A glossy hotel in the city’s vibrant new Diplomatic Quarter, emulating New York City’s Gilded Age
Maryanne Peacock
The St Regis Riyadh review: tried and tested
Why book The St. Regis Riyadh
This was my first visit to the Kingdom and I was intrigued by what greeted me on arrival – a sprawling city, Riyadh on first appearances is much larger than I would have ever anticipated. In the heart, Riyadh is a bustling metropolis where towering skyscrapers house global businesses. The surroundings on the other hand house historical sites like the National Museum and Masmak Fortress; a vibrant cultural scene, with entertainment options ranging from world-class shopping malls, historic souks and UNESCO World Heritage sites including Diriyah. With so much development happening across the city, you can feel the opportunity as much as you can see it and I knew instantly that this was going to be the first of many trips..
I chose to stay at The St. Regis Riyadh – a city hotel where stylish accommodation meets streamline service, exquisite spa facilities and decadent dining. The newly opened hotel is in the heart of VIA Riyadh, a premier destination filled with some of the world’s most famous restaurants, exclusive fashion brands plus a luxury salon and the largest spa in the city, which is actually housed in the hotel. It has a boutique feel with only 83 rooms and suites and the butler service ensures all needs are met in a speedy fashion.
Location
Situated in the city’s Diplomatic Quarter, amidst iconic landmarks and luxurious residences, this hotel is a cultural and recreational hub. On the doorstep (quite literally) you’ll find luxury shopping, a large array of dining plus a cinema plus hair salons and more. It is about 30 – 45 minutes from the airport (traffic dependant) and about 15mins from KAFD, the business hub of Riyadh. Beside its Via Riyadh address, the district of Diriyah is an easy drive away and a popular cultural destination.
Rooms and suites
Featuring 83 guest rooms and suites, including the 225 sqm Royal Suite, each room offers elegant décor and ample space with beautiful bathrooms and luxury amenities by Ren Skincare, Sachajuan and Sodashi. The beds are divine – large with feather-soft mattress, Frette linen and down- filled pillows. My 104 sqm St Regis Suite had a separate living and dining area, a bedroom and bathroom separated by sliding walls, and a gorgeous rainfall shower and spacious bathtub. The impressive Royal Suite has glorious floor to ceiling windows, allowing light to fill the rooms, a personal butler, dedicated living space as well as a huge closet with plenty of luggage space. Similar to other St. Regis hotels around the world, the hotel offers the St. Regis Butler service – someone who is on call during your stay and available to assist with reservations or experiences, unpacking/packing or simply answer any questions you might have, all over WhatsApp.
Food and drink
A signature restaurant, inspired by the tasteful artistry of its era, Jackie Restaurant serves as the hotel’s ‘all day dining’ option, blending American & Greek influences in a menu that showcases meticulous attention to detail. Breakfast offers a mix of fresh pastries, cheeses and meats with all your cereal staples alongside a la carte options, and really great coffee. Inspired by the former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s second marriage to the Greek shipping tycoon, the Greek-American menu that is on offer for lunch and dinner is simple yet delicious – classic Greek dishes and dips meet with meat cuts, burgers and Mediterranean flavours.
I loved my experience at Stella Sky Lounge – from the service to the food, everything was faultless. With both indoor and outdoor seating (the terrace, which is by the pool, has become a popular shisha spot thanks to its city views and live music), this spot I’m told is popular in winter and summer, with people flocking to try their Zodiac mocktail menu. I was also impressed with the innovation behind the main menu – I tried their Lamb Sushi, a local take on the Japanese staple, and I was pleasantly surprised! The Chilean Seabass with Coconut and Black Rice was also standout, and a worthy recommendation by the team. They also recommended the steaks which are all BBQed in the back kitchen- something to try next time. As well as these two restaurants, the hotel also has the Drawing Room, where high tea is served, The Library, which features treats from the hugely talented pastry chef and the St Regis Bar.
Spa and facilities
Sprawling across the lower ground floor of the hotel, the spa is a centre piece of this hotel. Offering an array of treatments focused on the body, mind and spirit, the menu features a curated collection of treatments inspired by the legend of Caroline Astor (legendary founder John Jacob Astor’s mother). Coined as one of the biggest spas in Saudi Arabia, with 1,240 sqm to its name, the spa also has a Spa Suite, featuring a double steam showers, snow shower, ice fountain, steam and sauna; a Celebration Bar for social catering and celebrations plus the Iridium Lounge and Private Enclave, where guests can seek privacy alone, or in groups. There are separate treatment and relaxation areas for both men and women, each offering treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, rainfall showers and a snow shower, as well as comfortable lounging areas where tea and treats are served pre and post treatment.
Other facilities include a small outdoor swimming pool, next to Stella Sky Lounge on the 3rd floor plus a gym, fully equipped with state-of-the-art devices by Technogym including elliptical machines, treadmills, stationery bikes, stair climbers and Omnia 8 machine, all available 24 hours a day to in-house guests.
The verdict
I will forever remember this stay as my whirlwind first visit to the Kingdom, where I found refuge and relaxation at The St. Regis – even though the trip was fast-paced, the hotel offered an air of calm, which was much needed amongst the chaos (and the traffic). The service was a highlight, and its delivery faultless. I also loved the food offered and ate extremely well during my 24-hour flight visit. Following a comfortable 10-hour solid night’s sleep, I wouldn’t hesitate to book another stay at The St. Regis Riyadh.
Doubles from SAR1,862 a night (about $496); marriott.com, @stregisriyadh
