Novotel Suites Riyadh Olaya — Hotel in Municipality of Olaya

4/5 This is my second review towards the end of my extended stay. After four months the novelty of Riyadh has well and truly worn off and I think I know the hotel better than most hotels I have stayed in over the decades. I am working here and have a suite - think bed-sit rather that presidential accommodation - but it allows me to set up a work space and cook for myself which makes a long stay more bearable as I like to try out local produce. In the last few months I have discovered more varieties of date than I realised existed. I have tried camel meat which is is 87% water and the best red meat for humans (apparently) and Indian buffalo mince. Both these meats are resilient and make great curries - indeed the water in the camel means it makes its own sauce - who'd a thought it? The rooms are dated but have what I need to get by including a decent office chair. And since I arrived the old carpet has been replaced with laminate flooring, so I can now scoot around the room on the office chair when I get bored or frustrated or just fancy a change of view. The breakfast has become tediously boring, but the same menu for four months is never going to be 'exciting', so I just except that it is what it is but I expect it will be fine for a short stay in a hotel in this price range. The staff have been great. The cafe staff headed up by Noum and Fermier (I think the spelling of her name is correct) who are friendly and attentive. Fermier is a particluarly refreshing presence - always smiling and seemingly always on duty from silly o'clock in the morning until what feels like way past my bedtime. The bussing staff include Hassan and a couple of others, whose names I do not know, silently glide around doing their thing. The housekeeping staff, Hasan and Sam/Surdhwar (again spelling might be wrong) and others are equally enthusiastic and attentive. The desk staff seem to change on a regular basis but speak fair to good English which suits my needs. The gym is reasonably well equipped but could do with a rowing machine. The steam room has not worked since I got here and the pool is ok but a bit shallow. Also women are not allowed to use these facilities - though we have a waiver for a couple of women on our team who are allowed to use the gym at fixed (and usually useless) times but are not allowed to use the pool as this is against the law. It is regrettable, but I would encourage guests planning on visiting this country to question these policies and add a little pressure on the authorities as they try to drag the Kingdom into the 21st century as part of the Vision 2030 programme. Oh! and after breakfast you could do worse than grab some of the cold meats and leave them outside the front door for the street-cat which has been here since I arrived. There are a lot - like a LOT - of street cats here and they are fed, watered and in once case housed in a four room cat hotel (made of cardboard boxes with a sheet of waterproof roofing to keep the rain off) by the locals. So it seems quite reasonable for guests to help. Things will only change for the better if people stand up to that which they find oppressive - stand up...

Title: A Remarkable Stay at Novotel Suites - Unparalleled Excellence

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Novotel Suites, and I must say that my experience surpassed all expectations. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism by the attentive staff, setting the stage for an extraordinary stay.

The first thing that struck me was the impeccable cleanliness and modern design of the hotel. The attention to detail in the room decor, coupled with the spaciousness and comfort, made it feel like a true home away from home. The level of service provided by the staff was truly exceptional. They consistently went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my stay was flawless. Whether it was accommodating special requests, providing valuable local recommendations, or promptly attending to any concerns, their attentiveness and dedication were unmatched.

Novotel Suites also boasts an impressive range of amenities. The fitness center was well-equipped and allowed me to maintain my exercise routine, while the inviting swimming pool provided a refreshing retreat after a long day of activities. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to major attractions and transportation hubs made exploring the city hassle-free.

The culinary experience at Novotel Suites was an absolute delight. The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of delicious options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The quality of the food was consistently excellent, and the service in the dining area was attentive and friendly.

Finally, I cannot emphasize enough the value for money that Novotel Suites offers. Given the exceptional level of service, the luxurious accommodations, and the prime location, the rates are truly reasonable, making it an outstanding choice for both business and leisure travelers.

In conclusion, my stay at Novotel Suites was nothing short of extraordinary. From the inviting ambiance to the exceptional service and top-notch amenities, every aspect of my experience was flawless. I wholeheartedly recommend Novotel Suites to anyone seeking a memorable stay that combines comfort, convenience, and unparalleled excellence.

Thank you, Novotel Suites, for an unforgettable experience. I look forward to returning in the...

This is a mixed review because I had a mixed experience. The rooms are lovely and comfortable. The mini bar is not stocked which is a shame and there are no snacks with the tea and coffee facilities. This is relevant because while the service is friendly, the room service was disappointing. I bought the package knowing that I would be able to have an evening meal, but this was not the case. The first day was fine and the room service was brought quickly. The second day I was out at my conference. The last night is when it went wrong. I used the app to order as I had done before at 8:30. I popped downstairs, my room key didn’t work so I had to recharge it. I waited. And waited. I rang down to reception to see if my food was coming. They said they would check. I then went downstairs at 10pm to see what had happened. Apparently they had rung my room and I wasn’t in so they cancelled my order. Yet there was no mention of this at 9:30 when I rang reception. I was kindly told if I waited another half hour then I would be served my food. I don’t want to eat at 10:30. I wanted to eat an hour previously. So I returned to my room hungry and not able to assuage my hunger with a snack.

The receptionist was lovely and very apologetic, but I am disappointed and I don’t understand why if I order from an app which is room specific they don’t just bring me what I ordered. I also know that I will not get a refund on the meal part of my package deal. It is not what I expect from the...