Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Elite Suites Hotel, Riyadh!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? Oh Honey, Let's Talk About the Elite Suites Hotel, Riyadh! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just clawed my way back from Riyadh, and that Elite Suites Hotel? Well, it's a whole… experience. Forget those sterile, perfectly-polished travel blogs. This is real life, people. We're talking jet lag, questionable decisions, and enough luxury to make your head spin.
First Impressions (and a Little Panic):
The "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits" tagline? Yeah, it's a little cheesy, but honestly? The lobby is pretty damn impressive. Think shimmering chandeliers, intricate carpets, and enough marble to build a small palace. Immediately, I'm thinking, "Okay, maybe I do deserve this." Until, you know, I realize I'm still wearing my airport sweats.
Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth:
Right off the bat, massive points for accessibility. Elevators everywhere, ramps where you need 'em, and – hallelujah – facilities for disabled guests that actually seem…thoughtful. This is HUGE, especially in a city like Riyadh. I didn’t personally need anything, but seeing it made me breathe a sigh of relief for anyone who does.
The Room: Sanctuary or Satellite of Stuff?
My room? Ooof. Let's just say it was like living inside a particularly well-stocked IKEA catalogue… but fancy. Air conditioning that could freeze the Sahara, a bed so big I could’ve gotten lost in it, and a bathroom with enough marble to make a Roman emperor jealous. Bonus points for the blackout curtains – absolute lifesaver for battling that Riyadh sun (or the after-effects of too many late-night dates with the minibar). (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
The internet? (Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]) Spotty. Seriously, trying to upload photos to Instagram felt like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree. They promise free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and technically, yeah, it's there… but, you know… maybe bring a book? Definitely had a few "This is why I should have just stayed home" moments.
Eating, Drinking, and the Art of the Buffet:
Okay, let's talk food. Where do I even begin? The on-site accessible restaurants? Plenty to choose from! (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.)
Breakfast was… an event. Imagine a buffet the size of a small city, overflowing with everything from perfectly-fluffy omelets to a suspicious-looking jelly that I bravely avoided. The Asian breakfast selection was surprisingly (and delightfully) authentic. The Western options were, well, the Western options. Let’s just say, my inner American found a certain comfort in the mountains of bacon, even when I knew I'd regret it later.
The Pool of Bliss (and Occasional Panic):
The pool is… gorgeous. Think infinity edge, sparkling water, and a view that stretched out to the, uh, not-particularly-scenic-but-still-impressive Riyadh skyline. (Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]) The poolside bar was a lifesaver (hello, mocktails!), and the atmosphere was generally pretty chill. Honestly, it's where I spent a solid chunk of my trip, reading a book (because, remember, the Wi-Fi was a bit… temperamental).
But! And there’s always a but, isn't there? One afternoon, I witnessed a small child gleefully attempting to feed the pigeons near the pool. Pure chaos followed. Feathers. Screaming. Close calls. I'm pretty sure I saw a woman in a burka slip on a rogue pigeon… It was a moment. A chaotic, hilarious, perfect moment.
Relaxing and Rejuvenating (Or Trying To):
Speaking of moments, let's talk about relaxation. The spa! (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool) I sprung for the full body massage. And oh, sweet heavens, it was the best money I spent. I swear, the masseuse kneaded out knots I didn't even know I had.
The fitness center? I glanced in. It looked… intimidating. Machines everywhere. People grunting. The siren call of the buffet beckoned me back. So, yeah, I’d say the gym was underutilized by yours truly.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Covid-Era Shuffle:
Okay, this is where the Elite Suites really shines. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) They were obsessed with hygiene. Staff were masked, hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE, and I’m pretty sure they were sterilizing the air vents. It felt… reassuring, I guess. A little bit overwhelming at times, but definitely better than the alternative.
The Extras: From Babysitting to Banquet Halls:
So many extras! (Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Cash withdrawal, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Couple's room, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Fire extinguisher, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Projector/LED display, Room decorations, Safe dining setup, Safety/security feature, Safety deposit boxes, Security [24-hour], Seminars, Shrine, Smoke alarms, Smoking area, Soundproof rooms, Taxi service, Terrace, Valet parking, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) The concierge was a lifesaver, helping me navigate the labyrinthine streets of Riyadh. The convenience store was a godsend for late-night snack attacks (and emergency supplies of Pringles). The laundry service? Well, let's just say, it's worth the price to have someone else do your laundry.
