Sofitel debuts in Riyadh with convention hotel

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Presidential suite terrace

French luxury hospitality brand Sofitel has expanded its footprint in Saudi Arabia with the opening of Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre, marking the brand’s debut in the capital and third property in the kingdom.

Positioned as a premier destination for meetings and events, the five-star hotel features the Princess Nouf International Convention Centre, the largest luxury hotel convention facility in Riyadh. The venue spans nearly 8,500 square metres of flexible event space, including a grand ballroom and multiple breakout rooms, accommodating up to 4,000 guests.

Connected to King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Mosque, the property offers 388 rooms and suites across 16 categories, including executive rooms with club lounge access and a presidential suite featuring a large outdoor terrace with city views, a dining room, pantry and Jacuzzi. All accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary design details.

Suite bathroom

The hotel’s dining portfolio includes an all-day venue with live cooking stations, alongside Thu-rya, a modern Lebanese restaurant, and Toi et Moi, a French Mediterranean brasserie. There’s also an elegant tea lounge, soon-to-open cigar lounge and La Haute Croissanterie, Sofitel’s signature French pastry concept offering artisanal viennoiseries.

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Facilities include four indoor swimming pools and the city’s first Clarins Spa, home to 12 treatment rooms, separate areas for men and women, indoor and vitality pools, thermal and hammam experiences and a landscaped outdoor relaxation area.

Located in Ar Rahmaniyyah, just 35 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, the hotel offers convenient access to major landmarks including Kingdom Centre Tower, Kingdom Centre Mall and the Unesco World Heritage site of Diriyah. Private transfers are available.

Suite living room

Commenting on the opening, Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, said the Middle East was a strategic region for Sofitel, with Saudi “at the heart of our development momentum".

With this latest opening, Sofitel now operates three hotels in Saudi – in Madinah, Al Khobar and Riyadh – with two further projects underway. These include Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, set to become the world’s largest Sofitel when it opens later this year. Located within the Jabal Omar master development near Al Masjid Al Haram, the property will feature 1,141 rooms and suites across two towers, along with six dining venues.

Saudi’s hospitality landscape continues to expand rapidly, with around 320,000 new hotel keys expected nationwide over the coming years. Upcoming openings in Riyadh include the conversion of the historic Red Palace into a 70-key luxury boutique hotel, Mondrian Riyadh in Al Malga Urban Village with 200 keys, and Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley near the Diplomatic Quarter, set to feature 185 rooms, an executive lounge and a spa.

For more information, visit all.accor.com/hotel