Review: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

Asir Lounge | Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah

A hotel known for its luxury in the center of Riyadh

Background

Originally the Al Faisaliah Hotel, it was purchased and rebranded by Mandarin Oriental, and redesigned by Tihany Design. All atriums, meeting rooms, the lobby, suites, and guest rooms were all redone to maximum luxury with extensive design that exudes Saudi culture.

What’s It Like?

As soon as you walk into the lobby, you know you’re in a luxurious and special place. The hotel is able to mesh Asian hospitality that Mandarin Oriental is known for with Orchids throughout the hotel, yet maintain contemporary modern Arabian style. All three atriums have a very Saudi Arabian influence. Princess Nourah Al Faisal is behind the fan design that incorporates the country’s cultural past and present. The staff is friendly and the concierge is eager to help. There is a large seated area for visitors to the hotel to meet in and relax, and natural stone flooring and plush furnishings makes the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah one of the most luxurious places to stay in the Saudi capital.

Where Is It?

It’s surrounded by the Al Faisaliah Mall, where you can easily reach Harvey Nichols and other luxury stores in the Al Olaya District of Riyadh. Al Olaya is known for its skyscraper skyline, and it’s in a way like being by the Dubai Mall, in the luxury center of the city. The hotel is about a 35-minute ride from King Khalid International Airport.

Rooms

The north wing of the hotel’s hallway | Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah

Deluxe Room | Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah

Deluxe Bathroom | Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah

The Deluxe Room comes with butler service and is spacious, feeling like a junior suite. Coming with custom furniture, its taupe tones are relaxing and stylish. There’s something feminine, yet masculine with the wood accenting of the rooms. As soon as you enter the spacious walk in closet is on your left. It comes with enough room to hang up clothes, shelves, and drawers. There’s also a vanity table to apply makeup and dry your hair, a large mirror, and a safe. Continuing down the hallway on the left is a large bathroom with a glass window overlooking the bedroom, with a soaking tub and separate rainforest shower, toilet closet, and large counter space. There are shades that can be pulled down in the bathroom for privacy. The bedroom itself is palatial and sizeable, perfect for two people to share. There is a small sitting area with a chaise lounge by the window and working desk. Under the TV is a cabinet with a kettle and Nespresso machine, glasses, and refrigerator.

Food and Drink

LPM | Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah

There are several onsite restaurants, like 8 to be exact. La Brasserie is known for its international cuisine, La Brasserie Café has specialty teas, coffee, and desserts. The Mandarin Lounge is known for its style of gold and blue touches. Asir Lounge is on the roof and is mesmerizing with pops of red, offering light snacks, cigars, and mocktails. The Globe, also on the roof, is a good dinner spot with modern European cuisine. LPM is one of the city’s most premier restaurants with French Mediterranean food, open for lunch and dinner. Mamo Michelangelo is known for its Italian and Provençal cuisine. Yauatcha is known for its Chinese dim sum and modern Chinese offerings.

Leisure 

There are men and women’s gyms in the hotel, along with a private tennis court, and men and women’s pool sections. The ladies pool is a 17-yard swimming pool with waterfalls, steam bath, and Finnish saunas. The ladies Spa at Mandarin Oriental has top notch skincare products

Verdict stay here. It’s the ideal place to unwind and relax in busy Riyadh
Best For its views of the city from the Asir Lounge
Don’t Miss the incredible room service
Price for November a Deluxe Room is $883 per night
Contact King Fahad Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Saudi Arabia | +966 11 273 2000