Luxury Escapes Await: Azizia Riyadh's Executive Hotel!
Luxury Escapes Await: Azizia Riyadh's Executive Hotel!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the opulent, the executive, the potentially-amazing (or maybe not so much) world of Luxury Escapes Await: Azizia Riyadh's Executive Hotel! Prepare for a review that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly caffeinated rhapsody on a hotel," stuffed with opinions, quirks, and the occasional existential crisis about the price of a decent cup of coffee.
First Impressions (aka The Arrival Tango)
So, the name's a mouthful, isn't it? "Luxury Escapes Await!" - sounds like they're promising a magical portal to a stress-free zone. Let's see if they deliver. The exterior… well, it's Riyadh. Architecture is… diverse. Suffice it to say, it's a hotel. You park (thank GOD, on-site car park, FREE OF CHARGE! – a small victory in a city where parking can be a blood sport) and the doorman (always a good sign, right?) helps with your luggage. Safety/security feature: they've got security, 24/7. You immediately feel a little bit safer. Important after flying and driving.
Accessibility: Can a Normal Person Navigate?
Okay, important stuff. Wheelchair accessible: I haven't personally tested this, but they claim to be. Given the "executive" title, I expect ramps, elevators, and generally a smooth journey. Elevator is present, so that's step one completed. Facilities for disabled guests are also listed, which suggests (and I would hope confirms) adapted rooms and services. Let's hope it's not just a checklist item, eh?
Inside the Fortress: Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and the Internet)
Alright, room time! The rooms themselves are where the "executive" title really needs to shine. I need… I NEED good internet. I'm a digital nomad, people! Thank GOD, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's a HUGE plus. Now, how good is the Wi-Fi? We'll see. Internet access – wireless: check. Internet access – LAN: even better! (For the nerds like me who still trust a wired connection for serious work). And, Internet access in general? Pray to the Wi-Fi gods! Let's be honest, bad Wi-Fi can ruin a whole stay.
The room itself? Expect standard executive fare. Air conditioning: essential. Blackout curtains: another lifesaver. Desk: gotta have it. Coffee/tea maker: YES! Free bottled water: even better. Mini bar: potential for temptation (or a quick late-night snack). In-room safe box: always a good idea for those precious jewels. Non-smoking rooms: Praise be. Seating area: a chance to relax after all that… you know… traveling. Additional toilet: potentially a luxury for some? Just saying…
The Bathroom Blues (and Bliss)
The all-important bathroom. Private bathroom: obviously. Separate shower/bathtub: excellent. Bathrobes: OOOOH, fancy. Slippers: YES! Anything that prevents me from padding around in my socks is A-OK. Toiletries: hopefully not the tiny, disappointing kind. Hair dryer: Check. Mirror: check. Towels: big fluffy ones, PLEASE. These are little everyday details that truly can make or break my whole stay.
The Cleanliness Conspiracy (or, How Clean Is Clean?)
Listen, in this day and age, cleanliness is NOT optional. Cleanliness and safety are at the top of the list. Rooms sanitized between stays: this is GOOD. Daily disinfection in common areas: also good. Anti-viral cleaning products: fantastic. Hand sanitizer: essential. Staff trained in safety protocol: a massive relief. Hygiene certification: hopefully they have it! Individually-wrapped food options: a smart move. Safe dining setup: let's hope these are being handled with care. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Phew! Staff trained in safety protocol.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Executive Lifestyle (or Just Trying to Get Fed)
Ah, the sustenance! The lifeblood! Let’s talk food. Restaurants: plural? Excellent. They list Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. Variety is the spice of life, I always say! A Coffee shop is mentioned, which means I can get my caffeine fix.
- Breakfast [buffet]: this can be a gamble. You've got to have a strong buffet game, or you've lost me. Breakfast service is a given, but is it good? Breakfast in room: nice for those lazy mornings. Breakfast takeaway service: helpful for the early birds. This breakfast situation better be GOOD.
- Room service [24-hour]: ideal for those late-night cravings.
- Poolside bar: if there’s a pool, and a bar… well, that’s practically paradise.
- Bar: well, duh.
- Happy hour: (praying emojis).
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: all listed. Variety is the spice of life.
The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" Rundown (or, Is This Just a Fancy Hotel or a Mini-Vacation?)
Alright, the FUN stuff. Fitness center: essential for keeping my sanity (and fitting into my favorite jeans). Gym/fitness: same thing, different label. Swimming pool: fingers crossed it's a good one. Swimming pool [outdoor]: even better. Pool with view: now we're talking! If I'm going to actually relax, I need some options.
