Luxury Stay Awaits: IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz - Your Riyadh Oasis!
Luxury Stay Awaits: IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz - My Riyadh Oasis (Mostly!) - A REALLY Honest Review.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, polished hotel review. This is the REAL DEAL. I just got back from a stay at the IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz – their "Riyadh Oasis" promise? Well, let's unpack that, shall we? And for the love of all that is holy, someone get me a coffee. Right now.
First Impressions & The A-Word: Accessibility
Let's rip the band-aid off: Accessibility is a HUGE deal for me, and IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz… did okay. They've got an elevator, which is a massive plus. Facilities for disabled guests are present… but I didn't actually use them, so I can't speak to their functionality. The fact they exist is a tick in the "good" column. I did see accessible routes, and the staff seemed willing to help, but I didn't get a chance to verify them. More on that later.
The All-Important Internet & Tech Stuff:
Alright, let's talk Internet. They promise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and thankfully, they delivered. I needed it, it worked. I'm a writer, my lifeblood is the internet – I could not function without it. They also have Internet [LAN], which I confess, I didn't even look for because, who even uses LAN anymore? But hey, the option is there for you old-school tech nerds. Internet services as a whole were solid. No complaints.
Cleanliness, Safety &…Germs? (or, The Covid Chronicles)
Okay, this is where the hotel really shines. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff? Wearing masks religiously, it's not the flashiest element when I'm looking for a good stay, but it's a must for these times. They even had Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I appreciated it, even though I might have gone a bit overboard with it at times… you know… the anxiety, am I right?
Speaking of anxiety, I was VERY happy to see they had Staff trained in safety protocol. Even though it didn't feel like they were on edge. They also offered Rooms sanitized between stays, and you could even opt-out of room cleaning (thank god. I'm not leaving my room – ever). Safe dining setup as well, because, well, you get the idea. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Yep, observed. Hot water linen and laundry washing - check! My OCD thanks them.
They also had the usual stuff: Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas and outside property. I'm not a paranoid person (okay, maybe I am), but it’s a good feeling.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Riyadh Adventure (or, My Stomach's Journey)
Right, food. Crucial. The Restaurants at the IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz were… varied. They Buffet in restaurant offered a decent breakfast spread (Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast), but it wasn't exactly gourmet. It served its purpose. Also, I am not an Asian Cuisine expert, so the quality of the Asian cuisine in restaurant is not to my expertise. They did have a Coffee shop, which I frequented religiously (see above regarding the need for coffee). There was also a Bar, which was conveniently located, and I may or may not have sampled the local… offerings. A Poolside bar was also available, for when you wanted to feel fancy.
The A la carte in restaurant menu was fairly extensive, and offered International cuisine in restaurant. I could get a Bottle of water, I could order a Salad in restaurant, and there was even Soup in restaurant. I have been known to indulge in the occasional Desserts in restaurant. You catch my drift.
Room Service… My Best Friend
Okay, here's the real kicker. Room service [24-hour]. Glorious, glorious, glorious room service. I ordered everything. At all hours. It's a weakness. They even had Breakfast in room, which was a lifesaver. And the food… it was actually good. Not Michelin-star good, but definitely a step up from the buffet.
Room Service - A Love Story
There was this one time where I ordered a burger at 3 AM, because, you know, jet lag. And it arrived… perfectly cooked fries, juicy patty, everything. I felt like I was in a movie. That burger? It was a moment.
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty Gritty
They had your standard hotel conveniences: Air conditioning in public area (thank god!), Cash withdrawal, Concierge (helpful!), Daily housekeeping, Doorman. They also offered Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities… the usual. The hotel had a Convenience store, which was a lifesaver.
For the Kids (or, Escaping the Screaming Minions)
Family/child-friendly? Probably. I saw a few kids running around (and occasionally screaming). They have a Babysitting service if you want to unleash the little monsters on someone else.
What About the Relaxing Stuff? (aka The Spa Dilemma)
Here’s where the "Oasis" part gets a little… shaky. They have a Fitness center, a Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Sounds promising, right? Well, I never actually got to the spa. Time got away from me, and the allure of the room service prevailed. I was told it was decent, but I can't vouch for it personally. So… yeah. Let's just say my "relaxation" involved a lot of TV and burger consumption. I did see they offered Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap, though.
The Rooms: My Personal Fortress
My room? Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. It was comfortable, clean, and quiet. The Blackout curtains are a godsend if you want to sleep. As in any hotel.
Getting Around (or, the Desert Navigation)
The hotel offers Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking. I opted for taxis and the airport transfer, both of which were easy to arrange.
