Staycation Review: Shangri-La Jeddah
Welcome to a luxurious home away from home in the heart of Jeddah…
The location
The 220-room Shangri-La Jeddah has the most enviable location of all hotel properties in the prime Jeddah Waterfront. Guest rooms occupy levels nine to 26 of the 64-storey Burj Assila tower. A host of restaurants, shopping centres and theme parks are all within easy reach, including the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, home to the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. The Red Sea Mall is just ten minutes away on foot. As far as location goes, you can’t get any better than this.
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The look-and-feel
The solid marble wall cladding, dark wooden tones and silver fixtures that greet you in the lobby are the first sign that Shangri-La Jeddah is no ordinary hotel experience. A contemporary classic décor gives it a sense of cool elegance, and there’s something quite regal in the air as you step into the hotel.
The rooms
Of the 220 guest rooms, 55 are suites and 17 are serviced apartments – all feature remarkable views of the Red Sea and Jeddah skyline with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies. Decorated in an understated palette of creams, whites, light blues, and rich browns with handsome furniture, the sophisticated rooms give off a sense of tranquillity and balance, mimicking the glistening serenity of the waterfront. In addition, the perfectly firm mattress draped in luxury linens makes for a first-rate sleep experience.
In the spacious Horizon Suite, there’s a separate living room, a multi-functional table for working and dining, a gourmet minibar for your morning brews, and a neat walk-in closet. The big, bright bathroom will not let you down; it’s given some pizzazz with polished marble, double vanities, and a separate walk-in rainfall shower, plus bath products are a treat by Acqua di Parma. The real star here is the deep-soaking bathtub, nearly big enough for two, which lets you take in the dramatic scenery right from the tub.
The facilities
Wellness shines at Shangri-La Jeddah. The health and wellness facilities – separate for men and women – are located on the seventh floor, boasting state-of-the-art Technogym cardio machines and weights. The best part about the men’s gym, though? It looks out over the Red Sea, and male guests have access to the outdoor swimming pool.
If you would like to indulge in some spa treatments at the hotel, The Spa at Shangri-La – complete with ice fountains, sauna and steam room – offers an array of soothing body massages and facials. The traditional Moroccan hammam ritual for men comes highly recommended. There’s also a kids’ club to entertain little guests with activities and entertainment.
Meanwhile, those looking to get in some retail therapy can head to the Red Sea Mall, a 10-minute stroll away from the hotel. And, of course, no trip to Jeddah is complete without taking in the warm sunlight and the gentle sea breeze along the Jeddah Corniche. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear as it can be a long walk, or you can also choose to rent a bicycle.
The food
At The Waterfront Kitchen on the third floor, you won’t have to hope and pray for a cracking good start to your day. It’s already guaranteed with its stellar buffet breakfast consisting of a selection of hot and cold dishes – from freshly baked pastries and cold cuts to the cooked-to-order omelette, salmon, and bacon. Offering a relaxed and casual atmosphere, The Waterfront Kitchen also provides an international array of dishes for lunch and dinner.
At the COPA lobby lounge, sky-high ceilings and glass accents surround you, creating a calming space so you can linger for hours while sipping on coffee and indulging in sweet treats. Then, there’s Shangri-La’s signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, on the fourth storey, which is a must-try. Enjoy the fabulous mocktails to complement the restaurant’s bold dishes that will take you on a journey through Sichuan, Yunnan and Cantonese cuisines.
Coming soon are Kaia, the rooftop poolside bar, and a Levantine restaurant with a rooftop lounge. So, stay tuned for more details.
The room rates
A night in a superior room starts from SAR2,500, while the one-bedroom Horizon Suite with a sea view is priced from SAR8,000.
Shangri-La Jeddah, Burj Assila, Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23611. Tel: 012 696 8888. @shangrila_jeddah
Images: Provided