A Few Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- Okay, the hotel chain. Well, I don't know the details and it's a bit of a thing to mention it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: This is a nice touch, and I appreciated the eco-conscious option.
- I did notice the occasional… ahem… dust bunny. Don't expect a spotless surgical environment.
- The lack of Pets allowed, it's a shame.
- The lobby decor, whilst gorgeous, also felt a little bit… opulent. Almost like a warning.
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
Do you want Unbelievable Luxury? Yes. Do you want a flawless experience? Maybe not.
The Elite Suites Hotel, Riyadh, is a mixed bag. It’s luxurious, it’s well-equipped, and it’s remarkably safe (especially during these… interesting times). The staff are generally helpful and friendly. But the WiFi… ugh. And the occasional imperfection adds a certain… charm.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth it. Just go in with your expectations adjusted, prepare yourself for a little bit of chaos, and embrace the absurdity. You might
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is a chaotic, beautifully messy, probably-going-to-forget-things-but-that's-okay kind of travel log, centered around a stay at the Elite Suites Hotel in Al Malqa, Riyadh. Consider this a precursory warning: I'm fueled by lukewarm coffee and an unhealthy dose of sarcasm.
The Riyadh Ramble: An Elite Suites Adventure (Or Maybe Just a Near-Disaster?)
Day 1: Arrival, Arrival-ish (and the Case of the Vanishing Luggage)
Time: 2:00 AM (actually, closer to 3:00 AM, thanks to that delightful 2-hour flight delay)
Event: Arrive at King Khalid International Airport. Struggle to locate pre-booked airport transfer. Debate whether my sanity is worth the extra 10 minutes of sleep.
Log: Okay, I'm already regretting this. The customs line was an Olympic event in "Waiting." And the airport? Not gonna lie, it felt like every single person in Riyadh decided to arrive at the exact same time as me. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I snagged my driver (bless his heart, he looked as tired as I felt). The drive to Elite Suites was…long. Like, "Are we sure we're in Riyadh?" long. On the plus side, the air conditioning was a godsend. Side note: Where in the world is my checked bag?! I submitted a claim, praying to the luggage gods.
Quirky Observation: The only thing I saw open at this ungodly hour was a 24-hour coffee shop. Genius. Probably the only thing keeping me upright.
Emotional Reaction: Mostly a mix of exhaustion and thinly veiled panic about the missing suitcase. Seriously, did it elope with a suitcase from another flight?
Time: 4:00 AM
Event: Finally check-in to my suite at the Elite Suites Hotel - Al Malqa. It's…impressive. Like, "maybe-I-could-live-here" impressive.
Log: Okay, the reception staff were lovely, even at this frankly inhumane hour. The suite is ridiculously spacious, with more marble than my brain can handle. The bed looks inviting. I feel like I might just collapse on it and sleep for a week. But first, shower. Gotta wash off the flight grime.
Opinionated Language: The decor? A bit much, perhaps? But hey, I'm not complaining. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Huge bed? Check. A tiny kitchen that I'll probably never use? Also, check.
Rambles: The silence is almost deafening after the airport chaos. You know, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to a surge of hope, maybe even a little self-pity, that I am going to have a great trip, but then I remember the luggage, and it comes crashing all the way down.
Day 2: Exploring (Or, Trying to Not Get Lost)
Time: 9:00 AM (after a glorious 12 hours of sleep, ignoring the jet lag)
Event: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Survey the situation. Contemplate the buffet.
Log: The breakfast buffet at the Elite Suites is…vast. So many options. I went straight for the pastries (carbs are my love language, you know?). The coffee was decent, the omelet station was bustling. Not a bad start to the day. My luggage hasn't appeared. I feel kind of like I'm pretending to be a person who actually has a life in this.
Minor Category: Customer Service - The staff is relentlessly polite, but I don't get the impression they know any English.
Emotional Reaction: A mix of joy at the pastry selection and simmering frustration about the bag situation.
Time: 11:00 AM
Event: Attempt to explore Al Malqa and surrounding areas. Fail. Miserably.
Log: Okay, first, let's address the heat. It's an inferno. My carefully constructed "I'm a sophisticated traveler" facade crumbled the moment I stepped outside. Walked around, felt like a zombie in some kind of horror movie, where the water evaporates and the skin cracks.
