If you look at pictures of the new Ritz Carlton, it might not look like it belongs in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Not because the arguably world’s nicest hotel isn’t worthy for the Kingdom, but because the style of the hotel makes it look like a king’s palace in old Europe, with a few signature Arabian touches, of course.
[NOTE: Click on any of the images on this page to view them in full size in a slideshow]
Designed by Oger International “modeled after traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences” according to Haute Living, it’s hard to imagine a nicer hotel than the newest Ritz Carlton in Riyadh, which boasts nearly 500 opulent rooms and suites and common rooms that would make even Louis XVI’s jaw drop.
For the Ritz Carlton’s first foray into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Herve Humler, president and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., said that his company is extremely proud of the Kingdom’s inaugural Ritz. “This majestic hotel’s prime location in the literal heart of the Arabian Peninsula offers many significant advantages to visiting guests and dignitaries… We have been aggressively seeking the right first location in Saudi Arabia for a number of years, and believe there could be no better place for a Ritz-Carlton than in this.”
According to a press release by Ritz Carlton in advance of the hotel’s opening, “the sense of arrival through 213,500 square meters (52 acres) of exquisitely landscaped gardens is befitting of the grandeur of the palace that lie ahead. Designed by Al Rasheed Engineering Company and constructed by Oger International, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh boasts spectacular fountains that front the one kilometer driveway. Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel’s stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences, with ochre facades blending gracefully with the verdant landscape of the gardens. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property, providing an oasis of serenity amidst the city center.”
Merhan El Massry, Public Relations manager at the Ritz Carlton Riyadh, declined to comment on the cost to build the new hotel. However, as you can see from the images, it seems no expense was spared to make the hotel an attraction of its own.
Reservations can be made online through the Ritz Carlton Riyadh’s website.
