Top 10 Luxury Hotels To Stay In Riyadh for Families
Best Luxury Hotels For Staycation In Riyadh for Families
Are you looking for the best hotels to stay in Riyadh for a staycation with your families? I’ve got just the list!
Either you’re visiting Riyadh or have been living here for a while and just need a quick change of scenery and pamper over the weekend, Riyadh has a few top-notch luxury hotels you can explore.
The best thing about spending a staycation at a hotel in Riyadh is that you can do it year-round—whether you need to escape the summer heat or enjoy the cool winter nights in Riyadh.
As someone who has spent a year living as an expat in Riyadh, I’m going to share my ultimate guide to the best luxury hotels for families to stay in Riyadh.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
1. The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh
- Rating: 9.2/10
- Location: Makkah Road, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
If there’s one place that screams royalty, it’s the Ritz. It’s a perfect luxury hotel for couples or families who want to spend time together over a weekend or holiday.
This hotel was originally built as a palace for guests of the Kingdom but now it’s open to the public. Just walking into the lobby with those crystal chandeliers feels like an event in itself.
It offers an atmosphere that feels very secluded from the city noise, making it the perfect hotel for a romantic weekend for couples.
The indoor pool is a real highlight, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that look right out onto the gardens.
There’s even a six-lane bowling alley where you can grab alcohol-free drinks like smoothies and mocktails.
Location-wise, it’s about a 40-minute drive from the airport (King Khaled International) and is perfectly situated just opposite the Diplomatic Quarter.
What other guests say
“It is luxury at its highest definition and experience” – Zemichael
2. Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
- Rating: 8.4/10
- Location: Al Olaya, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
You probably have seen the iconic tower in Olaya. This hotel has a very strategic location in the middle of Riyadh.
It is perfect for families visiting Riyadh for the first time as you are right in the city centre.
The hotel (formerly just Al Faisaliah) has been rebranded to Mandarin Oriental and the vibes are sleek, modern, and very high-end.
It’s right in the heart of the city, so if you want to pop out to a mall or a restaurant, you’re in the perfect spot.
The 24-hour butler service is a game changer; they genuinely take care of everything. If you bring your children with you, having a personal butler can be a huge help.
Also, the view from the rooms (especially the upper floors) is arguably the best city view in Riyadh.
If you’re a foodie, there are a couple of great restaurants within walking distance from this hotel.
Based on what they advertised, the interior looks way more modern than the Ritz.
What other guests say
“…It felt like the hotel was just opened a month ago as they keep all the furniture up-to-date” – Guest
3. Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
- Rating: 9.0 / 10
- Location: Kingdom Centre, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
Located inside the Kingdom Centre (the one with the sky bridge), this hotel is a top pick for family with children.
The building is fresh off a major renovation, so the rooms feel super modern with a nice Saudi touch.
Direct access to the Kingdom Mall means you can shop, grab coffee, or catch a movie without ever stepping outside.
For couples, the “Sky Bridge” dinner experience is an absolute must-experience.
What other guests say
“The property was exceptionally well maintained, clean, and comfortable, making the stay truly enjoyable. The atmosphere was welcoming and everything was thoughtfully arranged for guests.”- Abdulla
4. Fairmont Riyadh
- Rating: 9.2/10
- Location: Qurtubah, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
If you want to be closer to the airport or the Business Gate area, Fairmont is one of the luxurious hotels you can stay in Riyadh.
It’s a bit further from the downtown hustle, which makes it perfect if you just want a quiet romantic weekend away with your spouse.
Fairmont Riyadh offers a variety of suites depending on your needs.
The indoor pool is huge and very family-friendly. Also, The 365 restaurant has so many options, even picky eaters will be happy.
What other guests say
“The hotel’s facilities and services were top-notch, but it’s the staff that really makes the difference”- Guest
“A very wonderful place to work, close to the airport, excellent cleanliness, and excellent service. It will be our first choice on upcoming trips.” – Guest
5. Le Meridien Riyadh
- Rating: 8.4/10
- Location: Al Worood, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
Le Meridien Riyadh offers a great family room with very huge space and a 2 twin bed. You can also request a free crib if you have a baby.
This hotel looks very stylish and artistic. It’s got a younger, fresher vibe compared to the classic luxury hotels.
Most of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of the city lights. It’s not as overwhelmingly big as the Ritz, so it feels more intimate.