The Quirks: Things That Made Me Chuckle (Or Cringe)
- The elevator music. Let's just say it was… memorable.
- The sheer volume of hand sanitizer. I’m pretty sure I could have built a defensive perimeter with it.
- The burger incident. Still a highlight.
The Final Verdict: Should You Book?
Listen, the IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz isn't perfect. But it's a solid, reliable option. It's clean, safe, and offers some genuinely great service (especially room service). If you’re looking for a comfortable base for exploring Riyadh, or if you, like me, value a good burger and the sanctity of a hotel room, then I'd say go for it. It’s not a palace, but it's a decent Riyadh Oasis… with a side of fries.
SO, HERE'S MY OFFER - BOOK NOW AND GET A FREE UPGRADE ON YOUR ROOM!
Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary voucher for our delicious room service burger (fries included!) and a 20% discount on any spa treatment (if you're braver than me).
(Limited time only! Don't miss out on a comfortable, clean, and (mostly) relaxing stay at the IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz. Book now and experience your own Riyadh Oasis!)
Unbelievable Osaka Family Hotel: Kinsui's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your slick, airbrushed travelogue. This is real life in Riyadh, at the IntercityHotel Malaz. Prepare for some wonkiness, a few meltdowns (maybe mine, maybe yours, who knows!), and a whole lotta unvarnished truth.
THE RIYADH RUMBLE - A Pretentious-Sounding (But Actually Chaotic) Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Mostly About Air Conditioning)
- Time: Approximately 4:00 AM local time (because, jet lag).
- Event: Land at King Khalid International Airport. Successfully navigate passport control (phew!), claim luggage (mostly mine!), and find the hotel transfer (miraculously, it was there!).
- Transportation: Taxi from airport.
- Location: IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz.
- Rambling: First impressions? Beyond the shimmering heat haze, the sheer scale of everything. Everything is BIG. And the air conditioning. Oh, the air conditioning. It's the lifeblood of this city. Truly, I feel like I've crossed into a vast, human-sized fridge. I've arrived, yet I'm already yearning for a nap.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild panic when I saw all the black robes, though I was reassured that tourists weren't required to wear them. That's a load off.
- Quirky observation: The hotel lobby has a strange, almost clinical cleanliness. Like a hospital, but with far more floral arrangements. And those flowers? Artificial. The first clue I'm not in Kansas anymore.
- Imperfections: Spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out the TV remote. I could have built a small civilization in that time. Finally gave up and just watched the news channel… which, of course, I couldn't understand.
- Food: Ordered room service: a club sandwich. It arrived. It was fine. Fuel for the day, as it were.
Day 2: Delving into the Old
- Time: 9:00 AM - Alarm clock battle commenced.
- Event: Exploring Diriyah (UNESCO World Heritage site; the historic city).
- Transportation: Uber (because attempting to hail a taxi in this heat is practically a contact sport).
- Location: Diriyah.
- Rambling: Okay, Diriyah. This place is gorgeous. Like, seriously breathtaking in a "wow, this sand-colored architecture is unbelievably intricate" kind of way. The sheer history… wow. I spent a good hour just wandering the alleyways, imagining the lives lived there centuries ago. The sun was brutal. The heat was a physical battering ram. I may have actually started hallucinating… sand-colored everything.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed with beauty, followed closely by a desperate longing for air conditioning.
- Quirky observation: The local teens were all hanging out in the squares. They watched us tourists, probably with a mixture of amusement and "get a load of these fools." I got a brief glimpse of a hidden, genuine Riyadh.
- Imperfections: Got lost. Briefly. In a labyrinth of sun-baked alleys. My phone, of course, decided to have a signal breakdown at that exact moment. Found my way back through shear luck.
- Food: Tried traditional Najdi food for lunch. The kabsa was unbelievably heavy and the rice felt like it was trying to actively fill up my stomach. I also may or may not have accidentally ordered a mountain of dates.
- Extra Notes: Bring water. Lots of water. And a hat. And maybe a portable fan. You've been warned.
Day 3: Modern Marvels & Mall Madness (and a near-disaster)
- Time: 2:00 PM.
- Event: Visiting the Kingdom Centre.
- Transportation: Uber.
- Location: Kingdom Centre Tower
- Rambling: The Kingdom Centre. Holy. Cow. It's like a giant, shimmering, futuristic needle. The view from the Sky Bridge? Absolutely mind-blowing. I could almost imagine that I could see the future. And then, the mall. Oh, the mall.
- Emotional Reaction: "Wow," and then, "Where's the exit?"
