Riyadh Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia!
Riyadh Getaway: Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia - My Honest Take (and Why You Should Book!)
Okay, so you're thinking Riyadh? And you’re looking for a hotel? Well, let's talk Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia because I just got back, and I’m going to spill the beans. Forget generic hotel reviews, this is the real deal, folks. Get ready for some unbeatable deals and the straight scoop! Just a heads up, this is gonna be a long review, because, well, I'm full of opinions. Let's dive in shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (and my slight panic about arriving)
Okay, first things first: finding the bleeping hotel. (I swear, Riyadh is a maze!) Thankfully, once you do find it, the accessibility seems pretty darn good. I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I saw elevators galore, and the public areas seemed wide and well-maintained. Big bonus points there. Now, the actual getting around the city…that's another story! But Four Points itself? Pretty user-friendly.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Let's talk room! My personal castle for a few blissful days.
- Absolutely loved: The free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously a lifesaver. I'm addicted to my phone, what can I say? Plus, the desk was a godsend for, you know, pretending to work (or, uh, just catching up on cat videos). The blackout curtains were a DREAM. I swear, I slept like a log!
- The quirks: My room had a batuhtub, which I wanted to use really badly. It looked so inviting! But, I ran into a problem. I was too short to climb into it; I almost fell while trying to get in. Embarrassing! The TV channels were a bit…limited. But hey, I'm not looking for TV-time.
- The essentials: Air conditioning, hair dryer (thank goodness!), and a safe box – all present and accounted for. Plus, those slippers? A nice touch, until I misplaced one.
Cleanliness: Did I Survive? (Spoiler: Yes!)
Okay, I’m a germophobe, so this is super important to me. The hotel's cleanliness and safety were pretty impressive. I saw signs about daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed pretty careful. A huge plus was hand sanitizer everywhere and a pretty standard hygiene certification. Also, a little FYI, they sanitize rooms between stays. That's good to know, right? I did not use the Anti-viral cleaning products but the standard of cleaning was very good overall!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Time for a Feed!
This is where things got interesting. Let's break it down:
- Breakfast: Buffet Bonanza! The breakfast buffet was pretty standard, with your eggs, pastries, and the usual suspects (including some pretty darned good Asian breakfast options). It wasn't gourmet, but it was satisfying, and the coffee was decent. I did grab a bottle of water.
- Restaurants, Bars, and Lounges: A Mixed Bag. The hotel boasts several restaurants, a poolside bar, and a coffee shop.
- So, the restaurants were alright. I tried a salad, they had Asian cuisine, and the international cuisine was okay, nothing particularly memorable. The poolside bar was nice, if a little overpriced (but hey, it's a hotel!). I did not try the desserts in restaurant!
- Room Service: My Savior (Some Nights). The 24-hour room service was clutch. Especially after a long day of sightseeing (or, let's be honest, shopping!). The food was…serviceable. Not amazing, but it hit the spot when I was too tired to go anywhere and had some free time.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams!
Okay, let's talk about relaxing.
- The Spa: My Happy Place (Almost!). This is where I spent the most time. I did enjoy the pool with view. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. This was my happy place! I didn’t try the Body scrub or Body wrap. I loved the Fitness center, Gym/fitness. I skipped the Massage.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Front Desk & Staff: Hit or Miss. The front desk was generally helpful, but some staff members were friendlier than others. The concierge was good for basic questions.
- The Extras: I appreciated the daily housekeeping (my room always looked spotless!), laundry service, and the elevator (duh!). The luggage storage was helpful.
- The “Meh”: The convenience store was…convenient, but a bit pricey.
For the Kids: Family Fun? (I don't have kids but…)
- I didn’t have a kid, I did see a Babysitting service listed, but I can't personally vouch for it.
- The Family/child friendly seemed pretty good, with the pool and other things.
Getting Around: Navigating Riyadh (and the Hotel Car Park)
- Car Park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Easy peasy.
Accessibility: A Word to the Wise
- I did not see a lot of Facilities for disabled guests, and I didn't ask.
