Hotel review: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
This iconic address in the capital is a beacon of luxury…
In Riyadh’s quickly evolving hotel scene, the Al Faisaliah Hotel has been a pioneer for luxury stays in the Kingdom since May 2000. The centrally located hotel, at the base of Riyadh’s instantly recognisable Al Faisaliah Tower, expanded in 2014, adding a second wing on the opposite side of the tower, which brought with it a collection of sumptuous suites and a pampering ladies-only spa.
Then in 2021, the property entered a management contract with another hospitality purveyor renowned for luxury – Mandarin Oriental. And in the years that followed, signature Mandarin Oriental touches have been added across the property, transforming it into the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah as of January 2024.
So what is the first Mandarin Oriental property in Saudi Arabia like? We checked in to check it out.
The location
Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, the central position of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah is hard to beat. Located in the heart of Riyadh’s Central Business District, the hotel stretches across an east and west wing of Al Faisaliah Centre, divided by Al Faisaliah Tower, home to offices and a top floor restaurant, The Globe, complete with commanding city vistas. It also backs on to the stylish Al Faisaliah Mall, perfect for bouts of retail therapy.
Look and feel
It might be hard to imagine how modern Mandarin Oriental can make sense of the regal Arabian aesthetic of Al Faisaliah. Yet somehow, it does. With Adam Tihany Design behind the new interiors, the Arabian influence remains in dark woods and ornate patterns, but Mandarin Oriental’s Midas touch has been added to the lobby and guest rooms through more timeless and contemporary creams and natural hues – and a collection of jaw-dropping, multi-storey chandeliers in colourful glass. The lobby entrance on the north side leads into The Mandarin Lounge, which hums quietly with a hive of activity through the day. It’s mostly smartly-dressed business people going about their business, but we also see groups of well-heeled ladies catching-up over coffee, showcasing the hotel’s popularity for business and leisure.
Rooms
The transformation of the guest rooms is most noticeable, and the collection of beautiful guest rooms now upgraded in the north wing are sumptuous and spacious. Our Deluxe King Room is generous in space, complete with a walk-in closet that makes us feel like Carrie Bradshaw, a vanity at the end providing excellent lighting to get ready each morning. The soothing sand shades in the bedroom are complimented by crisp cotton sheets and a balcony that looks over the landscaped garden in the middle of the hotel. The bathroom has an expensive feel, with a free standing tub, layers of marble, and mother of pearl drawers stocking Mandarin branded amenities. An Al Faisaliah-styled tower of sweet and savoury treats is a lovely welcome amenity that adds to the warm welcome.
Facilities
Within the Al Faisaliah development, there’s everything you need for a stylish city break, from the array of restaurants from big international names like LPM and London-born Meraki, to the top-tier fashion brands housed within Mode Mall. For pampering, ladies are invited to enjoy the relaxing surrounds of the Al Faisilah Spa, a haven of wellness. From the soothing music to the light floral scent, this spa is a five-senses treat. Book in for an aromatherapy massage for blissful relaxation in one of the softly lit treatment rooms, or refresh with a cup of speciality tea in the relaxation area or tea lounge. There’s also a 16-metre indoor pool and jacuzzi for guests to enjoy, with pale lilac and turquoise lighting that makes the whole space feel tropical and soothing.
Food and drink
With no less than nine dining options to choose from across Al Faisaliah, the hotel has one of Riyadh’s most impressive collections of restaurants. International names LPM, Meraki and Yauatcha are institutions in their own right, and are non-hotel operated restaurants housed within wider Al Faisaliah complex. La Brasserie (pictured above), the elevated all-day dining restaurant, is spacious and modern, adorned in white marble and light woods, complete with a tranquil terrace and a private dining room that’s designed like a grand library. For breakfast, a lavish spread of fresh fruits, baked pastries, and Arabic dishes are presented, alongside an a la carte menu of eggs half a dozen ways that are cooked-to-order, as well as sweet treats like crunchy waffles and fluffy French toast. Fresh coconuts give a nod to the brand’s resort background. Service is swift and always friendly, and the professional team are swift to offer refills of hot drinks or take an additional order from the a la carte menu.
View this post on Instagram
Then there’s The Globe, a stellar 35th floor dining experience split across a restaurant and a lounge one floor up at the top of Al Faisaliah Tower. The restaurant is traditionally adorned with a red carpet and crisp white tablecloths, and while it might not have the modern pizzaz of some of its counterparts within the hotel, its 360-views from the curved floor-to-ceiling windows mean you won’t be looking at the decor. As all tables face the view, there’s not a bad seat in the house, and the Mediterranean menu is best enjoyed by opting for one of the signature set menus, where you’ll get to try prettily plated options like poached Canadian lobster and quail Consommé.
Service
A special mention should be given to the genuinely warm service, which is near-faultless through our entire stay. From the accommodating welcome at check-in, who ensure our room is prepared swiftly despite us checking in several hours ahead of schedule, to the doormen who cheerily address us by name by the second day of our visit, everyone is well versed in Mandarin Oriental’s all-accommodating hospitality – and it shows.
Room rates
Room rates start from SAR1,600.
The verdict
With age comes experience. Al Faisilah Hotel has been a luxury leader for more than 20 years – and it still shows. Coupled with a welcome injection of modern luxury from globally-renowned Mandarin Oriental, and you’ve got Riyadh’s finest addresses for business or leisure.