Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh

Riyadh, Al Sahafa, Olaya Street Riyadh24.808907,46.62648(Show on Map)

8.0

Very Good

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Info

Summary of reviews

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is admired for its prime location in the northern part of the city, offering convenient access to markets, tourist attractions and major roads while maintaining a tranquil environment away from the city's noise. Guests particularly appreciate its accessibility to both business centers and leisure spots, making it an ideal choice for varied travel purposes. The cleanliness of the hotel receives high praise with guests frequently highlighting the spacious and meticulously maintained rooms, contributing to a comfortable stay. The staff's dedication to maintaining hygiene standards and their attentive service play a significant role in enhancing the overall experience. The facilities, such as the swimming pools, are another highlight. The hotel provides a variety of pool options, including a women's pool, a men's pool and a family pool with a special area for children. These facilities are well-received for their cleanliness and privacy, although some guests suggest extending pool hours and improving maintenance. The hotel staff's professionalism and friendliness are commonly noted in reviews. Receptionists and housekeeping staff, in particular, are commended for their cooperative and courteous service, significantly enriching guests' stays. While the breakfast and dining experiences received mixed feedback, positive mentions focus on satisfactory aspects for business travelers. However, consistent shortcomings like limited variety, lack of healthy options and pricing issues suggest room for improvement in dining services. Accommodation at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is generally praised, particularly for the spacious, clean and well-equipped rooms, which are suitable for families and long-term stays. However, some complaints about noise disturbances and occasional maintenance issues indicate areas needing attention. WiFi service at the hotel is another aspect where guests had mixed experiences. When operational, the internet service is praised, but weaknesses like inconsistent signals and slow login procedures highlight areas for improvement. Parking facilities are mostly appreciated for their ample space, although suggestions for better valet service and parking instructions are noted. The comfort of beds varies among guests with a significant number finding them cozy and luxurious. However, there are notable complaints about mattress quality and pillows, pointing to inconsistencies in bedding comfort. Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is also highlighted for its accessibility features, catering well to guests with disabilities through thoughtful design and facilities. The hotel's family-friendly nature and array of amenities further enhance the guest experience. In summary, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is a well-regarded hotel with a prime location, commendable cleanliness and hospitable staff. While dining options and some services could see improvements, its accessible features and comfortable accommodations make it a solid choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Categories

Luxury

Pool

Outdoor Pool

Parking

Accessible

Outdoor Pool

Room Types

Studio ExecutiveSpacious open planned studio apartments with luxuriously furnishings in rich neutral tones. Walk in wardrobes offering a sense of space and kitchenette’s providing flexible options for guests.

One-Bedroom DeluxeThis spacious one Bedroom deluxe suite offers opulently neutral furnishings adding serene surrounds, with separate living, dining and bedrooms spaces giving a sense of space.

One-Bedroom ExecutiveThe 1-Bedroom Executive is perfect for travelers who desire extra space and elegant surroundings of a serviced residence, ideal for executives traveling on business.This apartment is designed for optimum comfort; a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, separate living and dining areas, a spacious work station and well-appointed kitchen with all the modern conveniences and appliances.

One-Bedroom PremierThe spacious 1-Bedroom Premier offers a well-appointed, contemporary living space with modern amenities. Each luxury apartment has a terrace access, a bedroom, en suite bathroom, powder room, fully-equipped kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and designer furnishings.This stylish serviced apartment in Riyadh has a designed work space with wireless internet access.

Two-Bedroom ExecutiveThis spacious two-bedroom residence offers a luxurious living environment with the facilities of a hotel and the security and comfort of an apartment. Opulently furnished in rich neutral tones with two bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms and guest restroom for ultimate privacy and convenience. The fully equipped and open plan kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests.

About Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh

Registry or License or Notification Number: 10002383

Guest Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Review Summaries

Location

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh enjoys a prime location in the northern part of the city, relatively close to the airport and easily accessible. Guests appreciate its proximity to markets, tourist attractions and entertainment venues such as the Boulevard, Garden World and AMC cinema. The hotel is situated away from the noise, providing a tranquil environment despite being in a vibrant area with easy access to major roads and services. The location excels in convenience, being central and close to many important places, including shopping centers and the financial district. This makes it ideal for both business and leisure stays. Parking is readily available and ample, adding to the convenience for guests. While some mention that the location may not be very close to certain attractions and might require a car for transportation, the majority view the hotel's positioning favorably. The hotel's excellent and clean facilities, along with the polite and cooperative staff, enhance the overall staying experience. In summary, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh stands out for its advantageous location, cleanliness and welcoming staff, making it a top choice for travelers looking to explore Riyadh while staying in a serene yet well-connected part of the city.

Breakfast

The breakfast experience at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh presents a mixed bag of reviews. Many guests have pointed out that the breakfast offerings are quite limited and predominantly salty, lacking variety and essential items such as cheese and milk alternatives like soy and almond milk. Several reviewers mentioned that the quality of food is average and does not meet expectations for the price with some deeming it to be very poor and overpriced. Additionally, the breakfast setup appears to have issues with cleanliness, as flies were noted in the dining area. The timing for breakfast service is also inconsistent, leading to confusion among guests. There were multiple complaints about incorrect information regarding breakfast inclusion in room rates and the need to confirm breakfast packages daily. On the brighter side, a few business travelers found the breakfast satisfactory, praising the hotel's prime location. However, overall, it seems that the lack of a diverse menu and the high cost of breakfast combined with inconsistent service have left many guests dissatisfied.

