Kimpton KAFD Riyadh by IHG

Kimpton KAFD Riyadh by IHG: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Kimpton KAFD Riyadh by IHG stands out as a luxurious and modern hotel within Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District, offering a blend of sophisticated design, top-notch service, and curated experiences. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it aims to deliver an elevated stay, and guest feedback largely confirms its success, though some minor areas for improvement have been noted.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "excellent," "luxurious," "clean," and "comfortable." Review scores for staff, cleanliness, and comfort are particularly high, often reaching 9.0 or above out of 10. The hotel is considered to reflect a high standard of quality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the Kimpton KAFD Riyadh:

• Exceptional Service: The staff is frequently highlighted for their warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness, often going above and beyond to assist guests.
• Modern & Elegant Design: The hotel boasts a beautiful modern design, blending contemporary lines with subtle Arabian-inspired artistry. The interiors are described as elegant, clean, and well-maintained.
• Prime Location: Its strategic position within the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a significant draw for both business and leisure travelers, offering access to attractions and transport.
• Excellent Facilities: The hotel offers a range of excellent facilities including a fitness center, a year-round outdoor swimming pool with a sun terrace, and multiple dining venues.

3. Room Quality

The 212 guestrooms and suites at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh are designed with an eye for detail, balancing form and function.

• Comfort & Amenities: Rooms feature pillowtop beds with premium bedding, Smart televisions, minibars, and complimentary wireless internet access. Guests also find amenities like coffee/tea makers, complimentary bottled water, and laptop-compatible safes. Soundproofing is a noted feature, contributing to a pleasant stay.
• Design: The design incorporates soft textures, wide-angle views of the Riyadh skyline, and considered Najdi touches. Bathrooms often feature rainfall showers, separate WCs, and quality amenities. Suites and Penthouses offer stunning views of the KAFD district.

4. Dining Experience

Kimpton KAFD Riyadh offers a diverse culinary experience with four distinct dining spots.

• Variety and Quality: Guests can find global flavors, American and Middle Eastern cuisines, and refined spaces for artful dining. There's a leafy, sunlit café for breakfast (Botanica), a sophisticated lobby lounge (Ziya) for pastries and artisanal sandwiches, and a tranquil poolside sanctuary (Kanza) for relaxed evenings.
• Breakfast: The breakfasts in the restaurants receive high praise for being "amazing" and served with friendly, involved service. Continental breakfast is available daily for a fee.
• Complimentary Reception: The hotel hosts a complimentary daily reception, allowing guests to mingle.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is consistently described as "top-notch" and a major highlight of the guest experience.

• Hospitality: Staff members are frequently noted for being warm, welcoming, professional, and helpful. Specific individuals at the reception have been thanked by name for their exceptional cooperation and kindness.
• Diligence: Housekeeping is noted as diligent and discreet.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located in the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the hotel offers excellent accessibility.

• Neighborhood: KAFD is an iconic financial hub and a future-forward urban district, ideal for executives and travelers seeking a sophisticated urban escape.
• Attractions & Transport: The hotel provides direct access to the Zaha Hadid-designed Metro station via a skywalk, connecting guests to various key destinations across Riyadh. It's also near attractions like Riyadh Park (1.7 miles), Riyadh Gallery Mall (4.3 miles), and is within a 10-minute drive of Al-Raidah Digital City and The Boulevard Riyadh. King Khalid International Airport is approximately a 31-minute drive away, and an airport shuttle service is available for a fee.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific average nightly rates vary, a 1-night stay for two adults can start around $288.0, excluding taxes and fees. The hotel is considered to offer good value and reflects a high standard of quality for its pricing. Additional fees include approximately SAR 211.31 per person for continental breakfast and SAR 230 for an airport shuttle (one-way).

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Air Conditioning Noise: Some guests have reported that the air conditioning unit in certain rooms can be loud.
• Room Key Malfunctions: There have been instances of room entry cards malfunctioning frequently, requiring replacement from reception.
• Check-in Flexibility: A few guests noted that reception staff could exhibit more flexibility in check-in procedures and room assignments.
• Lack of Spa and KAFD Delivery Service: Some guests have noted the absence of a spa and delivery service within the King Abdullah Financial District.
• Limited Immediate Surroundings: While the KAFD location is central, some reviews from earlier periods mention that there isn't much directly around the hotel yet, indicating an area still under development.

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