- Quirky observation: The mall is a city unto itself. Designer stores, food halls, everything. The Saudi women's outfits are incredible, some are adorned in gold and jewels.
- Imperfections: Was so captivated by the view from the Sky Bridge, I almost lost my camera. It seemed to be stuck to the hand rail, but I quickly released it.
- Food: Went to a restaurant in the mall and ordered a cheesecake. It was delicious, but I was still hungry.
- Extra notes: Don't. Get. Lost. In. The. Mall. Seriously. It's a black hole of consumerism.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Malaz.
- Event: Eating some excellent shawarma. Transportation: Walking. Location: Close to the hotel. Emotional Reaction: I feel much better after eating. Imperfections: I was late.
Day 4: The Art of the Bazaar & A Moment of Existential Crisis (and a Terrible Coffee Experience)
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Event: Souq al-Zal (the traditional market)
- Transportation: Uber.
- Location: Souq al-Zal (and a regrettable detour through a horrible coffee shop)
- Rambling: The Souq! The sights, the smells… pure chaos in a good way. I haggled for a scarf (badly, I'm sure). The sheer number of things to buy! Perfumes, spices, jewelry… it's sensory overload in the best possible way.
- Emotional Reaction: A heady mix of excitement and feeling utterly overwhelmed, but in a good way.
- Quirky observation: The shopkeepers are, shall we say, enthusiastic in their attempts to sell you things. And the sheer volume of gold jewelry on display is amazing, but also slightly intimidating. The sheer goldness of some of the displays is astonishing. I was almost blinded.
- Imperfections: I went to a coffee shop, expecting something exotic and delicious. Big mistake. It was as if they'd never tasted caffeine. The sludge tasted vaguely of mud and regret. This was the very worst coffee I've ever had.
- Food: Managed to salvage things with a street-side falafel. Solid, reliable, and a welcome taste of normalcy after that coffee catastrophe.
- The Existential Crisis: Wandering through the market, I saw myself reflected in a shop window. I swear, I hadn't seen that much sweat on my face since that time I tried running a marathon (I didn't finish). I started wondering about the meaning of it all. The meaning of travel. The meaning of haggling for a scarf I probably didn't need. It was a very short-lived crisis, thankfully.
- Extra Notes: Bartering skills are key! Prepare to be bombarded with invitations to buy carpets.
Day 5: Farewell (And A Plea for More Air Conditioning)
- Time: 6:00 AM.
- Event: Final Breakfast, packing, and heading to the airport.
- Transportation: Hotel transfer.
- Location: IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz, then to the airport.
- Rambling: The final breakfast. Looking out the window. Trying to soak in everything. It's a whirlwind. Riyadh is a city of contrasts, beauty, and a whole lot of heat. I’m exhausted but strangely invigorated.
- Emotional Reaction: A touch of sadness to be leaving. I'll miss the sheer difference of this place—the colors, the sounds, the culture. And definitely the air conditioning.
- Quirky observation: The hotel staff are unfailingly polite. Perhaps it's the heat. Everyone seems to be in 'survival mode.'
- Imperfections: I can't find my phone charger. Again.
- Food: The last meal was a simple breakfast: some mediocre eggs, toast, and black coffee.
- Extra Notes: I have to do laundry, which I did not get to.
Final Thoughts:
Riyadh is unforgettable. It's intense, it's bewildering, and, at times, utterly delightful. Go. See it. And bring extra phone chargers. Seriously.
And remember, this is just my experience. Yours will be different. Hopefully, yours will include better coffee.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bungalow in Italy Awaits!
Luxury Stay Awaits: IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz - Your Riyadh Oasis! ... Or Is It? Let's Find Out! (FAQs that Actually Tell You Things)
Okay, Seriously, What's the Deal with "Luxury"? Is It, Like, Real Luxury?
Alright, alright, let's talk "luxury". The brochures? They *scream* luxury. Marble floors! Glistening chandeliers! (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating... a little). But here’s the deal, and I’m being honest... it's more *accessible* luxury. Think, “Nice Car, Not a Rolls Royce” kind of vibe.
The rooms? Clean, comfortable, the beds are decent. The shower? Pressurized enough to actually *wash* the desert dust off you. That's a win in Riyadh, let me tell you! However, don’t expect gold-plated taps and a butler named Jeeves. Though, I did once leave my socks on the floor... and they *were* folded. That was a nice touch, I'll give them that!
Real-Life Anecdote Alert: I stayed there during a sandstorm (because, Riyadh). I was half-expecting a sand-blasted room, but nope! The windows were sealed, the AC worked a treat (critical!), and I actually felt... calm? That's pretty luxurious considering the world outside was a swirling vortex of Sahara-sized dust.
