"A Disappointing Iftar at The Grooves, Riyadh"
Yesterday, our company held its Iftar party at "The Grooves" in Riyadh, and unfortunately, it was a profoundly disappointing experience. I strongly advise HRs to reconsider this venue for future official events.
• The issues began immediately with the entry timings. Despite our party being scheduled for 5:30 PM, colleagues arriving just ten minutes early were met with rudeness and denied entry by security guards, forced to wait outside the compound. This rigid time policy for a restaurant is perplexing and unwelcoming.
• Adding insult to injury, we were charged parking fees (SR 30/hour) – a practice I've never encountered at a restaurant catering to its own guests.
• The welcome drinks were limited to a single serving of Vimto and water, with subsequent drinks, even water, incurring a charge of SR 35. This practice, especially during an Iftar buffet, is unacceptable.
• The food variety was severely lacking. Food counters were filled with inexpensive items, while essential dishes like mutton, biryanis, and common desserts were conspicuously absent. The quality and selection did not justify the high price point. (HR’s must thoroughly review the menu before finalizing any bookings).
• The cutlery policy was equally frustrating. Guests were forced to return to their assigned tables for spoons and other utensils, even for desserts and ice cream, as these were not available at the food counters.
• During the entertainment show, security guards acted as bouncers, restricting guest movement within the compound. Many individuals were prevented from returning to their tables, creating unnecessary tension and discomfort. While security is important, it should not impede guest movement.
• The expansive lawns and party areas were strictly divided, with guests confined to their designated sections. This limited access prevented us from enjoying the full beauty of the venue and taking photographs in other areas.
• Finally, the venue was incredibly congested. Multiple parties were hosted simultaneously, leading to overcrowding and difficulty navigating the space. This significantly impacted the overall experience.
In conclusion, our Iftar experience at The Grooves was marred by poor service, questionable policies, and a lack of value for money. I cannot recommend this venue for any...
Read moreThe Groves is magical, offering multiple dining choices, and Little Krazy was my top pick. I was really excited for the experience and even paid extra for the terrace, expecting it to provide the best atmosphere. It was raining, but each table had large umbrellas, so while it wasn’t the smoothest experience, everything was fine once we were seated. The food was absolutely delicious!
Then, the show started unexpectedly. When I asked the waiter if the performers would come to the terrace, he said no but told us we could go watch. I wish I had known this earlier. We went to stand and watch, but then an employee told us we were blocking the dancers’ path. It was frustrating because one staff member told us to stand there, while another told us we were in the way (clearly a miscommunication)
I had invited my friends to this restaurant and didn’t want anything to ruin the experience. Later, I asked the waiter if they could write my friends’ names on a dessert plate, even separately if needed. He said his manager didn’t allow it, which was disappointing.
Overall, the experience wasn’t exactly what I expected, but we still enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I will definitely come again for a different...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of visiting Kheemah The Groves in Riyadh for iftar, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, making it the perfect place to for dining with friends and family.
The iftar spread was nothing short of lavish, offering an incredible variety of cuisines from all around the world. From Indian to Mexican, Chinese to Mediterranean, and Italian, there was something for every taste. Each dish was expertly prepared, bursting with rich flavors that truly made the meal memorable.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, there was a stunning Ramadan performance by various artists, showcasing traditional Arab dance. It was a wonderful cultural experience that truly enhanced the evening, providing a lively and immersive touch to the celebration.
Overall, my visit to Kheemah The Groves for iftar was a fantastic experience. With delicious food, engaging performances, and a warm ambiance, it’s a place I would highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a special...
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