Indulge in the brand’s traditions, from butlers to a Bloody Mary.
When you say the words – St. Regis – it oozes old-world opulence. The iconic brand has been setting standards in hospitality since opening its first hotel in New York in 1904. Today, St. Regis properties span more than 50 countries, including Saudi Arabia. The St. Regis Riyadh, located in the upscale Via Riyadh near the Diplomatic Quarter, embodies the brand’s signature elegance and refined service. Soon, the legacy will continue with the opening of St. Regis Jeddah, further cementing the brand’s presence in the region.
The St. Regis brand boasts an enviable origin story. The brand was created by John Jacob Astor IV, one of America’s wealthiest men (he was so rich, he could afford a ticket on the RMS Titanic, where he died at the age of 47), and St. Regis traditions and the Ascot legacy live on in each hotel. Each property includes a butler service, sabering at sunset, a lobby with a statement chandelier as well as a staircase, and a Bloody Mary – albeit, a non-alcoholic one in Riyadh.
The St. Regis experience started from the moment we landed in Riyadh. Even though we landed early, the driver was already waiting, and the room was ready for an early check-in. When you enter the hotel, it combines St. Regis class with Saudi heritage. The exterior is cast from brown stone from the Tuwaiq mountains. The interiors have been designed by Kristina Zanic, and come in soft creams and whites. So far, so seamless.
Rooms and suites
The St. Regis Riyadh boasts 59 rooms and 24 suites. We checked into the St Regis Suite, which spans more than 1,000 square feet. The sweeping space boasts an understated elegance, which combines minimalism and modernity. While the view looked out onto a car park, the floor-to-ceiling windows let in the kind of light that would make an estate agent coo with excitement.
When I’m in a hotel, I often find myself working on the bed, but here the sofa and desk were well appointed. What makes the service stand out from the hospitality crowd is that every room has access to a private butler – and what a service it is. The butler can pack and unpack your suitcase, iron one item for free each day, and provide hot and cold drinks. What’s more, they were able to anticipate my needs with a knock on the door and a tea trolley.
The St. Regis doesn’t cut any corners – even the bin is brass and the bathroom hits #bathroomgoals. It feels just as large as the bedroom, and the products are all Sachajuan. Great for couples, there is a big, beautiful free-standing marble tub, spacious shower, two sinks and a long lighted mirror. The sliding door, which acts as a wall between the rooms, can be closed for privacy.
Restaurants and bars
The St. Regis Riyadh is home to a stylish set of spots to indulge in food and drink. At the heart of the hotel is the all-day venue, Jackie Restaurant, which pays homage to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was first married to the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and later married to the Greek businessman, Aristotle Onassis. As a result, the menu combines American and Greek cuisine.
Jackie Restaurant brings to life the spirit of the original influencer, Jackie O. The venue is clean, classy and, above all, chic. It’s the sort of space that makes you sit up straighter – and we suggest doing that in front of the photo wall by the piano, which showcases Jackie in all her stylish glory. The breakfast options range from Arabic to English, and include healthy options. What the breakfast dishes and buffet lack in size, they make up for in the quality of cheese, fish and meats. And, if you have a sweet tooth, you are spoilt for choice.
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea – served in a golden birdcage, no less – at The Drawing Room. Drink the Saudi Arabian version of a Bloody Mary at the St Regis Bar. Dig into sashimi, sushi and salads at Stella Sky Lounge.
Facilities
It’s hard to believe that The St. Regis Spa is in the heart of the capital. It’s got the kind of calm that you only dream about when you sleep. The extensive treatment menu includes body scrubs, couples’ and solo massages, and facials. Facilities include steam rooms and pools, and a state-of-the-art gym. Rumour has it, sports star and Saudi Arabian brand ambassador, Lionel Messi, has visited the hotel – if you look closely, his signed T-shirt is hanging on the wall in the gym.
Verdict
At The St. Regis Riyadh, less is more. In the Middle East, luxury hotels can get carried away with ostentatious displays of wealth. The team embodied quiet confidence; while there were a few hiccups with orders at restaurants, they were eager to please and were not overbearing. Here’s to a heritage and hospitality that never goes out of style.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.