Dinner

Reviewing the dining experience at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, guests have expressed a mix of opinions, largely leaning towards areas for improvement. The general consensus indicates that the restaurant itself is new and offers a pleasant outdoor dining space, which is a positive aspect. However, the variety and quality of food have been met with notable dissatisfaction. Breakfast is often described as lacking in variety and healthy options with issues such as the absence of milk alternatives like soy and almond and essential items such as cheese missing from the menu. Additionally, some guests found the preparation of certain dishes, such as omelettes, to be inadequate. There are also points of concern regarding the cleanliness of the restaurant and inconsistent food prices between what is listed on the menu and what guests are charged. Furthermore, the early closing time of the Opaline restaurant and the high prices for the buffet and other dining options have been criticized. While there are nearby dining alternatives and an AMC cinema that provides some reprieve, the overall dining experience at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh leaves room for significant improvement according to guest reviews.

Rooms

The guest reviews for Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh's rooms paint a mixed picture, but largely highlight the positive aspects. The rooms are frequently praised for their spaciousness and cleanliness with many noting that they are well-suited for families. The apartments come equipped with essential amenities, making them comfortable for extended stays. Several guests appreciated the modern, well-organized and fully equipped kitchens as well as the serene and luxurious atmosphere of the hotel. However, some guests encountered issues that detracted from their experience. Noise was a recurrent complaint with several mentions of the lack of soundproofing, causing disturbances from neighboring rooms and corridors. Additionally, room service was criticized for being slow or unresponsive at times and there were occasional reports of bad smells, unclean spots and outdated or damaged furniture. Some found the views unsatisfactory and there were instances where the curtains failed to block out sunlight, affecting sleep quality. Overall, though there are areas needing improvement such as sound insulation, room maintenance and service responsiveness, many guests found the hotel quiet, clean and comfortable, making it a good option for families and long-term stays. The spaciousness and amenities provided in the rooms were particularly appreciated, along with the friendly and helpful staff.

Beds

The consensus around the beds at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh varies significantly among guests. On the positive side, many appreciated the beds' comfort, describing their sleep experiences as comfortable and noting that the beds appeared luxurious. Some reviewers specifically mentioned the beds as cozy and very comfortable with a few highlighting the pillows as equally comfortable. However, a notable number of guests reported issues with the beds. Complaints included references to old and uncomfortable mattresses, creaking and squeaking sounds and mattresses that some found to be hard or not up to the hotel’s standards. There were also mentions of uncomfortable pillows that were either too high, too flat or worn out and a few guests noted unpleasant mattress odors. Additionally, some families experienced delays in receiving baby beds or found them unavailable altogether. Overall, while several guests had positive experiences with the beds, there were enough negative remarks to suggest inconsistency in the quality of bedding.

Cleanliness

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh receives considerable praise from guests for its impressive level of cleanliness. Many visitors commend the hotel for its spacious and well-maintained rooms that are both clean and comfortable. General cleanliness is often highlighted with several guests mentioning the immaculate state of the property and well-sanitized rooms, adding to the overall comfort of their stay. Notably, the cleanliness is described as excellent in multiple reviews, suggesting that the hotel staff puts diligent effort into maintaining high hygiene standards. However, the reviews also hint at areas needing improvement. Issues such as dirty bathrooms, unpleasant odors and occasionally inadequate cleaning services indicate inconsistencies in housekeeping. Some guests report specific problems like blood stains on stairs, uncleaned women's pool facilities and old, dirty carpets. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains positive, driven by the attentive and polite staff who are often mentioned for their dedication and friendly service. The hotel's tranquil environment and strategic location further enhance its appeal, complemented by clean and comfortable spaces. While there are occasional lapses in cleanliness, which the hotel may address, the consistent positive feedback on room cleanliness, helpful staff and overall hygiene make Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh a commendable choice for visitors seeking a clean and calm stay.

Staff

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh's staff has consistently garnered high praise from guests, highlighting a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service. Many guests have noted the professionalism and friendliness of the receptionists, particularly appreciating the warm reception from individuals like Sarah, Nadia, Sakina and Faisal. These staff members are frequently described as polite, cooperative and eager to assist, which has left a strong positive impression on guests. The reception team's excellent handling of check-ins and check-outs has been commended, although a few guests mentioned occasional delays. The overall hospitality at the front desk, especially from the night shift and check-out team, has also received accolades for its promptness and organization. Housekeeping staff, including Sujan Mia, Mahesh and Afzal Hossain, are highlighted for their attentive and thorough service, ensuring that rooms are well-maintained and clean. Guests appreciated the staff's efficiency and the pleasant demeanor of room attendants, who contributed to a comfortable stay. Aside from individual mentions, the general consensus is that the staff throughout the hotel, from the concierge to guest services, offer professional and courteous treatment. The cooperative nature of the employees and their readiness to help enhance the overall guest experience, making Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh a notable choice for travelers seeking excellent service and hospitality in Riyadh.

