Hotel review: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

Echoing this original architecture, Bab Samhan, within walking distance of these storied ruins, is a careful reconstruction of the 300-year-old district, each mud-brick wall and labyrinthine passageway laid over historic foundations. 

 

This attention to Najdi authenticity runs through the property’s every design detail, from its low-lying buildings, sand-hued walls and graceful arches to its lantern-lit courtyards that invite guests to unwind over Arabic coffee and dates.

 

Beyond the design, it shows itself in the warm Saudi hospitality, cuisine infused with local flavours and curated experiences like in-house poetry evenings, a nod to local storytelling tradition.

Accommodations

Nestled among the property’s winding alleyways are 157 one- and two-bedroom accommodations, no two exactly alike. 

 

Each space favours organic, flowing layouts where straight walls are rare, with some rooms and suites featuring triangular windows, a design element of Najdi architecture, others with large picture windows and many brightened by skylights that flood the rooms with natural light.

 

Select rooms extend onto private balconies with panoramic desert views, while the signature two-storey suite includes indoor water features, two bedrooms, a majlis lounge and a private terrace overlooking the Unesco site and royal palace.

Inside, the rooms honour Najdi style through a considered combination of reed and wood ceilings, intricate mosaics and artisanal touches such as woven textiles and subtle accents of gold to add warmth. 

 

Bathrooms offer the same sense of calm, with sand-toned marble, large rain showers, bronze fixtures and Le Chemin amenities. Understated luxury comes through in the details, with high-end bed linens, a six-choice pillow menu, Nespresso machines and Bentley hairdryers, all enhanced by a turndown service that leaves a piece of Saudi poetry on the pillow each night. 

 

King Room living area at Bab Samhan

F&B

Culinary experiences at the property include two signature restaurants and have been curated to celebrate local flavours alongside international influences.

 

Taleed by chef Michael Mina offers an intimate setting inspired by traditional Saudi homes, with private corners, open terraces and a dedicated room for private dining and tailored menus. 

 

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The main menu combines Mediterranean influences with Hijazi tradition, using local ingredients, including lobster and octopus straight from the Red Sea. Dishes include Hijazi Fish Fry, which is served with hassawi rice sayadeya, roasted lemon and tamarind sauce, offering a new take on a classic. 

 

The latest culinary addition, Jareed Samhan, serves as the hotel’s contemporary tribute to Saudi gastronomy but with a modern twist. The restaurant’s menu showcases Najdi dishes reimagined with inventive techniques, crafted with fresh local ingredients sourced seasonally. Highlights include muqalal, jareesh, matazeez and kabsa.

 

Signature Saudi restaurant, Jareed Samhan

 

Medheef, the all-day dining venue, honours Diriyah’s heritage as a historic trading hub with an international buffet complemented by local classics, including local breakfast specialties, such as chicken or lamb muglgal with Saudi spices. 

 

Completing the line-up, the lobby lounge provides an inviting social setting, where surrounded by local art and handcrafted artefacts, guests can enjoy beverages such as Arabic coffee, often spiced with cardamom, stuffed dates, chocolates and spiced fruit ice teas. 

 

Medheef, the all-day dining venue at Bab Samhan

 

Facilities

At the heart of the hotel is a leafy courtyard, a natural gathering place that comes alive in the evenings with soft music and twinkling fairy lights. The lobby and lounge provide tranquil escapes, while spacious function facilities cater to events of all sizes, including a ballroom with direct VIP access and a pre-function space, and three meeting rooms, two with terraces for cocktail receptions.

 

For those seeking relaxation and wellness, Bab Samhan offers an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym and the Sidr Spa, where guests can experience a range of hydrotherapy options, including storm and tropical showers, cold immersion, fog showers, and a traditional hammam. The spa’s menu draws on local healing traditions, featuring body wraps, massages, guided meditation, and yoga.

 

Lobby lounge at Bab Samhan

 

The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Diriyah’s cultural attractions, with the At-Turaif heritage site, contemporary art galleries, and the lively Bujari Terrace — with its fashionable boutiques and restaurants — all within easy reach.

 

For more information, visit bab-samhan-a-luxury-collection-hotel-diriyah