Al Nabarees Palace: Your Arabian Nights Await in Saudi Arabia
Al Nabarees Palace: My Arabian Nights (Maybe With Sand in the Sheets)
Alright, buckle up, because I just got back from Al Nabarees Palace in… well, somewhere in Saudi Arabia that promised Arabian Nights, and lemme tell you, it was an experience. Not a perfect one, mind you. Nothing in life is, and frankly, the imperfections are what make it memorable! This isn’t a dry, corporate review. This is me, unfiltered, spilling the tea (or, you know, the gahwa, the traditional Saudi coffee) on what to expect.
First Impressions: Grand, But a Little… Lost?
Okay, the palace part is no joke. Marble, chandeliers, enough gold to blind a small army… It's dramatic. Getting there was smooth thanks to their airport transfer (thank goodness, because after a 12-hour flight, the last thing you want is a haggling match with a taxi driver). The doorman was genuinely welcoming; the concierge, less so. I swear I asked about arranging a desert camel ride three times before he finally scribbled something down. (More on that later.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Bless Their Hearts
The website boasts facilities for disabled guests, which is great. I didn't get a chance to scrutinize it, but I did notice the elevator looked spacious, and the lobby had decent access. HOWEVER (and this is a BIG however), the signage wasn't always super clear. I spent a good ten minutes wandering around trying to find the fitness center before ultimately giving up and asking a somewhat bewildered bellhop. They try, bless ‘em, but there’s room for improvement.
Internet: Blessedly, Wi-Fi!
I'm a digital nomad, so I’m a Wi-Fi snob. And Al Nabarees Palace mostly delivered. They have free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! (And I mean, it's a must-have for any hotel these days). The Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit spotty now and then. I also checked out their Internet [LAN] just to see, and it worked fine, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore?
Dining: A Feast (Sometimes a Confusing One)
Alright, let's talk food. They have a ton of options: restaurants, a poolside bar, a coffee shop, a snack bar, room service [24-hour]… You get the picture. Asian cuisine, international cuisine, vegetarian restaurant… the choices are impressive.
The Good Stuff: The breakfast buffet was epic. Seriously, epic. Think mountains of dates, glistening baklava, and enough fresh fruit to keep a whole village happy. And the Asian breakfast options were legit. I'm still dreaming of the dim sum. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was also pretty good
The… Confusing Stuff: One evening, I tried to order room service. It took a very, very long time, and when my food finally arrived, it wasn't quite what I ordered. (I blame the language barrier.) The alternative meal arrangement was also a bit of a mystery. It's there, but I couldn't quite figure out how to request one based on the information.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (Worth It!)
This is where Al Nabarees really shines. Their spa is a true oasis. I’m talking sauna, steamroom, massage, body scrub, body wrap… the works!
- My Personal Oasis: Okay, so about that camel ride the concierge couldn't seem to book… I was feeling a bit deflated. (And sandy – I’d wandered off exploring on my own.) But then, I booked a massage. And the therapist? Magic. Seriously. I swear, she worked out knots I didn’t even know I had. The pool with a view was also divine. And yes, the swimming pool [outdoor] was a welcome relief from the heat. The fitness center looked a little… underused, but it was there.
Room Shenanigans: The Devil is in the Detail
My room? Gorgeous. Seriously, the room decorations were stunning. Air conditioning, blackout curtains, slippers, bathrobes… all the things you'd hope for in a luxury hotel.
- The Not-So-Perfect Details: My first room had a slightly wonky shower. And the scale in the bathroom seemed to be from the 1980s. The coffee/tea maker was… slow. And the mirror I saw a little dust on, which is not what you expect from a "palace." Small things, but they added up. Plus the sheets weren’t perfectly ironed. I know, I know, it’s a first world problem. But I’m paying for an Arabian night experience and that’s what I want.
Cleanliness and Safety: Mostly A+
They take hygiene seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. My room was spotless, and I felt safe. They did provide individually-wrapped food options, and all surfaces were sanitised.
Services and Conveniences: A Smattering of Excellence
Daily housekeeping was prompt and efficient. Laundry service was a lifesaver. The luggage storage was fantastic. And the car park [free of charge] was a bonus. The small convenience store was handy for a quick snack. They offer cash withdrawal and have an elevator. However, the doorman was a little too overenthusiastic on my last day, trying to get me out the door at 8 even though I wasn't scheduled to check out until eleven.
For The Kids: Great, if You Bring Your Own Entertainment
They offer babysitting service and have kids facilities. I was travelling alone, so I didn't get to experience them. And maybe more children-centered activities could be added.
The Verdict: Go, But Manage Your Expectations
Al Nabarees Palace is a luxurious, exciting place! The level of service and amenities were wonderful, the food was great, and the spa was out of this world. But the imperfections, the slight glitches in the matrix, are what make this place unique.
So, Should You Book? YES!
If you want an Arabian Nights experience with a dash of unexpected quirky charm, go for it. Just be prepared to embrace the unexpected, be patient with the occasional hiccup, and most importantly, book a massage. Trust me. You won’t regret it.
