The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
A domed indoor pool beside the convention centre
About this hotel
The indoor pool here sits under a dome with large floor-to-ceiling windows, a setup that separates it from the more standard indoor pools found elsewhere in central Riyadh, with a jacuzzi positioned alongside it for guests who want to alternate between the two. Rooms are warmly decorated with a satellite LCD TV and a CD/DVD player, a bathrobe and slippers, and a seating area for longer stays. Dining runs across six restaurants, including Azzurro's Italian a la carte menu, and an outdoor terrace suited to afternoon tea or a light snack away from the pool area. Free WiFi covers the public areas throughout, and the property sits within walking distance of both King Abdulaziz Convention Centre and the wider Olaya Street corridor.
- Domed indoor pool
- Jacuzzi included
- Six restaurants
- Next to convention centre
Our take
This suits guests attending events at King Abdulaziz Convention Centre next door who still want a genuinely striking indoor pool rather than a purely functional one, and the domed glass ceiling makes the swim itself worth the stay. Anyone looking for an outdoor pool or a more budget-conscious stay should book elsewhere, since the six-restaurant, marble-hallway setup here is priced accordingly.
- ✓Book directly beside the convention centre entrance if attending an event there; it saves a longer walk.
- ✓Try Azzurro for dinner if you want an a la carte Italian option away from the main restaurant.
- ✓Use the jacuzzi after the pool rather than before; the water temperature contrast works better that way.
Why we love it
- Domed pool with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Jacuzzi next to the indoor pool
- Six on-site restaurants
- Steps from the convention centre
Why guests love itTravellers staying here for convention centre events find the indoor pool becomes the highlight of the trip rather than a side amenity, largely because of the domed glass ceiling that makes the space feel nothing like a typical hotel pool room. The jacuzzi next to it was used most evenings after a long day of meetings, and Azzurro's Italian menu offered a welcome break from the buffet routine most business hotels default to.