What other guests say
“The design was astonishing. Great location. The staff were greeting and very friendly. The room is extremely clean and spacious with a great view.” – Mostafa
6. Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
- Rating: 9.0/10
- Location: Mansard Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
This is one of the best luxury hotels for families.
They have a variety of family rooms and they have more than just a suite with bedrooms, they even have a penthouse option!
Perfect if you’re coming with a big number of family members to celebrate any special occasion.
Mansard Riyadh also looks like it was plucked straight out of Paris. The architecture is Haussmann style (those creamy stone buildings with slate grey roof).
What other guests say
It was very well maintained and the staff were pleasant and attentive. The restaurants are excellent, too! – Guest
7. Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences
- Rating: 8.2/10
- Location: Eastern Ring Rd, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
Hilton Riyadh has a highly strategic location as it is attached to a mall, making it ideal for families who want to stay and enjoy entertainment in the city.
The hotel features 4 different pools (indoor and outdoor), so your kids will never get bored. From the outside, it looks very upscale with its massive glass facade reflecting the sky.
Despite being close to a main road, guest reviews note that the soundproofing is quite good, and they didn’t hear any outside noise while in their rooms.
The rooms are also very spacious, making it a top pick for families who need extra space.
What other guests say
“The staff are superb! Very friendly and helpful! Room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The location of the hotel was perfect as it is attached to the mall.”– Nour
8. JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh
- Rating: 8.2/10
- Location: King Fahd Rd, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
JW Marriott Hotel is one of the great luxury hotels in Riyadh that is perfect for a weekend getaway for couples and families.
Their 3-Bedroom Suite is perfect if you’re bringing families.
Inside, it has a huge bathtub which makes this an unforgettable trip for you and your kids – they probably wouldn’t want to come out of the bathroom!
Location-wise, this hotel is located near to the centre of Riyadh, it is very ideal if you want to check out any tourist attractions such as the Kingdom Tower, or do your shopping at the souk (market) to get some souvenirs or abaya from Saudi Arabia.
What other guests say
“Everything was amazing, the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The room was spacious and cozy” – Guest
9. Bab Samhan
- Rating: 10/10
- Location: Diriyah, Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
If you’re looking for a true cultural experience, you can stay at a luxury family-friendly hotel in Diriyah, a historic city in Riyadh.
Bab Samhan is considered a heritage hotel. It’s built into the traditional mud-brick architecture but the inside is pure 5-star luxury.
It overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif.
The contrast between the traditional Najdi exterior and the plush, modern interior is truly breathtaking.
Walking out of your hotel and strolling through Bujairi Terrace for dinner is a magical experience you can’t get anywhere else in Riyadh.
What other guests say
“Bab Samhan felt really special to me.. peaceful, beautiful, and full of character. I loved the calm atmosphere and the historic details” – Guest
10. Jareed Hotel Riyadh
- Rating: 8.4/10
- Location: Jareed Hotel Riyadh
- View on: Expedia
Jareed is a perfect family-friendly 5-star hotel with luxurious boutique atmosphere with great spa facilities.
It is ideal for families with young children as the hotel offers a variety of suites including a family suite with spacious bedrooms, dining area, and a seating area at the outdoor terrace.
What other guests say
“It wasn’t inside the traffic places. It was in a convenient location near KAFD, boulevard, the arena, and bujairi. The staff were very friendly.” – Guest
FAQ on Luxury Hotel for Families in Riyadh
How much would a luxury hotel for couples and families cost in Riyadh tonight?
How much does it cost to stay at a 5-star family-friendly hotel in Riyadh depends on the season.
On average, during peak season, prices starts from SAR 1,500 ($400) to SAR 4,000 ($1100) per night for standard room.
If you’re booking a suite or a villa, it can easily go up to SAR 7,000 ($1850) per night.
What are the seasons in Riyadh?
Winter (Nov-Mar): Chilly nights, pleasant days. Best for everything outdoors.
Summer (May-Sept): Extremely hot. Temperature hit 45°C+. This is the season that people only go out after sunset and stay mostly indoors throughout the day.
When is the best time to visit Riyadh?
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Riyadh, it is in November – March.
This is when the winter will be and the temperature drops significantly which makes it very nice to walk outdoors and visit popular tourist attractions.
In January-February, the temperature can be below 10 degrees Celsius which makes it super chilly and you absolutely need a winter jacket while you’re here.
During winter, this is also the perfect time to spend as much time outdoors in Riyadh (not in the afternoon, as the sun can still be hot).
When planning to travel to Riyadh, you should always the check the Islamic calendar.
