The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is one of the capital’s grandest hotels, a large, palace-style property set in landscaped gardens in the Al Hada area on the western side of the city. It has 492 rooms in a single building, an indoor pool, a full-service spa with a sauna and steam room, a 24-hour gym and four restaurants, along with cafés and a lounge. It is the most resort-like stay in Riyadh, with space to unwind between sightseeing days, and it is a popular choice for couples, families and anyone who wants a quiet, self-contained base.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits in Al Hada, off Mecca Road, a calmer and greener part of the city than the Olaya towers. The VIA Riyadh dining and shopping area is about a five-minute walk and the King Abdulaziz Conference Center is a short walk too, while the Kingdom Centre and the Sky Bridge are roughly an eight-minute drive away.
Al Batha market, the old centre and Diriyah are further, so taxis and ride-hailing apps are the way to reach them. The airport is about thirty minutes by car, and a shuttle can be arranged on request for an extra charge.
The rooms and facilities
Rooms are spacious and run up to suites, and the hotel is built around gardens and terraces, which give it a restful feel that is rare in a big city. The indoor pool and spa suit the cooler evenings and the hot afternoons alike, there is a 24-hour gym, and free bicycle rental makes use of the grounds.
Four restaurants, two cafés and a lounge mean you can eat in without repeating yourself, and families will notice the bowling alley and the garden space. Alcohol is not served, so the lounge is a place for coffee, tea and mocktails.
Good to know
Check-in is from mid-afternoon and check-out is before midday, with a minimum age for check-in, so check the policy before you book. Self-parking on site is free and covered valet parking carries a daily charge. Breakfast is not always included, so compare rates carefully, and rates rise during Riyadh Season and big events. It is best for visitors who want space and calm, for longer stays and for families, while those who want to walk to the Sky Bridge and Olaya’s restaurants will find the Olaya hotels more convenient.
For a short stay, plan one slow day on site to use the pool, spa and gardens, and spend the rest on Diriyah in the evening and the old centre in the late afternoon, using the hotel to arrange transport. Ask the concierge about restaurant bookings on busy weekend nights.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Spa with sauna and steam room
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Four restaurants and two cafés
- ✓Gardens and terrace
- ✓Free bicycle rental
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
Good questions
Is the Ritz-Carlton near the Sky Bridge?+
The Kingdom Centre, where the Sky Bridge is, is about an eight-minute drive away. The hotel is in Al Hada, a calmer area than Olaya.
Is parking free?+
Self-parking on site is free, while covered valet parking carries a daily charge. Confirm when you book.
Is there an airport transfer?+
A shuttle can be arranged on request for an extra charge, and the airport is about thirty minutes away by car. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also easy to find.
