CHECK INTO ANOTHER WORLD AT ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH

HAVING STAYED IN SOME OF THE FINEST SERVICED RESIDENCES AND HOTELS THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER, IN CITIES AS DIVERSE AS LONDON, NEW YORK, MILAN, DOHA, AND NEW DELHI, I WAS INTRIGUED TO SEE WHAT SAUDI ARABIA HAD TO OFFER; IN PARTICULAR, THE ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH, STRATEGICALLY LOCATED NEAR KING ABDULLAH FINANCIAL DISTRICT. I WAS NOT TO BE DISAPPOINTED.

An exclusive serviced residence providing efficient business support services and lifestyle facilities in a luxurious environment, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, housed in the Rafal Residential Tower, offers a selection of studios, and one and two-bedroom apartments, catering to both short and long-staying guests. Mine was a relatively short stay of just a few days, but immediately I loved the charm of Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, which does not give the routine hotel chain vibe at all.

It was extremely accommodating too, allowing me to check in early, which was a big plus.

And there is no doubt that my apartment definitely had the ‘wow’ factor, with contemporary furnishings, a fully equipped kitchenette, and spacious dining, lounge, and bedroom areas that allowed me to live extremely comfortably - have you ever just melted into a bed?

In fact, the apartment was a genuine homefrom-home, incorporating everything you could ever need, from a coffee machine and a toaster through to a TV with a wide array of cable channels, excellent Wi-fi, and even a washing machine and dryer. And the central air-conditioning, with individually-controlled thermostats, was exceptional … and quiet.

EVERYTHING, RIGHT WHERE YOU NEED IT

The facilities were just as impressive, with an exclusive range of separate amenities for men, women, and children, including swimming pools, a spa and sauna, a gymnasium, a children’s playroom, a café, a prayer area, and a resident lounge.

And being in Riyadh on business, I was delighted with the meeting rooms (there are five in all), which are fully equipped to ensure that it’s easy to ‘get the job done’. Audio-visual equipment, business center services, courier and secretarial services, and superb Wi-fi were all readily available.

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is also home to two of the city's most well-known meet-and-treat destinations, Opaline and Don Puro, which deliver some of the best bites in town, whether you're seeking exquisite Lebanese food or gourmet specialties. The atmosphere and service were great, with the staff going above and beyond to make the entire experience something that I won’t forget in a hurry.

And if all that were not enough, there is 24-hour reception and room service, an airport transfer service, a laundry and cleaning service, a basement car park, a daily housekeeping service, a grocery shopping service, and valet parking. Of course, there are fees to pay for some of these services, but the prices were very fair and the services themselves were beyond reproach.

The Art Of Meeting Your Highest Expectations

By now, you might have caught onto the fact that I quite enjoyed myself at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh! So, who exactly are these people? Well, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is one of The Ascott Limited's premium collection of hotel apartments in over 180 cities in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Gulf region. It is a member of CapitaLand and the global leader in branded serviced apartments, with over 30 years of experience in assisting travelers who work and live away from home. There are a variety of apartment configurations and room sizes, including Studio Executive, 45-53m2; OneBedroom Deluxe, 70-79m2; One-Bedroom Executive, 85m2; One-Bedroom Premier, 96m2; and Two-Bedroom Executive, 121m2 There’s an excellent rewards program too, which allows members to enjoy the lowest rates, exclusive discounts, and a wide range of perks.

THE NEW ASCOTT STAR REWARDS PROGRAM OFFERS POINTS EARNED WITH EVERY SINGAPOREAN DOLLAR (SGD) SPENT ON STAYS. EARNED POINTS PLUS TIER POINTS TAKE IN:

 Classic: Join for FREE – 10 points

 Silver: SGD 1,000 (SAR 2788) – 12 points (20% bonus)

 Gold: SGD 3,000 (SAR 8364) –44 points (40% bonus)

 Platinum: SGD 10,000 –16 points (60% bonus)

MEMBERS’ EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

 Earn ASR points for every SGD 1 spent on stays

 10% off Best Flexible Rates all year round

 Seasonal offers of up to 50% off the Best Flexible Rates

 Birthday discount e-voucher

 Room upgrades (subject to availability)

 Complimentary airport transfers

 Complimentary breakfast

 Early check-ins and late checkouts (subject to availability)

So, there you have it - Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh. I had a great experience; the staff were incredibly helpful, the apartment was wonderful, and the amenities were great. And now I’m a member, I’ll be returning every time I visit the Kingdom’s diverse and dynamic capital city!

GETTING TO KNOW RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT GROUP AMANA