So, "accessible luxury"? Yeah. Slightly more than a budget hotel, significantly less than "OMG I'm too intimidated to touch anything" fancy. I'd say go in with those expectations; you won’t be disappointed.
About the Location In Malaz... Good Or Bad? Is it a Desert Oasis or a Parking Lot Paradise?
Malaz. Hmmm. It's… central-ish. That's the best way to put it. Transportation is crucial in Riyadh, so you're either relying on taxis, ride-sharing (hello, Uber!), or your own wheels. The hotel's close to some major roads, which is convenient... and also means you *might* hear a car horn at 3 AM.
Quirky Observation: I swear, Riyadh drivers are genetically predisposed to honking. It's a language, I think. I still haven't deciphered it yet! Though, at 3 AM, my interpretation leans towards "get out of my way."
Malaz itself is a working neighborhood. You’re not in the heart of the glitzy, designer mall scene, but you're also not *too* far. You'll find local restaurants, some shops, and, importantly, a decent grocery store. That's always a win for a snack fiend like me.
Emotional Reaction: It's not *romantic*, the location, in the traditional sense. But it's functional, accessible, and gets the job done. Which, in a city like Riyadh, is sometimes all you can ask for. Just pack some earplugs for those 3 am honks, yeah?
What's the Food Like? Is it Just Bland Breakfast Buffet? Or, Heaven For Foodies?!?
Food... that's where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet is… serviceable. It has the usual suspects: eggs (cooked in various ways), bread (lots of it!), some fruit (mostly melon, because… desert!), and a selection of Arabic breakfast treats. It fills you up. It's not *life-changing*.
Messy Structure (Because That's Real Life): Okay, so, here's the thing. I'm a breakfast person. I live for breakfast. And I'm gonna confess – after a few days, I started to feel a bit… bored. The same eggs, the same pastries… it’s a cycle. I'm not saying it's bad. Not at all. It's just… predictable. I crave something different!
The hotel restaurant for lunch and dinner? It's fine. Again, not Michelin-star material, but perfectly edible. They have a decent range of options. Try the local dishes. Sometimes they hit the spot, other times… well, let’s just say my taste buds have had some adventures in Riyadh! (and sometimes, they haven't been good adventures).
Opinionated Language: Honestly, the strength of the food scene lies *outside* the hotel. Riyadh has some phenomenal restaurants. The concierge can point you in the right direction. Definitely explore beyond the hotel’s food offerings.
Are the Rooms Clean? Should I Pack Sanitizer?
Stream-of-Consciousness Moment: Oh, hygiene! That’s a big one for me. I’m not a germaphobe, per se, but I appreciate cleanliness. And, again, YES… the rooms are pretty darn clean. I mean, I’ve seen worse… much, much worse. (I'm thinking about that one hostel in Bangkok… shudder).
You'll get fresh towels, neatly made beds, and they seem to vacuum pretty regularly. I didn’t find any suspicious stains (always a good sign!).
Real-Life Imperfection: One tiny thing. One time, the hairdryer didn’t work. Annoying, right? But, hey, the front desk sorted it out quickly. Another one arrived. Problem solved. Small things. They’re definitely trying.
Opinionated Language: Carry some hand sanitizer, of course. It's just good practice for any hotel, anywhere in the world. But I wouldn't be overly worried about cleanliness at the IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz. You're not likely to catch something. You'll be fine. Probably.
Okay, Let's Talk Wifi. Mission-Critical, People! Is It Good? Slow? Non-Existent?
WiFi... Ugh. The bane of my existence. Seriously. When it works well, it's a blessing. When it stutters… well, let's just say I develop a few extra grey hairs. The WiFi at IntercityHotel Riyadh Malaz is... OKAY.
Doubling Down on an Experience: One time, I had to video call my mom. (Hi Mom! I love you!). I was trying to show her the view from my room. And… the WiFi decided that was a terrible idea. It buffered. It froze. It dropped the call three separate times. I nearly launched my phone across the room! Then I had to face my mother’s disappointment. (Not quite the end of the world, but still!).
Sometimes it's fine for browsing the internet, checking emails, and (mostly) streaming a video. During busy periods, or if everyone is trying to use it at once, it gets… slower. You might need to be patient.
Emotional Reaction: It's not the best. It’s not the worst. Prepare to get a little frustrated at times. If you're heavily reliant on the internet for work, consider getting a local SIM card with data. Trust me, it'll save you some serious stress… and maybe your relationships. With your loved ones,Popular Hotel Find
