Where :
Al Mashreq Boutique Hotel / Al Urubah Rd. / Riyadh / Saudi Arabia
Click HERE for location / Website
Overview :
Elegant and distinctively Arabic. This boutique property is offering luxury escape straight out of the Aladdin’s fairy tale.
Rich decor, gold chandeliers, marble mosaics and bubbling fountains are creating the perfect ambience to unwind after busy day.
The hotel is a member of a diverse collection of “Small Luxury Hotels in the World” and situated next to an office complex with a lovely courtyard garden assuring privacy and serenity.
Location :
Ideally located just stone’s throw away from the busy Riyadh centre and 40min from the Riyadh Intl. Airport / 85 SAR by London Taxi
In approx. 5min drive you can easily reach the Kingdom Tower, Al Faisaliah Centre and the two main roads Olaya Street and King Fahd road.
You cannot walk from the hotel as there is nothing around it, but taxis are easily available outside.
They are inexpensive, but make sure you negotiate the price before getting in and know exact location where are you heading to.
Note, due to Riyadh Metro construction, many roads are closed or diverted.
Room :
Well, let’s say the rooms are cozy and clean. Definitely not the most spacious but I have slept like a log.
Bed it’s just ideally firm and I really enjoyed to wrap myself completely in the soft bed sheets.
Complimentary water, tea/coffee facility, safe, electronic 100% black-out curtains and practicaly placed sockets to re-charge your devices. Ironing board is hidden inside the wardrobe.
There isn’t many international channels on TV so better stick with your tablet or phone. Also, the AC blows the air directly on your head while in the bed and I have found this quite bothersome.
Free Wi-Fi is fast enough and not much noise can be heard from the corridor. To enjoy a good night sleep, always opt for the inner courtyard view rooms.
Bathroom was spacious with weighting scale, hair dryer, small make-up mirror and the usual set of toiletries branded by Elemis. Bathrobe and slippers also available.
Service :
In general it was good, but when I asked for dinner restaurant recommendations I was met with a puzzled look from the staff member.
Later I have found a Lebanese restaurant within the same office block.
Otherwise, the staff at the Tea Lounge, or Spa were very pleasant and helpful.
Dining :
- Ewaan restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast buffet is offering good selection of international and arabic options. The freshly made omelette was just perfection.
My only comment would be regarding the fresh juices. They have no description, so you have to kind of guess what’s inside. Also, no one came to offer coffee, or tea which is a basic service.
- Tea Lounge serves a’la carte food and wide selection of cold and hot beverages
Facilities :
My favourite area of the hotel is hidden in the lower ground floor. Professionally equipped gym with PT services, lovely swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Spa treatments also available for a affordable prices but I didn’t’ try any during my stay.
Who is it for :
Mostly business travellers and GCC visitors.
What makes it special :
- decor
- spa
- quiet location
Not so good :
- AC too strong / pointing directly at the head
- small rooms
- you can not walk anywhere due to the roadworks and slightly remote location
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