Budget-friendly hotel in Saudi Arabia? Spark by Hilton to make its debut
The first Spark by Hilton Middle Eastern property is set to open in Makkah later this year…
Booking a hotel room in Saudi Arabia typically requires deep pockets. Between the extraordinarily lavish and the woefully average, however, there are still a handful of affordable gems.
And there’s good news: Hilton has launched its first-ever hotel brand in the premium economy segment of the market. Meet Spark by Hilton, a conversion-only brand positioned at an accessible price point.
Additionally, Hilton’s first Spark by Hilton in the Middle East and Africa will debut in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s introducing Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah, which is set to open later this year.
Strategically located east of Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah’s Aziziyah district and near the religiously significant area of Mina, with direct train access to Arafat, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is ideally situated to serve pilgrims. The site is surrounded by commercial outlets that cater to religious travellers year-round.
Once open, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah will feature 329 guest rooms, combining comfort and quality with a simple, inspired aesthetic. Staying true to the Spark by Hilton brand promise, the hotel will provide a welcoming sense of arrival with colourful exterior statement walls and energising artwork from the moment guests walk through the door.
Facilities will include a welcoming social space, complimentary breakfast, and separate prayer halls for men and women.
Developed by Al Musbah Group, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah is one of several Hilton projects underway with the group across Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam.
What’s in the pipeline for Hilton?
Spark by Hilton enhances Hilton’s expanding midscale presence in both established and emerging cities across the Kingdom, complementing existing brands like Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn, which together represent one-third of the company’s hotel pipeline.
Recent signings include Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties in Jeddah, Jizan, and Abha, as well as at the NEOM Community site. In Makkah, Hilton is partnering with Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company to open the world’s largest Hilton Garden Inn, featuring 1,560 guest rooms.
Hilton has also partnered with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open the first Home2 Suites by Hilton in the Middle East, located in Madinah, alongside properties under the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands.
Hilton continues to bolster its luxury presence across the Kingdom with its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts brands.
These include a multi-property agreement at The Avenues – Riyadh, the Kingdom’s largest mixed-use development, which will house a Waldorf Astoria and a Conrad, as well as a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah Gate – one of Saudi Arabia’s iconic giga-projects, and Madinah’s first Waldorf Astoria.
The company has also partnered with Rua Al Madinah Holding to open three hotels in the holy city, including a luxury property under the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand, and with Dan Co, a PIF subsidiary, to launch an LXR agritourism resort in Al Ahsa.
In line with the Kingdom’s vision to enhance its hospitality offerings by including authentic and culturally inspired experiences, Hilton continues to expand its lifestyle footprint with the Canopy by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton brands.
Recent lifestyle signings include a Curio at the highly anticipated “OSUS Eye” project in Riyadh, two distinct Curio lifestyle resorts in Al Ahsa – an eco-resort and an adventure resort – as part of the company’s partnership with Dan Co, a Canopy in Abha as part of the city’s highly anticipated The Point development, and a Canopy at The Avenues – Riyadh.
Full-service expansion also remains a priority under the company’s flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brands, including multiple properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Jizan.
Hilton currently operates 20 hotels in the Kingdom, with another 77 properties in the pipeline, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by delivering world-class hospitality experiences.
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