The Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which opened last year, is a 5-star masterpiece with the perfect combination of exceptional management and prestigious location.
''The hotel, residence and banqueting centre is managed by the US-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, which has earned an enviable reputation for its gracious hospitality all over the world,'' a hotel spokesman says. The hotel provides spacious, designer-decorated rooms, gourmet restaurants and professionally operated business and leisure facilities. In addition to these luxuries, Rosewood offers 24-hour butler service on all floors. ''This means that guests can direct requests such as laundry, restaurant bookings, courier services, packing and unpacking of luggage or just about anything in the realm of service to one individual who is responsible for their comfort during their stay. In addition, guests enjoy the particularly large bathrooms with separate shower stalls,'' he says. The hotel's exceptional services and facilities are offered at prices that are below the rate for comparable accommodation in many other capital cities, the spokesman says. ''A superior room costs in the region of SR600 ($159) a night and suite prices range between SR1,100 and SR4,000. The marketing team focuses primarily on business executives and government delegations, but out-of-town family members and friends that attend the large weddings in the banquet and conference centre are also a substantial part of the client base.'' The hotel's 197 rooms and 27 suites are said to be the most elegant and spacious in Riyadh. ''All rooms feature designer furnishings, extensive amenities and the latest in telecommunications systems. Executive floors are noticeably absent because the hotel has only one level of service: first class,'' the spokesman elaborates. A wide range of amenities and services are available including a personal butler, concierge and valet service, complimentary car wash, private IDD telephone and fax numbers, fax, printer and copier, three telephones, data jacks, video cassette player, stereo CD player, mini bar, an in-room safe, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer, bathroom scale, separate shower stall and bidet, imported bathroom amenities, touch screen control for lighting, curtains, temperature and service, flat screen remote TV with satellite channels and national and international newspapers daily. Fine Dining The hotel offers an array of international dining experiences, ranging from exceptional luxury to spectacular views: The three-storey geodesic Globe, which is expected to open by October this year, is located at the top of the tower, and will have the city's first cigar lounge. Cristal is one of Riyadh's finest seafood gourmet restaurants, Il Terrazzo is an air-conditioned open-air barbecue terrace restaurant that overlooks the centre's beautifully landscaped plaza, the 24-hour La Brasserie offers international menus based on classic French brasserie cuisine, and Cafe Royal boasts more than 15 Viennese coffee specialties. The hotel also offers four private dining rooms overlooking the lush plaza, with specialised menus, complete privacy and quiet elegance. The Al Faisaliah spa and health club is exclusively available to all hotel guests. Qualified fitness staff are on hand to assist with training programmes and specialist advice. It is open from 6.00 am to 11.00 pm daily and offers an array of services such as: Isotonic weight machines, cardio-vascular equipment, a 20-m indoor swimming pool, a relaxation room, massage, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and locker facilities. Additional services and amenities include a business centre, private meeting rooms, rent-a-car, chauffeur service, a doctor on call 24 hours, and 24-hour security. The Banquet and Conference Center offers event planners a banquet hall and ballroom, each capable of being divided into a variety of different configurations and sub-divisions. The spectacular main banquet and conference hall can accommodate virtually any function from large-scale exhibitions and multi-media conferences to elaborate weddings and gala-dinner ceremonies. Covering an area of 4,640 sq m clear floor space, the hall is the largest column-free public space in the Kingdom and offers uninterrupted views from anywhere in the auditorium. Three bridal suites and a separate royal entrance punctuate the convenience and prestige of the Banquet and Conference Center. The centre offers parking for 2,000 cars as well as exclusive and separate vehicle drop off and reception areas for both the banquet hall and ballroom. The ballroom has a seating capacity for up to 750 diners at round tables and can be divided into two sections for more intimate dinners RESIDENCE The Al Faisaliah Residence offers the elegance and relaxation of a country club, the comforts and services of a 5-star hotel and the convenience of living at the heart of the city's most exciting leisure, business and commercial centre. Each designer-decorated apartment comes fully equipped and fully serviced. Tenants can also take advantage of the services of the hotel. There are a total of 100 designer-decorated one, two- and three-bedroom apartments Facilities include a health club, gym, squash and racquet ball courts and a rooftop floodlit tennis court, 24-hour room service, laundry and housekeeping. The US-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages 15 unique and acclaimed properties worldwide.