- I saw no Pets allowed!
Internet Access: The Digital Age
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events, Wi-Fi [free]: No complains.
Cleanliness and safety: How I Stayed Alive
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, I did not try all of this, but I did find the cleaning and sanitizing up to standard.
Beyond the Basics: The Fine Print (and Some Random Thoughts):
- The Location: It's not right in the heart of everything, but it's in a decent area. Getting to key sites required a taxi, but the hotel was a good base.
- Value for Money: The unbeatable deals are real! I got a great rate, and for what you get, it's a steal.
- Couple's room: It wasn’t.
- Essential condiments: I didn’t ask for any.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I did not try all of this.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
YES! If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay in Riyadh, I wholeheartedly recommend Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice, especially with those awesome deals. The staff is generally friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and the amenities are pretty good. Just remember to bring your own entertainment (or, you know, just use the free Wi-Fi!).
My Final Recommendation: Go for it! You won't regret it. Book it, enjoy it, and let me know what you think!
Escape to Paradise: Kerensia Sinchuk Pension, Chuncheon's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly manicured travel blog. This is my attempt at surviving and possibly enjoying a trip to the Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Expect sand in the metaphorical swimsuit.
Four Points Frenzy: A Riyadh Ramble (with occasional moments of grace)
Day 1: Arrival and "Culture Shock" (or, How I Almost Lost My Pants)
- 6:00 AM (ish) - The Airport Gauntlet: Ugh. The flight was a red-eye. My sleep cycles are now officially wrecked. Seriously, whoever invented airplane seats should be forced to sit in them for eternity. Anyway, immigration. The lines in Riyadh are, well, let's just say they're an experience. I might have accidentally cut in front of a very stern-looking gentleman with a magnificent beard. Pretty sure he gave me the "death stare" that could curdle milk. (Note to self: Learn basic Arabic greetings. Now.)
- 7:30 AM - Taxi Trouble & The Great Luggage Debacle: Okay, so I'm in a taxi. The driver doesn't seem to speak English, I don’t speak Arabic, and my luggage is currently wedged precariously between the back seat and the ceiling. (Why did I pack so much stuff??) We're careening through Riyadh, basically playing a real-life version of "Frogger" with cars. Suddenly, the taxi swerves violently. My luggage, which was holding my pants, slides out the window and falls in the middle of the road. Seriously!? Of all the things that could have happen. The driver and I stop at the next safe point, but the problem now is that I'm basically stuck in the desert with no pants. I walk, with the driver, back to the street to grab my pants.
- 9:00 AM - Check-In (finally!), Room Reconnaissance, and Desperate Caffeine Search: Checked in at the Four Points. The lobby is…impressive. Clean, polished, and slightly intimidating. Thank goodness for my pants! The room is perfectly… beige. A perfectly beige oasis. (I swear, hotels are obsessed with beige.) I collapse on the bed and immediately regret not packing a power nap. Then the caffeine withdrawals hit like a bus. Where is the coffee? MUST. HAVE. COFFEE.
- 9:30 AM - The Hunt for the Perfect Brew: The coffee machine in the room is useless. I venture out, hoping for some form of caffeinated salvation. Explore the restaurant in the hotel. This is where I find the food. It is filled with lots of food. The options are, as you would expect, endless, but the coffee is bland. I force a cup down and decide to hunt for real coffee.
- All day - The Great Exploration; I go to the market. I visit a couple of museums. It's all super great.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner, and a moment of pure bliss: Okay, the hotel restaurant has redeemed itself. I eat a delicious meal. I forget the day's troubles. I remember the fun.
Day 2: Desert Dreams and Dust Bunnies (Or, What Did I Get Myself Into?)
- 7:00 AM - The Buffet Battle: Breakfast buffet! My nemesis and my delight. This morning I am not prepared for a battle. I find fruits, delicious fruits, and other options.