Messier Structure: Got in an online taxi that looked like a glorified golf cart and was driven by a gentleman. He had a strong preference for one Arabic music station on the radio, and didn't tell me where to go. So, I think I’m lost.
Quirky Observation: Found a small, unassuming coffee shop that served THE best (and strongest) iced coffee I've ever had. It's called "Arabica Coffee." I can't recommend it enough.
Opinionated Language: The traffic is… well, let’s just say I'm glad I wasn't driving. It's a constant game of "dodge the other car."
Doubling Down: I spent a solid hour just wandering, completely lost in the maze of streets. It was terrifying, but also kind of exhilarating. A nice contrast to my day to day life.
Time: 2:00 PM
Event: Lunch. Found a local restaurant. (Spoiler: It was a delicious mistake.)
Log: Okay, that restaurant? It was amazing. No English menu, and my Arabic is… nonexistent. I just pointed at something that looked appealing. Turns out, it was some sort of grilled chicken with rice and fragrant spices. It was perfect for the heat. I'm now completely addicted.
Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated happiness. Food is truly the universal language.
Time: 7:00 PM
Event: Back at the hotel. Feeling defeated and triumphant at the same time. Luggage still AWOL.
Log: Ordered room service. Comfort food is required after such a chaotic day. The suite is growing on me, though. I'm starting to feel comfortable in this temporary palace. Still missing my bag, but I'm managing.
Rambles: Should I explore the city more? Probably not. I'm going to enjoy the comforts of the hotel and take it easy. Maybe tomorrow the luggage will decide to cooperate.
Day 3: (Maybe) A Cultural Experience (If I'm Brave)
Time: 10:00 AM
Event: Wrestle with the idea of leaving the hotel.
Log: The lure of the pool is strong. Extremely strong. The air conditioning is my best friend. But I also promised myself I'd see some sights.
Stronger Emotional Reactions: I'm terrified. I'm excited. I'm also incredibly lazy. This is a true internal conflict.
Time: 11:00 AM
Event: Resigned to sightseeing, get my courage.
Log: I decide to have the concierge secure a driver. I can't deal with the online taxis again. He's super nice and patient. We're starting simple, the National Museum.
Messier Structure: Is it acceptable to travel for several days and not see anything? Maybe so.
Quirky Observation: The lobby gets very busy at lunch time, a good sign. I also discover that the hotel has a small shop with souvenirs. This is an emergency.
Time: 1:00 PM
Event: National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Log: Oh my goodness. The museum, while incredibly well-curated, is also enormous. And hot. The architecture is stunning. The exhibits…fascinating and overwhelmingly informative.
Doubling Down on a single experience: I spent at least an hour just gazing at the displays, trying to absorb the history, the culture, all of it. It was exhausting. But it was also amazing. I could spend days here. So, I think I'll go back again.
Rambles: I am so tired but also I feel like I am seeing what could be a beautiful culture. This trip is already better than I imagined.
Time: 5:00 PM
Event: Back at the hotel.
Log: The luggage update is still a mess. I'm starting to look like a regular at the front desk. They're probably tired of seeing me. I'm eating dinner here at the hotel.
Day 4: (Maybe more exploration?)
(insert a lot more "messy" and "human" adventures, explorations, and the ultimate decision on whether or not the luggage arrived, and the final feeling on the Elite Suites Hotel.)
This is, of course, just a starting point. Life happens, and adventures rarely go according to plan. I'll be sure to fill in the gaps, embrace the chaos, and probably, inevitably, forget something important. But hey, that's what makes a travel story interesting, right? And I will keep you updated on the luggage situation. Wish me luck! And maybe
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Elite Suites Hotel, Riyadh – FAQs (and My Hot Takes!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. You're considering the Elite Suites in Riyadh, are ya? Let me tell you, I've been. I've *seen* things. And I've got opinions. So, let's dive into these frequently asked questions, shall we? Prepare for honesty. Prepare for…well, me.
Getting There & Getting Settled (The Initial Horror... & the Relief)
How do I get to the Elite Suites from King Khalid International Airport (RUH)?
Okay, airport to hotel… *that’s* where the adventure begins. Seriously, Riyadh airport is HUGE. You'll probably be staring at the arrival hall wondering if you've accidentally stumbled into a Star Wars convention. Anyway, your options:
- Taxi: Easily available. Negotiate the price *before* you hop in. They’ll try to haggle you, trust me. I once thought I’d won negotiating a taxi fare only to later realize they'd given me a "special discount" to the equivalent of my monthly salary... It felt like a victory! Until I looked at my bank.
