Dar Tantora The House Hotel occupies carefully restored ancient mud-brick dwellings in AlUla’s Old Town, which makes it the one place to stay inside the historic quarter. It has thirty guest units and takes its name from the Tantora, a sundial that has marked the seasons for centuries. Guests can eat at Joontos, a fine-dining restaurant serving modern Saudi cuisine, or at Maqha Cafe, and there is a lounge, an outdoor pool, breakfast and free Wi-Fi. The hotel was named in TIME’s 2024 list of the world’s greatest places.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in Old Town, which is pedestrian only, so free parking is at Old Town South Parking, with a private buggy service to the hotel. From here, the destination’s website gives driving times of about nine minutes to Dadan, twelve to Winter Park, fourteen to Jabal Ikmah, nineteen to Elephant Rock, twenty-two to Maraya, twenty-three to Hegra and thirty-one to AlUla International Airport. The airport shuttle is available on request. Old Town’s cafés, shops and restaurants are a short walk away.
The rooms
The hotel has thirty guest units across restored houses, so each room has its own character, with thick mud walls, palm-wood detail and a modern finish. The destination’s website does not list individual room types, so check the options at booking and ask about the air-conditioning and heating for your dates, as this is an old building. Dining includes Joontos, Maqha Cafe and the Cigar Oasis lounge, and there is an outdoor pool. A fitness centre and spa were planned as part of the opening, so confirm what is available now.
Who it suits
Couples, culture lovers and anyone who wants to wake up inside the old quarter. It is less suited to travellers who want a big resort pool scene, or a short walk to the Hegra meeting point. All ages are welcome, but pets are not allowed. Check-in is from three in the afternoon and check-out is at noon.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored mud-brick houses
- ✓Joontos fine dining
- ✓Maqha Cafe
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Buggy service from parking
Good questions
Is Dar Tantora inside Old Town?+
Yes, it occupies restored mud-brick houses inside the pedestrian-only Old Town. Guests park at the South Parking and use a private buggy service.
How far is it from Hegra?+
About twenty-three minutes by car according to the destination’s website. Dadan is about nine minutes away and the airport about thirty-one.
Does Dar Tantora have a pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool. Ask about the fitness centre and spa when you book, as the opening timing was planned for 2024.
