This is my third review on the Holiday Inn, Riyadh and every time I come, I come with an open mind, hoping to experience a change, but unfortunately nothing. Third time was not a charm for me... But I then realised that they are actually happy with what they have and how they are running the hotel.
There are a few things that you enjoy usually in a hotel. The comfort, the royal treatment, the yummy breakfast, the strong hot showers... and warm welcome, among other basic things... At the Holiday Inn, most of these factors are missing. The first review I had was about the hotel's old building, the next was on the hotel's new building where I stayed at the second time and now I am back to the old one location. Although I had thought that maybe, just maybe the new building would have been better... It was not the case...
What I didn't like previously and unfortunately hasn't changed:
- Food nylon wrapping on buffets.
- Minimal water pressure in shower.
- Unprofessional staff for the hotel industry.
- Unprofessional, unwelcoming reception staff.
- Very expensive price
- more expensive than the Meridien Hotel in Jeddah and is at the same price as the the Sheraton Hotel in Riyadh.
What I still like but it's not enough to make me enjoy the stay:
- The breakfast choice.
- The hotel's location.
- The luxurious cars used for airport pick-up.
I wanted to give the place the benefit of the doubt. During this trip, I thought why not go and relax for an hour and enjoy the hotel's daily lunch buffet. Food is normal, very average to be blunt, but to top things off, the same problem appeared again: those nylon wrapping! It instantly puts you off food, no matter how hungry you are. I think its so unprofessional, not hygienic and not up to the Holiday-Inn standards. Check the images...
Although the hotel boasts a new wing, as I previously mentioned, I think the only difference is its new. But I preferred staying in the older building as the hotel's management, the action and all the events take place there... so it was better, except for the unbearable loud road noise in the room. This is really unacceptable; I felt like I was sleeping on the highway every night. Double glazing should be replaced the soonest. For me, I've got my dose, I have already tried and tested the place three times and thought that maybe third time is a charm as the saying goes, but unfortunately its not the case.
For the next time I am in Riyadh, I am definitely booking somewhere else.
