branded residences, bringing iconic concepts like the Aman Spa to the Saudi capital. The design team behind the newly opened Aman New York, Denniston Architects, have been appointed to bring the legendary Jean-Michel Gathy’s design touches to the property, but to perfectly balance them with the locale and Diriyah’s rich culture and heritage. The project will be set away from the central development in the peaceful Wadi Safar area, and no doubt be inspired by the traditional mudbrick Najdi architectural style, as is seen in Diriyah and the UNESCO site At-Turaif.

Janu Diriyah

Opening 2025

While Aman Wadi Safari will be small, discreet and peaceful, sister brand Janu Diriyah will be more vicious and soulful. Literally translating to ‘soul’ in Sanskrit (with Aman meaning ‘peace’), the new Janu property will be close to the UNESCO Site and main Diriyah complex and have 120 keys, a Janu spa and several vibrant restaurants. Janu debuted with its first property in Tokyo, Japan, in March 2024, with an opening in Saudi’s AlUla also set for 2025.

1 Hotel Diriyah

Opening 2025

Known for its chic, minimalist and Scandi-inspired hotels in London, Copenhagen, Paris and New York, an unlikely contender for a Diriyah hotel is 1 Hotels. However, the brand is set to open in the development in 2025. Guests can expect nature-inspired elements with three swimming pools, five restaurants and bars and a spa. We’re looking forward to seeing what this sustainably-focused brand brings to Saudi Arabia.

Capella Diriyah

Opening 2027

Diriyah marks trendy East Asian brand Capella’s first opening in the Middle East – set to open in 2027 with 100 rooms that captures the
essence of the Najdi style. Known for its hotels in the likes of Bangkok and Singapore (the former officially the Best Hotel in the World). The property will overlook Wadi Hanifah and bring Capella spirit to Saudi. Wadi Hanifah, a focal point of preservation and restoration. But the real pull will be its spa and restaurants. Capella Wellness promises to be a true refuge from the world, with swimming pools, a hammam and flotation room, and restaurants will span Saudi Arabian to Mediterranean and Latin America. The highlight? A rooftop swimming pool with relaxation pavilions and unparalleled views of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rosewood Diriyah

Opening 2027

As one of the biggest new hotels in Diriyah, the world-famous Rosewood brand will offer 250 luxurious rooms, including 202 guest rooms and suites and 48 Wadi Suites, ranging from one to three-bedrooms. Guests will get to enjoy four restaurants and bars, plus little ones can learn and be entertained in the ‘culturally-inspired’ children’s club. The property will be classically comfortable and Rosewood, but with traditional-inspired décor, from the prints on the wall, to pillars, lanterns and ornate carpets.

Faena Wadi Safar

Opening 2027

Famed Miami haunt Faena might be an unlikely pick for a Saudi Arabian World Heritage Site, but the brand is doing a 180 and set to open in Diriyah in 2027. While there’s not much to give away yet (opening penned for 2027), it’s likely this will be a younger, trendier, more fun place to bed down in Diriyah.

Six Senses Wadi Safar

Opening 2027

On paper, the Six Senses brand goes hand-in-hand with Diriyah – following recent openings at the Red Sea and with famed escapist destinations in the likes of Oman, Bhutan and Maldives. The wellness and zen-focused resort is set to open in 2027 and will offer 80 rooms set across five clusters atop a hill, set away from the main hub with panoramic views of the valley. There will be architecture in Najdi-style, with contemporary touches woven in. Plus a Six Senses Spa, hammam, yoga studio, salon and more.

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