Wi-Fi

The reviews of Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh reflect mixed experiences with the hotel's WiFi service. Noteworthy is the fact that when the internet functioned well, it provided much-needed connectivity and was described as excellent. However, several guests faced significant challenges such as weak and inconsistent WiFi signals, frequent dropouts and slow login procedures. Instances of no WiFi in rooms despite requests to rectify the issue were mentioned. There were also reports of WiFi being cut off by noon on the day of checkout. Room key issues and unannounced room service entries were noted as additional concerns. Overall, while there were some positive mentions about the internet, a clear consensus emerged that the WiFi service requires substantial improvement to meet guests' expectations.

Pool

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh offers an array of swimming pool options catering to different groups, including an outdoor pool, a men's pool, a private ladies pool and a family pool with a dedicated children's area. Guests commend the beautiful women's pool for its cleanliness and privacy, while the men's pool is noted for its excellent standards. The family pool also provides a space for children to enjoy. Rooms overlooking the pool provide a nice view and the pool's size is appreciated by visitors. However, some guests encountered issues regarding pool cleanliness with reports of dirty conditions and a lack of day beds and seating. There's also an inconvenience of the pool closing early at 8 PM and being sometimes unavailable due to maintenance. While there is no service for food and drinks at the pool, the presence of a mini cafe nearby and excellent supervision of the facilities are acknowledged. The pool could benefit from extended opening hours and enhanced service offerings, such as beverage and snack bars and better-maintained sunbeds. Despite these shortcomings, the diverse pool options, combined with other facilities like the gym, sauna and Turkish bath, contribute positively to the overall guest experience.

Parking

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh receives mixed feedback regarding its parking facilities, but overwhelmingly, guests appreciate the spacious and ample parking spaces available. The underground parking is often noted for its convenience and there are plenty of spots available most of the time. Valet parking services receive praise for their speed and efficiency, although some guests find the valet service awkward and limited in availability, particularly after 10 pm. The parking facilities are well-maintained with adequate support from the staff to assist guests, including those with disabilities. The availability of private and VIP parking adds a level of security and convenience, though some reviews point to issues such as sewer leaks and occasional bad entrances. Overall, the parking experience at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh balances its spacious and plentiful offerings with a few areas needing improvement, such as better clarity on parking instructions and enhanced valet service availability.

Accessible

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh stands out for its accessibility and convenience for guests with disabilities. The hotel offers easy access with ramps and dedicated parking spots reserved for individuals with disabilities. Guests have commended the accessible bathrooms and specialized handicap apartments that cater seamlessly to their needs. The location of the hotel is easily reachable, ensuring hassle-free arrivals and departures. This hotel is also family-friendly, making it a great choice for those traveling with children. It features well-organized and classy facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Guests appreciated the broad array of amenities, including a washer, coffee maker, water cooler and iron, enhancing their comfort during their stay. The staff, particularly the female employees, received accolades for their exceptional politeness and respectful service, further enriching the guest experience at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh.

Outdoor Pool

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh boasts an impressive array of outdoor swimming pools catering to men, women and children separately, ensuring privacy and comfort for all guests. The pools are strategically located with some rooms offering serene views directly overlooking the pool area, enhancing the overall stay experience. Guests particularly appreciate the dedicated women's swimming pool, although some note its closure by 9:30 p.m. The outdoor pools are sizeable and include an adults-only pool on the second floor with views of King Fahd Road and a children's pool with a small play area. The hotel's prime location and thoughtful amenities such as the new restaurant with a pleasant outdoor dining area add to the appeal. However, there have been occasional issues with pool cleanliness and the lack of heating in the upper pool. Despite this, the overall feedback highlights the fantastic design and facilities of the outdoor swimming pools, making Ascott Rafal Olaya a preferred choice for pool enthusiasts.

Luxury

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh offers a truly opulent experience for its guests. The hotel's deluxe design and elegant atmosphere are consistently praised with many noting the visibly exemplified luxury throughout their stay. Guests appreciate the hotel's beautiful appearance, both inside and out, highlighting the excellent general design and top-notch service provided by the attentive staff, especially the exemplary service from the receptionist, Khawla. The spacious main lobby boasts a peaceful ambiance, enhancing the overall serene atmosphere of the hotel. Guests find the amenities to be high-end and extraordinarily luxurious, contributing to a comprehensive and top-tier hospitality experience. The rooms, which are described as clean, tidy and well-maintained, further enhance the luxurious feel of the hotel. Large housekeeping services are noted to maintain a high standard of cleanliness, adding to the comfort of the stay. However, a few areas could use improvement. Some guests mentioned that the window curtains could better block out the sun and others felt that certain aspects, such as the ceramics and furniture, did not quite meet the luxurious benchmarks set by other elements of the hotel. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall feedback highlights a luxurious and beautiful hotel experience with special attention to detail, making it a notable choice for those seeking an elegant stay in Riyadh.

FAQ

Yes, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh.

No, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh.

No, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh doesn't have a gym.

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