WHEN I got out of Dammam International Airport after collecting my baggage at 3.30 am, much later than anticipated, I was left wondering how exactly I was going to get to Al Khobar and the Holiday Inn Corniche. I had ordered a limousine pick-up but surely the driver would have given up hours ago?
That’s when the Holiday Inn service kicked in. Not only was my driver waiting patiently as he had been since the aircraft several hours ago, he was bright and cheery and raring to go!
At the hotel, the accommodation was effectively two very serviceable rooms with the interlocking door removed. One was furnished as sitting room with a 25-inch plasma TV, sofas and easy chairs, minibar and kitchenette and coffee and tea making facilities complete with a full bathroom.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the bathroom had a shower/tub combination with a handheld showerhead, as well as bathrobes and slippers.
Most importantly, as frequent business travellers will attest, there was an abundance of hot water delivered at a decent pressure to wash away the weariness of yet another day on the road. The bedroom featured a very comfortable king-size bed with decent cotton sheets and down comforter and a pillow menu inviting me to take a good night’s sleep.
In daylight, the room was bright and airy with a balcony overlooking the hotel’s garden and pool area where a few early birds – and guests – were enjoying a cup of coffee in the early morning sun. A complimentary buffet breakfast selection is available for guests, served in the main (and only) dining room.
The hotel provides excellent buffet lunch options while for a lighter fare and business meetings, coffee is available in the lounge on the opposite side of the lobby.
A well-equipped business centre is also available as well as a meeting room equipped with an array of AV equipment. Guests can also access a small but functional gym.
Overall, the Holiday Inn – Al Khobar Corniche offers a solid four star experience for a very reasonable price.
By Rory Thomson