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Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah 2 of 3 – Image Credit Marriott International
Riyadh’s historic district, Diriyah, now hosts the newly opened Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. This location presents a unique blend of cultural richness, traditional architecture, and authentic hospitality. Diriyah, also known as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the contemporary era.
Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of The Luxury Collection, expressed his excitement about the new hotel and stressed its commitment to preserving and celebrating Diriyah’s local culture, tradition, and architecture.
Diriyah, known for its ancient Najdi architecture, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif. This site features well-preserved palaces, mosques, and mudbrick structures representative of Najd, the central region of Saudi Arabia. The hotel gets its name from Bab Samhan, one of the most iconic gates in historic Diriyah, which served as a strategic defense point for the city.
The first of its kind in Diriyah, the hotel blends seamlessly with the region’s traditional mudbrick architecture. It features open courtyards and spaces for guests to gather, offering a mix of ancient and modern design elements inspired by the local environment.
Guests can look forward to a warm welcome in a lobby that mirrors an Arabian home, with traditional beverages and treats served upon arrival. The hotel’s 134 rooms, including 23 suites, showcase Nadji’s design, local artwork, and artifacts complemented by ancestral poetry.
Dining options abound at Bab Samhan, with three distinctive restaurants offering authentic regional cuisine. The signature restaurant, Jareed, features Najd culinary methods combined with contemporary techniques, while Taleed by Chef Micheal Mina offers Mediterranean dishes with a regional twist. Medheef, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, presents a variety of international dishes.
The hotel’s Earthen Spa provides guests with organic treatments and wellness experiences. Other amenities include a fitness center, guided running and walking paths, event spaces, and a 400-square-meter ballroom.
Guests are also able to delve into Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage through guided tours of the nearby UNESCO site, storytelling sessions, poetry readings, and culinary tours.
The General Manager of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Diriyah, Fabrice Ducry, expressed his pride in opening this unique hotel and inviting guests to discover the region’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