- 9:00 AM - Desert Excursion (or, My Sand-Filled Existential Crisis): I booked a desert tour. Because, you know, cultural immersion. The drive out is… scenic. Miles and miles of sand. The vastness of the desert is breathtaking, in a "makes-you-feel-inconsequentially-small" kind of way. The dune bashing is exhilarating, terrifying, and makes me question my life choices. I think I may have swallowed half the Sahara. My skin is a fine film of sand. I’m pretty sure I have a sand-filled ear canal for at least a week. The only thing better than the dunes are the camels.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch "Al-Fresco" (or, How I Learn to Appreciate Shade): Lunch in a Bedouin-style camp. The food is delicious, but the heat is intense. My sunscreen is failing, but I've got my wits about me. I’d never realized how much I appreciate shade until this moment.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the hotel The drive back to the hotel. I try to nap in the car, but that is not a possibility.
- 6:00 PM - Hotel Room "Cleanliness" (or, The Dust Bunny Conspiracy): Okay, so I requested a room cleaning, and… where did all these dust bunnies come from? Maybe they multiplied overnight? Or maybe the cleaning staff is secretly in league with the sand. I'm starting to suspect a conspiracy. I decide to "clean" (read: loosely rearrange) my room.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and some TV I eat dinner again at the hotel restaurant. I watch some TV. I enjoy myself, until I go to sleep.
Day 3: Souk Shenanigans and a Final Farewell (Or, Did I Actually Buy Anything?)
- 8:00 AM - The Breakfast Ritual: Same buffet, different day. This time I know the drill. Armed with coffee and a vague plan of attack, I can manage this.
- 9:00 AM - Souk Adventure (or, My Bargaining Skills are Appalling): Head to the local Souk. The chaos and the beauty are overwhelming. I get lost within minutes, surrounded by shimmering fabrics, spices, and the persistent calls of vendors. I try to bargain for a rug. I am terrible at it. Apparently, "No hablo Arabic" doesn't exactly give me an advantage.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch in the Souk (or, My Stomach Survived!): I'm brave. I eat street food. It's delicious.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Hotel - Time to get ready for the flight. One last drink at the hotel bar.
- 6:00 PM - Check out I have to go. I say bye to this hotel.
- All day - The plane flight So I get my flight, and I go home!
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka, Post-Sandstorm Ramblings):
Riyadh. It’s a place that challenges you. It’s a place that makes you sweat, both from the heat and from the sheer novelty of the experience. The Four Points was a comfortable base, a safe harbor from the chaos. Did I fall in love with Riyadh? Maybe not. Did I have an adventure? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Maybe. After I rest and wash all the sand out. Until then, farewell!
Johor Bahru Jewel: 3-Bed, 2-Bath Paradise in Puteri Cove – Unbeatable Price!
Riyadh Getaway: Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia - Unbeatable Deals? Let's See...
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "unbeatable deal" really as amazing as it sounds?
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queens! First off, "unbeatable" is a BIG claim. Look, I'm a cynical travel veteran, okay? I've seen "unbeatable" deals turn into "we're-never-eating-again" bills. But… (and it pains me to admit it) the Four Points Khaldia, with the deals they were advertising… they were *decent*. Like, actually *decent*. Don't expect the Ritz, but for the price? You’re getting a good bang for your Riyal. I booked it thinking "probably a trap," but honestly? I'm not entirely unhappy. Don't go expecting gold taps, okay? This is budget-friendly with a capital 'B'. More on the 'why' in a bit…
Tell me about the actual *hotel* - the rooms, the vibe, the… cleanliness? I'm a germaphobe, you see.
Okay, the rooms. Okay, let's get this straight, you won't be throwing a party in one. They're… functional. Clean-ish. Let's go with clean-ish. My first impression was "eh, it's a room," which is a pretty standard assessment of hotel rooms globally. The bed? Comfy enough, which is the *most important* thing, right? Because after a day in Riyadh heat, you need a bed that welcomes you like a long-lost friend. The bathroom? Tiny. The shower? Adequate. I didn't see any rogue wildlife, which is a win in my book. As for the vibe… well, it’s not exactly “glamorous.” Think… practical. Business-y. If you're looking for Instagram-worthy décor, you're in the wrong place. This is Riyadh practicality.
