You might be used to a sprawling resort when you hear the name Four Seasons, but there’s one property that will break all the stereotypes and show hotel hoppers exactly how to experience city life. FACT checks into the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre to find complete perfection in the middle of the Saudi capital.
Located in one of Riyadh’s most iconic addresses, the 302-meter-high Kingdom Tower, the first Four Seasons in the Saudi capital, has become a landmark in itself. Perched between the 30th and 50th floors of the bottle-opener-shaped structure, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre offers guests an exclusive hideaway in the heart of the Saudi capital. A place where luxurious accommodations, destination dining and a serene spa converge to create a landmark in luxury.
The Suite Life
Expect nothing short of the royal treatment at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Check-in is smooth and we’re greeted with smiles from the friendly front-of-house team. The hotel is stunning, with a lobby that boasts an abundance of floral blooms and a sense of grandeur to complement the impeccable Arabian hospitality. This Four Seasons may be almost 20 years old, but the property appears brand new following a recent refurbishment of the 274 rooms and suites.
Within minutes we’re ascending to the hotel’s 42nd floor, where our Executive Suite awaits. The spacious accommodation offers spectacular city views and, decked out in neutral tones of cream and brown, provides a comfortable retreat in the heart of the city. A spacious living room home to a four-seater dining table and sofa leads through to the beautiful bedroom, where a comfortable king-sized bed (complete with pillow menu) provided us with one of the best night’s rest we’ve ever had in a hotel.
The 84-square-metre Four Seasons Executive Suites are quiet and peaceful. We loved the luxurious marble bathroom, huge walk-in closet and cosy living area. The walk-in rain shower and deep tub are ideal for soaking and offer complete bliss after a day of exploring the city. The technologically forward-thinking hotel includes modern amenities such as a personal iPad and motorised window drapery to further help you to relax and enjoy a convenient and comfortable stay.
A separate work area has everything you could ask for, and more, in terms of enough sockets to charge all your gadgets and devices. And when you need to catch up on emails, finish a presentation or meet a deadline, just look out of the window at the view, which should help to ease any stressful situation.
Yet it’s the small touches that make a difference, from the wall-mounted skateboard decks painted in colourful Arabic calligraphy to the textured walls, rich walnut panelling, and the alternating amber, amethyst and emerald hues in the carpeting. It’s city chic with a touch of Arabian modernity, and we are well and truly here for it.
Fabulous Facilities
Be sure to look your best when heading to the first-floor swimming pool. Nestled amidst the glass towers that rise skywards, the small pool offers a haven for relaxation, complete with cabanas and a mini jacuzzi. Even though you’re in the middle of it all, the space felt very intimate and private.
Be sure to stop by the spa too. Upon arrival, you’ll get a welcome beverage which tastes like a pure cleanse for the soul. After slipping into the comfiest robes, the therapist leads the way to the spacious treatment rooms, where a range of options await. From a Royal Moroccan Hammam to hot stone massages and hot lava shell massages. The choice of bespoke massages, facials and body treatment are endless.
Add to that the incredible heated sand beds and you’re in for a one-of-a-kind treatment, unlike anything you’ve tried before. Afterwards, make sure to check out the sauna, steam room and plunge pool or kick back in the relaxation lounge and prolong the sense of serenity.
Destination Dining
Food has never been this diverse and this good. From the drinks and light bites at the lobby lounge to the extensive in-room dining menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice with quality cuisines.
The highlight, however is Elements, an all-day-dining destination with a difference. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner across an expansive buffet and several live cooking stations, diners can expect traditional Saudi staples, sumptuous sushi, freshly-baked breads and decadent desserts. Breakfast is where Elements truly comes alive with its extensive egg selection and pretty pastries to complement the detox juices and freshly brewed coffee.
Yet, it’s all change at the Four Seasons, as this Ramadan, the restaurant offering will be revamped entirely, bringing a celebrity chef-fronted concept and an exciting international import. We guarantee that these new concepts, which should debut in Q4 of 2023, are well worth the wait.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a boutique-style sanctuary tucked away in one of the coolest areas of Riyadh. Conveniently located on the busy thoroughfare of Al Olaya, just a few minutes from the airport and the city’s wealth of cultural attractions. The hotel boasts the added advantage of being connected to the Sky Bridge viewing deck, one of Riyadh’s top tourist attractions, and the Kingdom Centre shopping mall. The upmarket retail destination is home to everything from H&M to Chanel, in addition to a VOX Cinema. As cinemas in Saudi Arabia only reopened in 2018, a trip to the movies is a must.
Considering that we’re in a part of the world where five-star means the utmost luxury, a brand like the Four Seasons fits right in. This hospitality giant has staked its reputation on high expectations, attention to detail and a sense of local, and we can attest that the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre delivers all that (and more).
Try tearing yourself away from the comfort of one of Riyadh’s most opulent addresses – we dare you.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com/riyadh for reservations and more information.
