The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

Made a mistake and reserved the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh instead of Jeddah on hotels.com. I arrived only 2 min later at the reception in Jeddah - they contacted the Riyadh hotel, but they showed zero support or flexibility. No cancellation possible. I asked if I could at least change the date and come another time - they also refused. I would have expected a more customer friendly approach from the Ritz-Carlton.

Iftar Dinner on 7 March 2025… Over-priced buffet in a tent with bad tables. 575SAR per adult. Called the hotel and booked for 2 adults and 1 child. Was sent a text message and told to click the link and pay full price within 20 minutes of text message or lose the booking. I dutifully paid. However had to put up with hotel receptionist repeatedly making mistakes with my phone number. After 20 minutes repeatedly calling she finally got the right number. Because my child was free the link was for 2 people, at least that’s what I assumed having told the receptionist there were three of us but hearing my child was young enough to be free. Arrived and found the table was set for 2. Had to wait while the hotel staff brought another chair and set another place. However, no-one was going to help us until we asked for help. Wasn’t it obvious to them that three people do not sit at 2 place settings and 2 chairs? The tables looked cheap and were a wooden table top on top of a very large wooden rectangular box, which prevented you moving your chair closer to the table… and the tables were set very high to the chairs. Uncomfortable eating position. The food was standard mass catering fare, no carefully prepared individual portions, and the range of food included mostly cheap and standard items. For a five star hotel and at this price, you expect more. I could have had better food and a better experience at any number of other four to five star hotels in Riyadh and paid much less. Entertainment was laid on in the form of a lone dancer who appeared briefly but was good and good fun. The venue was a large marquee in the hotel grounds with extensive advertising from sponsors, which made this feel like a corporate event rather than a family event. There’s better choices for an iftar meal and I don’t expect to revisit. Shame. Disappointed. Not what you expect from this brand of hotel.

Special thanks to Nigora Rose for her warm welcome and wonderful service and respect for the way that she host me at Alourjouan restaurant on the breakfast. May God bless her and keep all the stuff of the Ritz Carlton. That is why I recommend all my friends to visit this fantastic restaurant and to spend a hole day inside

The worst Ritz we have ever stayed. We had some expectation staying here because of its history and the usual guests they normally have. If we come without noticing the brand, I would say it’s just a decorated Sheraton hotel with undertrained staff. First, we checked in with a robotic staff who did not even advise us any facilities and restaurant. When we advised we would like to add a breakfast, she said oh you can just pay in the restaurant as it’s same rate. It is quite unusual for unwelcoming staff in the check in counter. Second, we have a car and valet kept the keys. We went out at the entrance and no one comes for assistance. We have waited for 10 mins without any assistance. Third, concierge team was under trained and when we told them what we wanna purchase and seek their help, we have to explicitly tell them what to do, unlike any other ritz (or any 5 stars hotel), concierge team seems do not know the town and lack of experience. No turn down service during the night and not even a welcome card greeting to loyalty member. Very disappointed of this Ritz. I understand this is an important property and handling a lot of important people. However we feel like this is not hospitable at all and this is no difference than 4 stars hotel. I seriously would recommend my friends NEVER come to this property as it is not worth it at all!!

This hotel is probably the dreamiest hotel I’ve ever been. Customer service was world class and unmatched. I had the best experience here and I thanked this to all the staff of Ritz. The front desk staff were amazing and I wanted to thank Mr. ABDULLAZIZ ALMUTAIRI for his hospitality. He asked how was my flight and I said that it was actually my last day in Riyadh so I want to make it special. I had booked the twin room for myself and my mom and it was a little bit of wait so he decided to upgrade us in a suite. It made my last day with my mom extremely special and for that I thanked you with all my heart and wish you all the best in life. ❤️ I also wanted to thank Mr. Reymon Trongcoso. He was so kind to us and personally toured us around the hotel. He made our stay so special by making sure we enjoyed everything and anticipated our needs. My mom is a Filipino worker in Saudi and he made sure she was taken care of like a royalty. I was so happy and pleased with his treatment. I have not seen my mom in 10 years so having an experience like this literally goes straight to my core memories. I will never forget my stay here. Not only the hotel is the best hotel you’ll ever seen but the staff were well trained. All the small details are curated to your satisfaction. This is truly a gem of Saudi and I hope they will never change. ❤️ thank you all. I hope to come back here again. This place will always have that special place in my heart.