Review: Sheraton Hotel, Riyadh

The hotel, which opened 20 years ago, has 188 rooms and is close to the business district of Riyadh.

Compared to other hotels, it was mid-priced, costing around SR850 per night plus taxes and charges, during our stay in June.

Guests can book a driver via Avis to take them around the city, which costs SR105 an hour, or it is fairly easy to flag down a taxi.

And although Riyadh gets extremely hot during the summer months, it is a dry, rather than a humid, heat, so standing in the sun for a while is not uncomfortable.

As is typical of hotels in the kingdom, entering the hotel involves going through some security checks.

These took place both in the car and, via an airport style x-ray machine and metal detector, as you walk through the doors.

Hotel staff do their best to make it a quick, unobtrusive process.

Easy check in

Check-in was quick, friendly and without fuss.

The entrance is large and airy, with two restaurants and two lounge areas (although it is classed as a single lounge) where refreshments and basic food can be ordered.

La Piazza, as the name suggests is more Italian and pizza food, while Al-Bustain is international. In the evenings it offers buffet food that offered plenty of choice.

The rooms are functional. Their size varies - those staying in the Towers floors have bigger rooms than those in the Club floors. Some rooms have a large desk, others a sweeping table close to the window. The flat screen TV is also bigger in the tower rooms.

About the only gripe with the room was that the pressure for the shower was a little low.

Internet sign up was easy, but it costs SR100 for 24 hours. In the lobby there is free wireless internet access for 45 minute sessions, but that involves the hassle of going downstairs.

Certainly for anyone likely to use the internet for brief periods, sitting in the lobby with a drink and your laptop is fine, as the seats are comfortable and the area quiet.

For any business person staying in Riyadh, the Sheraton Towers is a good choice, with its mix of comfortable rooms and location to the business district.

See also:
Spazio 77, Kingdom Tower, Riyadh
Review: Hilton Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Review: Golden Tulip, Dammam, Saudi Arabia