- The All-Important Spa: Let's get specific. Massage: YES. Sauna: YES. Spa: YES. Spa/ sauna: YES! Steamroom: YES. Body scrub: interesting! Body wrap: well, if you're going for the full pampering experience…
- Other potential distractions: Babysitting service for the families. Air conditioning in public area for the people enjoying the public spaces, and Gift/souvenir shop.
Staff and Services: The Little Things That Matter (or, Will They Bring Me More Coffee?)
The staff can MAKE OR BREAK a hotel experience. 24-hour front desk: necessary. Daily housekeeping: essential. Concierge: helpful. Laundry service: yes, please! Dry cleaning: even better. Ironing service: essential (especially for business trips). Room service [24-hour]. Luggage storage: thank goodness! Cash withdrawal: always good to know. Currency exchange: a lifesaver. Elevator: essential for accessibility.
Business Baubles (aka "I Have to Work, Don't I?")
Okay, okay, Business facilities: got it. Meetings: check. Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, and even Wi-Fi for special events. Sounds like they're catering to the corporate crowd. Xerox/fax in business center: still a thing for those old-schoolers (which, let's be honest, sometimes that's me, too).
The Kiddos Corner (or, Trying to Survive with the Little Humans)
For those traveling with munchkins: Family/child friendly. Kids facilities and a Babysitting service. They need to make sure they'll have something the kids can actually use!
Getting Around: Taxi or Uber? (or, Pray for the Parking)
Airport transfer: Score! Car park [free of charge]: another score! Taxi service: always available, I imagine. Valet parking: a bit fancy, but hey, why not?
The Little Details: The Fine Print (or, Where the Hotel Really Reveals Itself)
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Alarm clock: necessary.
- Bathrobes: fancy.
- Bathroom phone: why?
- Bathtub: nice.
- Blackout curtains: essential.
- Closet: of course.
- Coffee/tea maker: yes!
- Complimentary tea: even better.
- Desk: gotta have it.
- Extra long bed: yay for tall people!
- Free bottled water: essential.
- Hair dryer: check.
- High floor: always good.
- In-room safe box: good.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: good for big families.
- Internet access – LAN: for those who want it.
- Internet access – wireless: for everyone.
- Ironing facilities: for business types.
- Laptop workspace: essential.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is my version. Executives Hotel - Azizia, Riyadh? We're about to see if that fancy façade can survive the chaotic, beautiful reality of me.
The "Oh God, I Forgot to Pack Half My Life" Pre-Trip Disaster (aka Getting There)
- Day 0: The Panic Hour. So, the flight's tomorrow. Tomorrow! And you know what? I haven't even started packing. My suitcase looks like it had a fight with a clothes explosion. Just a disaster. I can't find my passport. Or my charger. Or the will to live. A quick, highly disorganized online shopping spree for emergency supplies commenced. (Why do I ALWAYS do this the night before?)
- Day 1: The Airport Gauntlet. Okay, managed to get to the airport somehow, after barely sleeping, the flight was brutal. The screaming baby. The guy next to me who thought my armrest was a shared property. And don't even get me started on the food. Was it chicken? Was it… something else? I couldn't even tell. The arrival process at King Khalid Intl. Airport was a blur of forms, lines, and the vague terror that someone might be judging my rapidly escalating sweat situation.
Riyadh Beckons (And I'm Already Jet-Lagged)
- Day 1 (Afternoon): Arrival at the Executives Hotel - Azizia. Okay, the hotel. It looks impressive. Marble floors, chandeliers that could probably house a small family. But the lobby music is the same cheesy stuff I hear at my dentist's office, and instantly triggered my anxiety. I'm pretty sure the air conditioning is on full blast, and I am freezing. Is it a mirage? Am I being hallucinated in this desert?
- Day 1 (Evening): The Search for Food (and Sanity). Alright, first order of business: FOOD. And preferably something that doesn't come with a side of existential dread. I wandered the Azizia area, a bit lost and more than a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of… everything. The traffic seemed to be the main thing that I remembered and that was my first, honest experience. Found a small local restaurant. The food was… well, different. It was spicy, unfamiliar yet tasted like home. I did my best with the Arabic I'd learned (which is, admittedly, not very good) and somehow managed to order something. It was… a culinary adventure, to say the least. A good start.
