Batha gets first five-star hotel with opening of Grand Khaldia

Batha, the bustling commercial center of old Riyadh, has got its first five-star hotel with the transformation of the former landmark Khaldia Tower into a luxury 376-room property. This new SR 200 million MENA Grand Khaldia Hotel, claimed to be the only five-star facility located in the vicinity of several city’s legends like the National Museum and the Al Musmak Palace, opened its doors for guests recently, said Juan Uribe, general manager of MENA Grand Khaldia, yesterday.
Uribe said: “The MENA Grand Khaldia Hotel, to be soon branded under the umbrella of Starwood Hotels, is a new dimension in luxury and landmark icon of modern hospitality capturing the essence of Arabian culture and its heritage.” During a press briefing, Uribe said the hotel’s location was superb in all respects with space for parking more than 300 cars. The hotel, he said, is surrounded by several other landmarks of the city, including Riyadh Water Tower, taxi stand, Riyad Bank and, above all, the popular Batha market.
“Our prime location is close to Olaya business district, while King Khaled International Airport is only a 30-minute drive from the hotel,” Uribe said, adding that the hotel is just a short walk from the famous souk of the capital city. He urged the guests, including businessmen and tourists, to check-in and avail special offers in terms of room tariffs, services, visits to the tourist destinations and other accessories.
He added that all the hotel rooms and suites were equipped with an array of modern amenities and the latest technology. “The separation of sleeping and living parts of the room permits privacy for the guests. The business travelers will find everything they need, from a comfortable working environment, LCD TVs and satellite channels, to valet parking, a 24-hour business center and the hi-speed wireless Internet all over the sprawling premises of this property.”
All suites consist of a kitchenette and each room is fully equipped with a mini-bar, air-conditioning, an iron board, a safety deposit box and a direct-dial telephone, he said. Laundry and valet services are provided around-the-clock. “The hotel’s Al Nakheel Restaurant offers the best in fine food. Also, our distinguished guests can conclude their business deals at our Panorama Restaurant, located on the 26th floor where they can relax and enjoy a view of the Riyadh city,” Uribe said.
Guests at the hotel can also entertain themselves with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath, as well as a nail bar. Sports facilities include tennis and basketball courts. This is in addition to the huge facilities offered by the hotel for meetings, conferences and banqueting. He pointed out that the new hotel’s meeting rooms cover an area of more than 1,300 square meters, divided into 16 halls, fully equipped with a broad range of stylish and functional layouts and the latest audio and visual equipment.
The main hall of Grand Khaldia Hotel has the capacity to accommodate 500 guests for any particular event, he noted. “On the top of that our professional staff can create the perfect atmosphere for your event,” said the hotel’s chief. The Business Center operates 24 hours and offers a full range of services including copying, courier service, e-mail & Internet, private limousine, analog and secretarial services.