The 210-room hotel is located in KAFD, the kingdom’s flagship business and financial district, and forms part of Marriott International’s expansion of its luxury lifestyle brands in Saudi Arabia
W Hotels has opened its first property in Saudi Arabia with the launch of W Riyadh – KAFD in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District.
The 210-room hotel is located in KAFD, the kingdom’s flagship business and financial district, and forms part of Marriott International’s expansion of its luxury lifestyle brands in Saudi Arabia.
Helen Leighton, Vice President of Luxury Brands for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said the opening marked a significant milestone for the brand in the region.
“The opening of W Riyadh – KAFD is a significant moment for the brand as it enters Saudi Arabia and reinforces our commitment to redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality across the Middle East,” Leighton said.
The property includes 210 rooms, including 17 suites, two penthouse suites and a 390 sq m W Penthouse.
The hotel has been designed by LW Design, with interiors inspired by Saudi heritage and the surrounding desert landscape. The design incorporates interpretations of Najdi textiles, Al Sadu weaving patterns and works by Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem.
A six-metre tapestry by Gharem is featured in the lobby, while guestrooms include Arabic and English typography wall art by the artist.
The W Penthouse includes two bedrooms, living and dining areas, a kitchenette, office and private gym area with steam and sauna facilities. The hotel also includes several dining concepts intended to position the property as a social destination within KAFD.
Latin American-inspired restaurant Sira will offer dishes prepared over open fire, while Beni will operate as an all-day coffee house serving speciality coffee and ice cream.
The hotel’s outdoor pool area, WET Deck, will serve Mediterranean-inspired food, while an outdoor lounge named Sahari is scheduled to open later this year.
Sira, Beni and the planned Sahari lounge are expected to target both hotel guests and Riyadh residents as the Saudi capital expands its hospitality and dining offering.
The opening comes as Saudi Arabia continues to attract global luxury hotel brands as part of Vision 2030 and broader efforts to develop Riyadh into an international tourism and business destination.
In addition to its dining offering, the hotel includes 15 meeting rooms, a ballroom, the brand’s AWAY Spa and FIT fitness studio.
The launch adds to a growing pipeline of international luxury hotel openings in Riyadh, particularly within KAFD, which has become one of the kingdom’s main hubs for hospitality, business and residential development.
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/business/tourism-hospitality/w-hotels-opens-first-property-in-