- Day 1 (Night): Jet Lag & Hotel Room Realizations. So, the room. It's fancy. Really fancy. But then I found out the window is sealed! At the moment. I can't see the city! So this is real. I am here. I collapsed onto the bed (which, thankfully, was actually comfortable) like a boneless chicken. The jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. I drifted in and out of consciousness, dreaming of food, air conditioning, and figuring out how to properly use the TV remote.
Day 2: The Spice Market, the Souk, and a Near-Meltdown
- Morning: Exploring the Souk/Spice Market (and My Patience). Okay, this was an experience. The sights, the smells, the noise! I swear, my senses were in overdrive. The bargaining! It's an art form. I tried, bless my heart, but I'm pretty sure I paid way too much for that tiny, intricately carved camel. But I had to have it. I'm already emotionally invested! The spice market was a sensory overload. I nearly sneezed my brains out from all the pepper and ended up buying some saffron. Beautiful color but my wallet is now suffering.
- Afternoon: The (Brief) Cultural Immersion. I wanted to experience more culture. I tried to, honestly. I went to the local mosque. I was so happy that I did. It was a humbling experience, I did my best to blend in, and the beauty of the architecture was breathtaking. I ended up having a small conversation with a local family. I just needed to get lost again. I wanted to feel everything.
- Evening: The Meltdown (Almost). Back at the hotel, the air conditioner broke! The hot-cold situation, the jetlag, the overwhelming sounds, the pressure! It was all too much. I nearly lost it. I wanted to go home. But I took a deep breath, chugged some water (hydration is key, apparently), and forced myself to unpack (a small victory). Pizza was ordered. Everything seemed slightly better, with the comfort of cheesy goodness.
Day 3: The Desert, the Dunes, and the Unexpected Wisdom
- Morning: The Desert Adventure – Yes, I Did It! Organized tour? Nope. I'm a "wing it" kind of gal. Rented a dune buggy. This was a mistake. I’m not sure, but this seems to be a mistake. I was trying to control the car and drive it, and nearly took out a family of camels. But then I embraced the chaos. The sand, the wind in my hair, the sheer vastness of the desert – it was breathtaking. Pure freedom! Even with the minor near-death experience.
- Afternoon: Cultural Delights and Reflections. Went to a local teahouse. Spent several hours just sitting and drinking sweet mint tea. I had some of the best conversations with a group of local women. They were kind, wise and made me realize how limited my view of the world was. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most profound.
- Evening: Starry Night & Deep Thoughts. I found a spot to watch the stars. The sky was a canvas of brilliance. It was almost surreal. I felt small, insignificant, and utterly fantastic all at the same time. I'm not an overly emotional person, but this trip… this country had surprised me.
Day 4: Farewell Riyadh (And Thank God)
- Morning: Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble. Panic! Of course, I forgot souvenirs. Rushed to the local shops and I’m hoping who I bought it for is still alive. I managed to snag a few last-minute things. I bought all of it.
- Afternoon: Hotel Check-Out & Airport Prep. Check-out went smoothly (thank goodness). Headed back to the airport. This time, I was slightly prepared. Slightly.
- Evening: The Flight Home & Post-Trip Realizations. Plane delays. The screaming baby was back. But, for the first time in a while, I felt a sense of peace. I'm coming home changed. A bit frazzled, a bit sunburned, but changed.
Final Thoughts (and the Messy Reality):
This trip was… a lot. I messed up, I got lost. I got emotional. I overspent. But I also experienced something truly extraordinary. And despite the near-meltdowns, the questionable food choices, and my consistent lack of preparedness, I wouldn't trade it for anything. The Executives Hotel - Azizia? It served its purpose. But the real journey was outside those fancy walls. So, yes, it wasn't perfect. It was real. And sometimes, that's the best kind of adventure. And yes, I’m exhausted and will probably sleep for a week. But I'm already dreaming of my next adventure.
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Luxury Escapes Await: Azizia Riyadh's Executive Hotel - Ask Me Anything (But Prepare for Honesty!)
Okay, spill! Is this place REALLY luxurious? Or is it just... fancy-ish?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" gets thrown around like a freebie at a raffle. Honestly? The Azizia, in my book, leans more towards *upscale* than pure, unadulterated, “I-have-a-private-jet” luxury. Think... very comfortable. Think... beautiful marble floors. Think... the kind of place where you *definitely* wouldn't want to be clumsy and accidentally spill your saffron latte. Which, I ALMOST did. Seriously, my heart rate spiked just looking at those precious carpets!
