At a glance
| Area | Best for | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Olaya | Business, malls, first visit | Mid-range to luxury |
| Al Murabba and Al Batha | Museums, souks, value | Budget to mid-range |
| King Fahad Road | Business, towers | Mid-range to luxury |
| North Riyadh | Airport, big malls | Mid-range to luxury |
| Diriyah | Heritage, evenings out | Luxury |
Distances and walking times are approximate and come from public hotel listings. Check the map on Booking.com before you book.
Olaya: the heart of modern Riyadh
Olaya is where most visitors stay: towers, malls, restaurants and the two landmarks of the skyline, Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah. Most hotels in Riyadh for business trips are here or on nearby King Fahad Road.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Occupies floors 30 to 48 of Kingdom Centre, with views over the city.
Check prices for Four Seasons Hotel RiyadhAl Faisaliah Hotel
In the Al Faisaliah complex, with 95 rooms, 106 suites and 24-hour butler service.
Check prices for Al Faisaliah HotelKhozama Hotel Riyadh
A 4-star hotel on Olaya Road, about 200 m from Al Faisaliah Center. Read our page on Khozama Hotel Riyadh.
Check prices for Khozama Hotel RiyadhFraser Suites Riyadh
Serviced apartments in Olaya, from studios to two-bedroom flats, with a pool and gym.
Check prices for Fraser Suites RiyadhOYO 124 Dome Hotel Suites Al Orouba
A 2-star suites hotel on Al Orouba Road, about 1.8 km from Kingdom Centre. Read our page on OYO 124 Dome Hotel Suites Al Orouba.
Check prices for OYO 124 Dome Hotel Suites Al OroubaAl Batha and the historic centre
South of Olaya, Al Murabba and Al Batha hold the National Museum, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Masmak Fortress and the busy Al Batha market. Hotels here are older and cheaper, and the area is lively until late.
Gloria Inn Hotel
A 3-star hotel on Al Batha Street, in the market district.
Check prices for Gloria Inn HotelHayat Al Riyadh Hotel
In Al Murabba, close to the National Museum and the historic centre, with a pool and restaurant. Read our page on Hayat Al Riyadh Hotel.
Check prices for Hayat Al Riyadh HotelBraira Al Wezarat Hotel
A 4-star hotel on King Abdulaziz Road in the ministries district, about 3 km from the National Museum. Read our page on Braira Al Wezarat Hotel.
Check prices for Braira Al Wezarat HotelFour Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia
A 4-star hotel on Imam Faisal Bin Turki Street, west of the old centre.
Check prices for Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh KhaldiaNorth Riyadh and the airport
The north has the big malls and the fastest road to King Khalid International Airport. It suits families with a car and travellers with early flights.
Fairmont Riyadh
Describes itself as the nearest five-star hotel to King Khalid International Airport, with 298 rooms and suites.
Check prices for Fairmont RiyadhHilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences
A 21-floor hotel next to Granada mall, with rooms, suites and apartments.
Check prices for Hilton Riyadh Hotel & ResidencesCrowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha
Close to Al Nakheel, Granada and Hayat malls, with a spa and indoor pool.
Check prices for Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al WahaRofan Hotel Suites
An apart-hotel in the north, about 5 km from Al Nakheel Mall and 19 km from the airport. Read our page on Rofan Hotel Suites.
Check prices for Rofan Hotel SuitesMore hotels in Riyadh
Popular hotels in the north, in KAFD and in east Riyadh.
Braira Al Nakheel Hotel
A 4-star hotel opposite Al Nakheel Mall in Al Izdihar. Read our page on Braira Al Nakheel Hotel.
Check prices for Braira Al Nakheel HotelExecutives Hotel KAFD
A 4-star hotel on King Fahad Road next to the King Abdullah Financial District. Read our page on Executives Hotel KAFD.
Check prices for Executives Hotel KAFDDoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Al Muroj Business Gate
A 223-room business hotel on the Northern Ring Road in Al Muruj. Read our page on DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Al Muroj Business Gate.
Check prices for DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Al Muroj Business GateBraira Qurtubah Hotel
A 4-star hotel in Qurtubah, east Riyadh, about 22 km from the airport. Read our page on Braira Qurtubah Hotel.
Check prices for Braira Qurtubah HotelMelissa Hotel Riyadh
A family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool, spa and playground. Read our page on Melissa Hotel Riyadh.
Check prices for Melissa Hotel RiyadhVillas and suites for families
For families and groups, villas and suite hotels give more space for the price.
Vivienda Hotel Villas Granada
48 villas in Granada, some with a private pool, near Granada Mall. Read our page on Vivienda Hotel Villas Granada.
Check prices for Vivienda Hotel Villas GranadaRafa Homes (Rafa Hotel)
A 3-star hotel with kitchenettes in Al Falah, north-east Riyadh. Read our page on Rafa Homes (Rafa Hotel).
Check prices for Rafa Homes (Rafa Hotel)Al Farhan Hotel Suites Al Salam
A 3-star suites hotel in the Al Salam district, east Riyadh. Read our page on Al Farhan Hotel Suites Al Salam.
Check prices for Al Farhan Hotel Suites Al SalamLooking for a hotel brand? See Al Muhaidib residences and Aber hotels.
Flights to Riyadh
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is in the north of the city and is served by a Riyadh Metro line. See flights to Riyadh.
How should you book a hotel in Riyadh?
- Riyadh Season: from roughly October to March, events fill hotels near the event zones. Book early for those dates.
- Getting around: the city is spread out. The Riyadh Metro and ride-hailing apps help, but choose your hotel close to where you will spend your days.
- Weekends: in Saudi Arabia the weekend is Friday and Saturday. Business hotels in Olaya are often cheaper then.
- Diriyah: the At-Turaif UNESCO site and Bujairi Terrace are about 20 minutes from Olaya by car; you do not need to sleep there to visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Riyadh?
Olaya, around Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah, for a first visit or a business trip. Al Batha and Al Murabba are cheaper and closer to the museums.
Which hotels in Riyadh are near Kingdom Centre?
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is inside Kingdom Centre. Hotels in Olaya and Al Wurud, such as OYO 124 Dome Hotel Suites Al Orouba, are a short drive away.
Are there cheap hotels in Al Batha, Riyadh?
Yes. Al Batha has many budget hotels, such as Gloria Inn on Al Batha Street. See our page on cheap hotels in Riyadh.
How far is the airport from central Riyadh?
King Khalid International Airport is about 30 to 35 km north of Olaya, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car outside rush hour.
Official sources
Check visas, transport and pilgrimage rules on the official sites before you travel:
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (RUH)
- Riyadh Metro
- Visit Saudi, the official tourism website of Saudi Arabia
- Saudi eVisa, the official tourist visa website

