High-rise and shine: Riyadh’s best hotels

From lavish royal palaces to ultra-modern high-rises, Riyadh’s hotels are designed to dazzle. Not only that, they’re also equipped with everything you could need: 24-hour gyms to stay active around the clock, world-class dining, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms that make business a breeze.

Whether your travel plans involve sealing deals at the St. Regis, unwinding at the Fairmont or taking in sparkling skyline views from the Four Seasons, you can be sure of a luxurious stay in Riyadh when you check in at one of these properties.

The St. Regis Riyadh

Since opening last November, The St. Regis Riyadh has become the city's hottest address. Crafted from ancient Tuwaiq mountain stone, this five-star marvel blends sleek minimalist interiors with turn-of-the-century design accents that nod to the founding Astor family.  

From the lobby, a grand staircase leads you to immaculate rooms and suites, the latter is also served by a private elevator. Dining here is an elevated affair, with standout spots including Jackie, a chic American-Greek eatery inspired by Jackie Kennedy, and The St. Regis Bar, where a stunning fabric mural sets the scene. Head down to the subterranean spa for desert-inspired saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, hot tubs, and a relaxation space adorned with glass art installations.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

The most revered of Riyadh’s hotels, The Ritz-Carlton is a former royal palace situated among grand gardens at the end of a rolling gated driveway. Lavish interiors with chandeliers, plush regency furniture and intricate ceilings make this hotel worthy of its prestigious neighbour, the Royal Court, where the highest-level government meetings are held.  

The Ritz-Carlton’s bejewelled ballrooms and maze of meeting rooms also frequently play host to global events and government summits. Rooms can be pricey during these events but are worth it for the Al Orjouan breakfast buffet alone, which features more than six types of honey, a variety of dates, an array of breads, pastries, meats, and more. 

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh

For two decades, the flower-filled lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has provided the setting for countless meetings between Saudi professionals and visiting executives. These gatherings, often sweetened by exceptional macarons from the adjoining Pierre Hermé boutique , set the tone for an indulgent yet productive stay in newly revamped rooms that blend contemporary design with traditional Saudi Arabian influences. 

Located in the iconic glass-fronted Kingdom Centre at the intersection of King Fahd Expressway and Orouba Road, this 12-floor gem towers over Riyadh. Be sure to visit the Sky Bridge at night for stunning skyline views that contrast the old city with the distant skyscrapers of King Abdullah Financial District .

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh

Since taking over last year, Mandarin Oriental has infused this longstanding five-star hotel with local touches, from a Friday brunch that celebrates ingredients from each of Saudi’s 13 provinces to a custom fan by Her Royal Highness Nourah Al Faisal, which reimagines the brand’s logo with fabric panels, quartz desert diamonds, and green titanium.  

The hotel boasts a roster of world-class dining options , including the renowned LPM, elegant Italian dining spot Mamo Michelangelo, and the laid-back Asir Lounge. Fine-dining restaurant The Globe offers modern European dishes with panoramic views of Riyadh from an orb dramatically suspended at the top of the triangular Al Faisaliah tower, which rises above the hotel. 

Fairmont Riyadh

Just a 20-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport, the five-star Fairmont Riyadh is designed for business travellers. Sophisticated Gold-level rooms come with complimentary use of an executive 10-seat boardroom, plus access to an exclusive private lounge for breakfast and afternoon canapés.  

After a long day of meetings, head to the House of Grill by Nicolas Isnard – the chef behind Dijon’s Michelin-starred L'Auberge de la Charme – for the finest prime cuts and ocean delicacies amid old-school glamour. On weekends, the revamped spa is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing swim in the triple-height indoor pool space or unwind with indulgent treatments.

Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Inspired by Saudis’ love affair with Paris, Mansard Riyadh exudes French flair with its sloping roofs and a chic street-level arcade of homegrown boutiques selling everything from artisan chocolates to gourmet coffee. Corridors adorned with contemporary works by local artist Mishal Saad Alzaid lead to classy rooms, serviced apartments, and duplex villas framed by striking millwork doors. 

For the business traveller, Mansard offers six meeting rooms bathed in natural daylight, overlooking the hotel’s vibrant outdoor plaza. Foodies will be thrilled to find swish New York dining imports Carbone and Sadelle’s , celebrity favourites that bring retro Italian charm and all-day, all-American dining to the heart of Riyadh.

JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh

In the gleaming Burj Rafal, one of Riyadh’s tallest residential towers, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh offers a refined stay with clean, contemporary rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and a design aesthetic drawing on traditional Najdi desert architecture.  

The hotel’s dining venues don’t disappoint either. At the lush JW Glass Garden, chefs use fresh, seasonal ingredients grown just outside the hotel to whip up organic salads, smoky soups and falafel bowls. Meanwhile, Fork & Pipe invites guests for sunset shisha sessions set against stylish landscaping and screens that broadcast international sports matches. 

Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences

This sleek and modern hotel is just a stroll away from the shops and eateries of Granada Mall, and a 10-minute drive to the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre. Its long-stay studio apartments, fitted with full kitchens, are ideal if you want to feel more at home during your trip.  

After a long day, unwind at one of two indoor heated pools (separate for men and women) or treat yourself to a signature treatment that promises to harness “the healing powers of marine elements” at the in-house Eforea Spa. Hungry? Taste Armenian delicacies at restaurant Mayrig , where the chefs make use of Silk Road spices, seasonal ingredients and top-notch olive oil. 

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya

In Olaya, one of Riyadh’s most buzzing districts, the ultra-modern Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya is at the heart of the action. Indulge in fashionable dining and shopping offerings at Centria, Riyadh’s most luxurious mall, or explore the vibrant café scene minutes away on Tahlia Street. 

The Regency Club, Hyatt’s “hotel within a hotel” concept, sits on the 26th floor and offers all-day refreshments, beverages, and evening canapés, plus a dedicated space to work with stellar views of the Riyadh skyline. The airy Tea Lounge , open 24 hours a day, is another excellent spot for catching up over decadent desserts.