Holiday Inn Riyadh - Olaya by IHG — Hotel in Municipality of Olaya

My stay at this hotel was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. If I could give less than one star, I definitely would.

The cleanliness was terrible. The floor had visible stains, and it was clear that it hadn’t been properly cleaned. It’s completely unacceptable to check into a hotel room and find it in such a condition. The air conditioning didn’t work properly and wouldn’t go below 22°C, even though it should have gone lower. I contacted reception, and they promised to send a technician, but I waited, and no one ever came.

I requested ironing service and asked for an invoice. The staff member said he would bring it, but I never saw it until I had to follow up with reception myself. The hotel parking was closed most of the time without any explanation, which forced me to park outside in an extremely crowded area. This was one of the most frustrating aspects of my stay.

The room had almost no soundproofing. I could clearly hear street noises, including ambulance and police sirens. Even worse, there was a connecting door between my room and the one next to me, and it wasn’t properly sealed. I could literally hear the guest in the other room snoring.

On the second day, I returned to my room and was hit with a strong chemical smell, similar to paint. I reported it to reception, and after a while, they sent someone to check. He confirmed that the smell was coming from a chemical applied to a wall in a neighboring room that shared the same ventilation system as mine. I had to keep the window open all day just to make it bearable, but no one from reception followed up with me despite their promises.

I requested laundry service, asking for some items to be processed urgently and others as regular service, but they washed everything as urgent and charged me a higher price. The staff member who collected the clothes didn’t understand Arabic or English, which led to complete confusion. And after all that, they didn’t even give me the invoice until I had to repeatedly insist on it.

When I raised all these complaints with reception, an employee named Fahad was the only one who handled the situation professionally. He escalated my complaint to the reception manager, Ragheb, who called me to apologize and offered to change my room. But after dealing with the smell and AC issues for so long, it was too late to make a difference. In the end, they sent a plate of dessert, as if that would fix everything.

The towels in the room had a bad smell, like fabric that hadn’t dried properly, which shows poor hygiene. The room key card kept deactivating every day or two, especially in the elevator, which required the card to work. I had to go to reception repeatedly just to fix it, which was extremely annoying.

The hotel suffers from poor cleanliness, bad service, and serious maintenance issues. My stay was frustrating and uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for a...

Excellent Stay at Holiday Inn Olaya I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Holiday Inn Olaya in the heart of Riyadh's Olaya district. My experience was truly exceptional, thanks to the hotel's outstanding amenities and remarkable staff.

Comfortable Accommodations The hotel's rooms are tastefully decorated, well-maintained, and equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The cleanliness and attention to detail were impressive, making me feel right at home.

Delicious Food Options The food service at Holiday Inn Olaya is top-notch, offering a wide range of international and local cuisine. The breakfast spread was particularly impressive, with multiple dishes and varieties to suit every taste. The table service was attentive and efficient, ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Exceptional Staff What truly sets Holiday Inn Olaya apart is its exceptional staff. Rana, the manager, was warm, welcoming, and ensured that every aspect of my stay was taken care of. Shakir, the presentation expert, was instrumental in making our meetings and events a success. Their professionalism, expertise, and friendly demeanor made all the difference.

Highly Recommended Overall, I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Olaya to anyone visiting Riyadh. Its excellent accommodations and exceptional staff make it an ideal choice for business travelers and leisure seekers alike. I look forward to...

Yehia Elkhouly, in food and beverage assistance, truly exemplifies outstanding service. His dedication and positive energy shine brightly, making him a standout employee at Holiday Inn Olaya. I was consistently impressed by his warm demeanor and genuine care, which significantly enhanced my breakfast experience and set a positive tone for my entire day.

In contrast, I observed a noticeable lack of enthusiasm and warmth among some of the front office staff. Their interactions lacked the welcoming and energetic approach that Yehia consistently demonstrated. I strongly believe that Yehia's exceptional customer service skills would be invaluable in training the front office team. His ability to build rapport and create a welcoming atmosphere is a rare and precious quality.

Yehia's positive impact on my stay was so significant that I would specifically return to Holiday Inn Olaya to experience his exceptional service again. His energy and dedication are truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the positive start he gave me each morning.

Thank you, Yehia, and thank you, Holiday Inn Olaya, for a memorable stay. I hope the hotel considers leveraging Yehia's talents to elevate the overall guest experience across all...