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Business Traveller Middle East gives Guenter Gebhard, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, five minutes to pitch his property to prospective guests
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Architecturally, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a landmark building and is a highly published image of the country. In the second quarter of 2019, we embarked on an extensive renovation of the property starting with our rooms, suites and signature Presidential, Royal and Kingdom suites. The renovation of the rooms concluded at the beginning of this year with a total spend of US$100 million. Business travellers, and our guests in general, will appreciate the generous size of our rooms, bathed in natural sunlight thanks to floor-to ceiling windows. High-speed internet access, separate work and dining areas make it convenient for any business stay. With sweeping panoramic views of the city, our expansive signature suites are a luxurious base from which to conduct business. From dedicated dining and living spaces to personal gyms and well-appointed studies, every need of our guests is anticipated and catered for. Meanwhile, our dedicated butler and guest services focuses on a generous handful of offerings to take care of the travel needs of our guests. Pre-arrival communications, in-room personalised check-in, therapeutic baths are just some of these services
that really define the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh experience. We have a lot of repeat guests that actually leave their luggage with us and return every week only with their laptops. Their rooms are set up just the way they left it the week prior, and that’s where the butler team is very involved in the intricate details of making a home away from home for them. Our over 7,000 sqm meetings and event facilities are ideal for both largescale galas and intimate board meetings. The Kingdom Ballroom itself is 4,000 sqm hosting up to 4,000 guests. A collection of four other function and meeting rooms are ideal for smaller gatherings including an open-air, treelined Conference Garden.
“The renovation of the rooms concluded at the beginning of this year with a total spend of US$100 million”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Exterior shot of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre; Guenter Gebhard; The recently redesigned rooms at the hotel DECEMBER 2022
During their stay guests can enjoy delicious culinary experiences at Elements serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and offering global cuisines. Elements also offers a very successful Friday brunch. As for our Lobby Lounge, it is the place to be seen in the city and offers an eclectic menu and high-end afternoon tea experience. We’ve recently introduced Le Carré, our offsite catering service delivering exceptional Four Seasons dining to various locations – whether in palaces, exhibition centres or private venues. From a casual luncheon to a multi-course dinner, our talented team provides high-end, curated cuisine and personal service that is smooth and polished, ensuring a delicious, one-of-a kind experience. As for leisure facilities, our pool is mixed-use for guests, as is the gym, which offers certified personal training services in collaboration with 24N Riyadh. The gym is open to both hotel guests and outside members as well. The next phase of our renovation will start in the first quarter of 2023. By the end of 2023, we will have renovated the reception and lobby lounge, and replaced our culinary offerings with three new branded restaurants including one by Daniel Boulud and another by Pierre Hermé. Following that, we will start with the renovation of our Spa and Wellness Centre, including the construction of a new dedicated female spa with a steam room, sauna, spa bath, as well as a relaxation room. We will also be renovating our ballroom and building a unique venue called the Monogram Room, a luxurious lounge-style venue with its own terrace and garden which should be ready by September 2024.