- Ride-sharing (Uber/Careem): My preferred method. Much more predictable pricing, and you can track your ride. Plus, it's less awkward than trying to communicate in broken Arabic with a taxi driver who thinks your luggage collection is a personal insult.
- Hotel Shuttle: The Elite Suites *might* offer a shuttle. Check *before* you book. If they do, take it! Free stuff is always a win. Unless is a shuttle from the 70's. Then, no...
What's the check-in process like?
Okay, this is…variable. It can be smooth. It can be…a trial. One time, I swear I waited a full hour while they “processed my paperwork.” I think they were simultaneously launching a rocket, baking a cake, and deciding on a new world government. Bring patience. Bring snacks. Bring a book. Or, if you're feeling feisty, bring a really engaging conversation starter to share with the receptionist about what you dislike the most. Just keep cool. And most of all, keep cool. Because Riyadh is hot and so can be the check-in.
Pro-tip: If you're arriving late, call ahead. Make sure they know you're actually coming. My first time at Elite Suites I arrived at 3 am after a 17-hour flight. Guess what? They "didn't have my booking". I was this close to pulling a full-on diva meltdown at the front desk. Thank goodness for coffee and a sympathetic night clerk who *eventually* worked things out. Note to self: Always get confirmation. Always.
The Suites Themselves (The Glimmer of Hope... and Potential Disappointment)
What are the suites actually like? Are they *really* "elite?"
Alright, the million-dollar question. Are the suites elite? Well…sometimes. Let’s just say the marketing team went *all in* on “elite.” They’re generally lovely. Spacious. Often, gloriously over-the-top with gold accents (Arabia does love its gold). But…
- The Good: Think huge beds. Bathrooms with more marble than the Vatican. Often, a separate living area. The views…can be stunning. (If you get a good room.)
- The Not-So-Good: Sometimes, the upkeep isn’t *quite* up to the “elite” standard. I've seen a *slightly* stained carpet. And leaky showerheads are a thing. And sometimes, that glorious marble has *clearly* seen better days. Also (and this gets me every time), the lighting can be strangely dim in some rooms. Why the darkness, Elite Suites, why?! Do you want me to accidentally miss one of the amazing features?
My Verdict: They’re more “aspirational elite” than actually flawlessly elite. But for the price, you’re generally getting a good deal. Just don't expect perfection. Go with an open mind, but also bring your inner interior designer incase you felt inspired in doing some repairs.
What amenities are included in the suites?
Expect the basics. Free Wi-Fi (hopefully fast enough to stream Netflix, fingers crossed!), a minibar (prepare for insane prices), a safe, and usually a coffee machine. Some have a balcony. Some have…well, let's just hope you get a good view. Check the details when you book! I once booked a suite that promised a private jacuzzi. Turns out the jacuzzi was… outdoors. In Riyadh. In August. Let's just say that wasn't the most relaxing experience of my life, because I prefer my body not to be cooked.
Dining & Relaxation (Food, Glorious Food... and Spa Scares)
What's the food like at the hotel restaurants?
The restaurants are… a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet is usually decent, with the usual array of pastries, eggs, and…well, a lot of things I couldn’t identify, but hey, you have to be adventurous! The ambiance is lovely. The breakfast is a bit hit-or-miss for me but generally it is worth it.
For other meals, I've had some *amazing* experiences (one lamb tagine was…heavenly). And I've had some…less-than-stellar experiences. The quality can be inconsistent. So, do some research. Check online reviews. Or, you know, be brave. Try something new.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes! And… here's where things get interesting. The spa can be fantastic! Beautiful, relaxing, and the massages are excellent. But... I had a *memorable* experience there once. I booked a massage. This was fine. Beautiful setting, gentle music, good massage. And then the masseuse started, without me being aware, massaging my belly. I was shocked. Didn't like it, but I had to keep cool. And yes, I still think about. I am pretty sure that was a mistake, but who knows. The rules can be confusing. So, proceed with caution. And maybe clarify the boundaries beforehand.
Location & Getting Around (The City of Contrasts)
Where is the Elite Suites located? And is it a good location?
The location varies depending on which Elite Suites you're talking about (there are several). Check your specific hotel's address! Generally speaking, they're usually located in a relatively central area, or near major roads. In general, they are aComfy Hotel Finder