**Anecdote (Because You Know I HAD ONE!):** The first day, I fumbled with the AC because, duh, it *is* Riyadh. And you know, you can't live there like you do in Europe. In my haste to escape the heat inside, I accidentally locked myself on the balcony. The door shut with a *loud* click. I was there... Maybe 10 minutes. I just yelled for help as I was already sweating, with that Riyadh sun beating down on me. I was on the *first floor*. I'm not sure what my reaction should have been, though. The point of this anecdote is that I couldn’t make my escape and I was just waiting for someone to unlock me. They helped in like, 5 minutes (not bad, Four Points, not bad).
Did I mention it was clean-ish?
What about the food? Is it the usual bland hotel buffet fare, or is there anything worth actually eating?
Alright, let's rip the band-aid off: the buffet… it's not amazing. I mean, it's fine. You won't starve. There's your standard scrambled eggs, pastries that have probably been smiling at you since the Clinton administration, and a selection of… things. I'm no food critic, so I can't tell you what *exactly* they were. (Maybe they were… *things*).
But! Don't panic! There's a *kinda* decent a la carte menu. And, crucially, Riyadh is *full* of AMAZING food outside the hotel. Seriously. Don't waste your precious eating time (and stomach space) on the buffet. Go explore! Seek out the local spots. Trust me. Your taste buds, and your Instagram feed (because, let's be honest, that's what everyone *really* cares about), will thank you. Oh, and the coffee was… well, it was hot. That's about the best I can say.
The location, duh! Is it in a good spot for sightseeing and getting around?
Okay, location, location, location! The Four Points Khaldia… it's… *fine*. It's not *right* in the thick of everything, but it's not a million miles away either. You *will* need transport, my friend. Taxis are plentiful, and Uber/Careem are your best friends. Get your apps set up *before* you land, trust me. It's not the most walkable area, but Riyadh isn't exactly a city built for strolling, anyway. The traffic is, at times, a soul-crushing beast. Patience, padawan. Patience is the key here.
Also, remember that if you're a female traveler, be prepared for the experience. Respect the local customs.
The "deals" - what's the *catch* with the price? Is it a bait and switch?
Okay, the elephant in the room: the price. Honestly? It's not a bait and switch, *per se*. You get what you pay for. It's budget-friendly, like I've whined about. The "deals" probably work by cutting costs on… well, everything. Limited services, slightly older building, maybe not the *absolute* best staff training. It's not like they’re going to give you a free massage and butler service, okay?
But – and this is a BIG but – for the price, you're getting a roof over your head, a reasonably clean bed, and a base to explore Riyadh. The "catch" is you might have to lower your expectations a tad. You're not getting luxury. You're getting *value*. And, honestly, in Riyadh, especially if you’re on a budget, value is golden. That money you save can be spent on… you know… actual *experiences*.
Anything else I should know before booking? Hidden gems, potential pitfalls?
Okay, last bits of wisdom from a seasoned traveler who, admittedly, has seen *way* too much.
* **Wi-Fi:** Expect it to be… functional. Sometimes. Don't count on streaming anything important. Or, you know, anything *at all*.
* **Staff:** Generally helpful, but don't expect Michelin-star service. They're doing their best, folks! Be polite, be patient, and you'll be fine.
* **Noise:** Depending on your room, you might hear traffic. Riyadh is a noisy city, generally. Invest in earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
* **Proximity to… Things:** Do your research! Figure out what you want to see and do, and then check the distance from the hotel. Don't just assume everything is "close."
* **My Emotional Reaction (Because Why Not):** Honestly? I'd go back. Not for the hotel itself, but for the deal, and the chance to experience Riyadh without breaking the bank. It's not perfect, it's not luxurious, but it's *okay*. And sometimes, "okay" is all you need. (Just don't expect too much from the buffet). My advice? Book it. But pack hand sanitizer and a sense of humor. You'll need both.
