Marriott has announced the opening of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah situated near the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
Known for its historical significance and ancient Najdi architecture, Diriyah is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif, offering a glimpse into the region’s past with well-preserved and restored palaces, mosques and mudbrick structures that are emblematic of Najd, the central region of Saudi Arabia.
Set within a labyrinth of alleyways, the hotel is the first to open in Diriyah and captures the region’s low-contour, mudbrick architecture with open courtyards and spaces to gather. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed in the intimate lobby filled with lounge-style seating reminiscent of an Arabian home. At check in, guests are served traditional beverages, stuffed dates, cardamom coffee chocolates and spiced fruit ice-teas in Wujar, the lobby lounge that is inspired by the social places where coffee and tea simmered over open fires.
The hotel’s 134 guestrooms, including 23 suites, showcase local artwork, rugs, books and hand-crafted artifacts. Ancestral poetry pays homage to the Arabian art of storytelling and enhances every turn-down service.
The hotel houses three restaurants: signature restaurant Jareed celebrates Najd culinary methods paired with contemporary techniques, and incorporates locally sourced seasonal produce; Taleed by Chef Micheal Mina serves classic Mediterranean dishes; and Medheef, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, has an open kitchen and serves seasonal dishes.
The Earthen Spa offers a range of restorative treatments and wellness experiences including signature body wrap and scrub treatments, and a program of guided meditation and yoga. Guests can also explore Diriyah through guided running and walking paths or enjoy an invigorating workout in the fitness center.
The hotel invites guests to explore the ancient roots of Saudi Arabia through guided tours of the nearby UNESCO site. They can also attend storytelling sessions, poetry readings and culinary tours, each crafted to provide a deep connection to the local heritage.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
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