Hotel Hotspot: Al Faisaliah Hotel

What’s it like to stay in one of the most recognisable landmarks in Riyadh?

When looking for a place to stay in Riyadh, you want comfortable, hassle-free and relaxing – a place that goes all-out to cater to your every need. The twenty-year-old Al Faisaliah Hotel offers just that, and so much more.

Al Faisaliah Hotel blends urban sophistication with luxurious comfort. The tranquil haven opened in 2000 and is mere minutes from King Khalid International Airport and King Abdulaziz Historical Center, where Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage come alive. 

Few hotels can claim that they are an architecturally recognisable part of the city’s skyline – but Al Faisaliah can, thanks to its pyramid-esque point, complete with a golden globe at the top. However, the hotel is discreetly tucked away at the bottom of the monolithic skyscraper, where a smiling valet team and a bright lobby tinged with dark wood greet guests with gusto.

A seamless stay in Saudi

Accommodation at Al Faisaliah Hotel includes 325 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, complemented by Mandarin Oriental’s signature service to ensure a truly unforgettable Arabian experience. Guests visiting on a long weekend or short break should do as we did and opt for the spacious Superior Rooms. Highlights include a generous space with a separate marble bathroom decked out with a rainforest shower, bathrobes, comfortable slippers and luxurious amenities, in addition to an endless supply of towels, a hair dryer and lighted shaving and make-up mirror. 

All rooms and suites are designed in a modern style with Arabian touches. There’s a large LCD TV with premium channels and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer skyline views. You’ll easily sink into the plush bed for a peaceful night’s sleep; happily get up and make a tea or coffee using the in-room facilities (there’s even a Nespresso machine), get some work done at the small writing desk, or recline with a book on the chaise lounge. 

Our room combines practical design, cosy furnishings and an airy feel to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all, which is enhanced by the hotel’s 24-hour private butler service. And as we’ve come to expect from the Mandarin Oriental brand, this hotel is luxe. Expect pillow menus, electronic toilets (with heated seats), complimentary clothes pressing and exemplary Arabian hospitality.

Food Finesse 

There’s a lot to celebrate (and brag about) when dining at Al Faisaliah Hotel. The hotel offers several exciting dining concepts, including FACT favourite LPM Restaurant & Café, MAMO Michelangelo, Meraki Riyadh and Yauatcha Riyadh. With so many options on your doorstep, don’t miss the hotel’s vibrant all-day dining restaurant La Brasserie which offers a bountiful breakfast spread covering multiple-cuisine and interactive stations for eggs, pancakes and waffles. 

Located in the spectacular golden sphere that tops Al Faisaliah Tower, The Globe is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Riyadh. Diners can experience fine dining paired with impressive views of Riyadh’s evolving cityscape. The rather formal dining room, with its dark red carpeting and glass tabletops, shows signs of its twenty-year history, but service remains strong. With a minimum spend of SAR 288 per head, opt for the tasting menu that includes a delightful Salmon Gravlax with acacia honey and a tender beef cheek. If it’s fine dining with a vertigo-inducing vantage point you’re after, The Globe delivers all that and more from its outdoor viewing deck.

Respite and recreation

Expect exceptional luxury and relaxation at the ladies-only Al Faisaliah Spa, where the signature royal hammam treatment includes a steam, scrub, massage and mud wrap. Go grand and book the opulent private Imperial Spa Suite or take a dip in the 16-meter indoor swimming pool.

The hotel is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and is within walking distance of Harvey Nichols department store and Mode Mall. So whether you’re getting your steps in while you shop or by using the cardiovascular equipment, a stay at Al Faisaliah Hotel is a no-brainer. 

The verdict

As one of the landmark hotels in the Saudi capital, Al Faisaliah is currently undergoing a transition as it refurbishes guest rooms and transforms communal areas, resulting in a rebrand to the first Mandarin Oriental property in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2023.

If you’re travelling to the Saudi capital for business or leisure and riyals aren’t an issue, this luxurious hotel inside one of the most recognisable structures in Riyadh is a must. 

Luxury awaits.

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