It's luxurious *enough* to feel pampered, but not intimidatingly so. You know? You can still, like, order room service in your pajamas without feeling judged. (Hypothetically. I may or may not have tested this theory.)
What about the location? Is it convenient for actually *doing* things in Riyadh?
The location, that's the rub, isn't it? Okay, so... Azizia is… well, it's *in* Azizia. Which, for a tourist, means you're gonna be relying on taxis (lots of them) or ride-sharing. It's not exactly a walk-everywhere kind of place. I envisioned myself strolling leisurely through the souks, but reality hit me like a rogue desert sandstorm! My phone's taxi app became my best friend.
On the plus side, once you *get* to a place, like, say, a mall or a museum (and believe me, Riyadh has *some* amazing museums), the Azizia is a comfortable distance. Just budget extra time for the travel!
The food! Gotta know about the food! Was it edible? Stellar? Did you secretly sneak out for McDonald's? (Don't judge.)
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. Look, the breakfast buffet was a *beast*. A glorious, carb-laden, date-and-baklava-filled beast! So. Many. Options. I swear, I gained five pounds just *looking* at the pastries. This is the kind of place where you'll find yourself staring at the pastry chef with a longing gaze, realizing you probably will never will be one.
The hotel's restaurants? Some hit, some miss. The Lebanese restaurant? Oh, the hummus! To die for! The *other* restaurant? Let's just say it was… an experience. I'll leave it at that.
Did I sneak out for fast food? Alright, alright, *maybe* once. Don't judge my late-night cravings. Sometimes, you just need a familiar burger, right? I mean, after all the decadent food, a simple bite of a Big Mac, is a guilty pleasure.
Let's talk rooms! Were they comfy? Modern? Spooky? Did you have a bed big enough to, like, roll around in?
The rooms… ah, the rooms. They were… *nice*. Decent size, good air conditioning (a MUST in Riyadh, trust me). The bed? Oh, the bed was an absolute *dream*. I'm talking sink-into-the-fluffiness, don't-want-to-get-out kind of dream. I may, or may not, have spent an entire afternoon binge-watching Netflix *in* that bed. (And yes, I did almost fall asleep during a VERY IMPORTANT meeting.)
Modern furnishings, well-appointed bathrooms. No ghosts. No complaints. Except... hmm, the Wi-Fi could be a tad faster. But hey, who needs Wi-Fi when you have a bed that good, right?
Anything *bad* about the Azizia? Gotta know the downsides!
Okay, let's be brutal. The downsides? Hmm… the gym. It was… "functional." Let's put it that way. Not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness center. More like a slightly upgraded community center. I spent more time people-watching than actually working out.
Also, the sometimes, getting the attention of the staff can be difficult. Not that they aren't helpful, but sometimes, I felt like I was lost in a desert. I really wish there was a concierge dedicated for foreigners.
And, as I mentioned before, the location. Plan on spending a decent chunk of your budget on transportation. It's not the end of the world, but it's worth noting. Also the elevators (yeah, I'm mentioning the elevators!) can get a little crowded during peak times. Be prepared to wait. Patience, grasshopper… patience.
The Pool! Did it actually exist? Was it warm? Did you get to use it?
Oh, the pool. Let me tell you a story. I was SO excited about the pool. Picture this: me, basking in the Riyadh sun, sipping a refreshing mocktail, living my best life.
Well, the pool *did* exist. It *was* there. It was…. alright. It was clean, and decently sized. But you know the feeling you get from a hotel pool? It's not exactly the tropical paradise I had envisioned. It was mostly deserted, which I guess is a plus if you hate people. I went for a quick dip, it was fine, the water was lukewarm. The mocktails, on the other hand, were excellent.
The problem was, I was so overwhelmed by the breakfast buffet, the pool became… well, second-tier. It was there, and I used it, and that’s what mattered. It's not the highlight, but the experience was very unique
Okay, bottom line. Would you recommend this hotel? Seriously, would you spend your own money there again?
Okay, deep breath. Would I recommend the Azizia? Yes. But with some caveats.
It's a *good* hotel. A very comfortable hotel. If location isn't a deal-breaker for you, if you enjoy a decent breakfast buffet, and if you appreciate a comfy bed, you'll be happy. It's not the most *exciting* place, mind you. But it's a solid choice.
Would I spend my own money there again? Yes, probably. Especially if I found a good deal. I'd just make sure to factor in the taxi costs, pack a few extra snacks for late-night cravings, and remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. Because, let's face it, even the imperfect experiences can make a great story, and believe I returned with a boatload of ‘em.
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