During Ramadan (the fasting month for Muslim), restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day and they are only open for customers to dine-in after iftar time (after sunset).
If you’re traveling to Riyadh during Ramadan month, you might need to consider as it could be a hassle to eat during the day especially when you’re tired from traveling.
If you’re looking to travel to Riyadh during holiday season such as Christmas or New Year, both celebrations are not very popular in Saudi Arabia and it might not be as festive as you’d expect.
Expats who live in Saudi Arabia usually will travel outside the country to celebrate Christmas and New Year such as in Dubai.
What do I pack for Riyadh?
Many tourists and foreigners who came to Riyadh for the first time made the mistake of underestimating the weather and temperature. In Riyadh, the summer can get really hot, meanwhile, the winter can get extremely cold.
- You will need a winter jacket – especially if you travel during winter (November-February). The temperature in Riyadh can go below 10 degree Celcius.
- A pair of comfortable walking shoes such as the Skechers slip-ins sneakers. You will be walking a lot during your stay in Riyadh.
- If you’re traveling during summer, you will need a light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen shirt.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are non-negotiable when traveling during summer in Riyadh
- Maxi dresses – Although wearing Abaya isn’t mandatory anymore for women, you are still expected to dress modest (covering shoulders and knees).
- For men, long trousers are always a safe and better option compared to shorts.
If you are wondering what you should or should not wear while traveling to Saudi Arabia, I wrote the guide in my other article.
How to get around in Riyadh?
E-hailing: This is the easiest way to get around in Riyadh is by using e-hailing apps like Uber, Career, or Bolts. They work perfectly fine here and very safe for women passengers.
Car Rental: If you are comfortable driving, renting a car gives you freedom. But if you’re not used to the traffic and driving styles in Riyadh, this could give you an unnecessary stress.
Metro: Riyadh has great metro lines that can connect you from one place to another. Although it is still in building phase, you can still check them out. Some station looks absolutely beautiful and have a lot of walking area such as the KAFD Metro Station.
Where is the best places to visit in Riyadh?
There are great places to visit while you’re visiting Riyadh. These are my suggestions:
- You can’t miss the Riyadh skyscraper which is the Kingdom Tower. You can even book a ticket to visit the Kingdom Sky Bridge which offers a view that overlooks the entire city.
- If you would love a cultural and history trip, you must check out Diriyah. If you want to see the old city of Riyadh, where the heritage and ancient mud-brick architecture are beautifully preserved, this is the place.
- If you love an adventurous trip, the Edge of The World is an absolute must-visit while you’re in Riyadh. You get to see the most breathtaking views of unique cliffs. It is best to go with a tour as the place is accessible only by 4×4 and it allows you to enjoy the view rather than worrying about the logistics.
- If you love huge outdoor entertainment zone with an opportunity to check out different culture from all around the world, you should absolutely check out BLVD World (happening in October – May). Each country zone features authentic food, music, live performances, and shops specific to that culture.
Food and Drink to have in Riyadh
- You must the traditional and national dish of Saudi which is the Kabsa rice and. There are many restaurants that sell this dish. If you want an authentic experience, with floor-seating style, check out Qidr Kabsah or Najd Village.
- If you would like to try shawarma or any kind of street food, check out Mama Noura. They’re a big restaurant chain in Riyadh and very easy to find.
- If you want to splurge on a fine-dining experience, Riyadh has some of the best option. I shared where you can have a romantic dining spots here in this article.
- While you’re in Riyadh, you absolutely can’t miss out on trying the coffee shop here. It’s not just about drinking coffee, but also experience how vibrant the local coffee scene here. You can find a coffee shop that is close to where you’re staying.
Is Riyadh a safe city to travel to?
The answer is yes, Riyadh is a very safe city with low crime rate. As someone who lives here, I can tell you that this is one of the safest cities I’ve lived in as a woman.
The social and cultural norms here respect women. It is very wise to dress modestly as you will gain respect from people. Being respectful as a tourist in Saudi Arabia will give you peace of mind during your travel.
Can unmarried couples stay in hotels in Riyadh?
To answer you question, yes unmarried couples CAN stay in a hotel together in Riyadh. As a foreigner or tourist don’t need a marriage license to check into a hotel with your partner. Saudi Arabia updated the rules in 2019 to make things easier for tourists.
However, the rules are different for locals, Saudi couples are usually still asked to prove they are married before checking in into the same hotel room. Of course, different hotels will have different policies, it is best to check your with your hotel to be 100% sure before booking.