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Escape to Paradise: Ryokan Azumaya's Unforgettable JapanOkay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for Al Nabarees Palace Hotel in Saudi Arabia is gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram post" and more "scribbled on a napkin after too much date coffee." We’re embracing the beautiful, chaotic mess of travel.
The Al Nabarees Palace Palace Pandemonium: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Sand, Simmering, and a Slight Panic
- 8:00 AM (approx.): Ugh, the flight. Let's be honest, it was a cattle car with overhead bins that seemed to mock my attempts to squeeze my carry-on in. Landed in Jeddah. The heat hit me like a physical blow. I'd forgotten what it's really like. My meticulously packed 'cultural sensitivity' scarf? Already in a crumpled heap in the bottom of my bag.
- Pro-tip: Drink water. Seriously. Hydrate or die. Also, deodorant. Loads of it.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: (ish): Immigration. Okay, let's be real. There was a moment – and I mean a moment – where I was convinced my visa wasn't real. The official's expression was impossible to read, and all I could think was, "Did I accidentally apply for a… a banana visa?" Turns out, everything was fine. Just a healthy dose of travel paranoia, as per usual.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Transfer to Al Nabarees Palace. The driver was speedy. The landscapes shifted from bustling city to stark desert beauty, all bathed in that glorious, unforgiving Saudi sun. I vaguely remember seeing a camel or two. Or maybe it was just heatstroke.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in at Al Nabarees Palace. First impressions? Grand. Seriously grand. The lobby… it felt like walking into a bejeweled palace. Fountains, marble, more gold than my tiny, frugal heart could handle. Successfully navigated the check-in (thank God for basic Arabic greetings learned from Google Translate). The room… it’s huge. Seriously, I could probably host a small wedding in here. Lost my suitcase for a glorious 10 minutes but found it.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Oh. My. God. The food. I am not a food critic, but I'd eat that lamb tagine for the rest of my days. The dates were unbelievably good, even the dry, wrinkly ones. Definitely overate. Regretting it slightly.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempt at relaxation by the pool. Failed. The sun is relentless. Got a sunburn (even with SPF 50, because I clearly am not familiar with the concept of 'shade'). Spent most of the time hiding under a giant, ridiculously expensive-looking umbrella, trying to keep my cool.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandered around the hotel, got lost (twice). Found a hidden courtyard with a fountain, and felt a tiny spark of peace. This place is just…wow.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. More delicious food. Tried to be 'cultural' and ate with my hands (mostly successful, but there’s always the rogue sauce incident). Tried to order coffee. Apparently, the gesture I made was not coffee-related. The waiter gave me a look that could curdle milk.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Collapsed in bed. Legs aching, mind buzzing. This trip is going to be… something. Maybe I'll actually sleep. Maybe I'll just stare at the ceiling in awe. Probably the latter.
Day 2: Dune Dreams, Desert Delights, and Dust Devils (Literally!)
- 7:00 am - 8:00 am: Breakfast. So much buffet food. So. Much. Food. Tried a new bread. Couldn't identify it. Tasted good.
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am: Attempted a run. Ended up walking. The heat. It's a character in this story. I'm pretty sure my sweat is currently hydrating the local flora.
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am: Shopping near the hotel. Found a "genuine" fake Rolex. Decided better of it.
- 11:00 am - 12:00 am: More pool time, but with a vengeance. Prepared for the sun with multiple layers of sunscreen.
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch. Back to the delicious, delicious food.
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Rest, trying to read, but the pool vibes just called my attention.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: THE DESERT SAFARI. The event I was MOST looking forward to! This is the moment my messy structure goes completely off the rails. This is where the real stuff happens. First: the car ride. The driver, a man named Ibrahim, was clearly a master of the desert. He drove like a maniac. And let me tell you, I loved every second of it. We went SCREAMING up, down, sideways, into the dunes. There were moments I thought I was going to die. (Of exhilaration, hopefully!) I screamed. I laughed. I clung to the seat like my life depended on it. The sand… it was every color of the desert. The dunes themselves… impossibly beautiful. At one point, as we crested a peak, the sun hit the sand just right, and the entire world was a shimmering gold. It was surreal. It was breathtaking. It was everything I’d hoped for, and so much more. Did I mentioned that the car broke down in the middle of nowhere? And we were stuck in the desert for an hour. With no phone signal. It was honestly the funniest thing that happened to me. The next thing Ibrahim did was, that he fixed the car. We continued the tour as if nothing happened.
- The Bedouin Camp: Okay, I'll admit it. The camel ride was… well, let’s just say it was less Lawrence of Arabia and more slightly awkward, very slow wobble. After the safari, we arrived at the camp. The food was… okay, nothing compared to the hotel, but very much acceptable. The Bedouin music and dancing were intoxicating. The stars. Oh, the stars. I've never seen a sky so full of stars. It was like someone had spilled glitter across the heavens.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel, completely covered in sand, absolutely wrecked in the best way possible. Quick shower, trying to get the desert out from everywhere.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Slept through most of it. But the food was good.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Passed out in bed. Dreaming of dunes, stars, and Ibrahim's wild driving. The desert… it got into me. It's a part of me now. I'm a desert person.
Day 3: Culture, Coffee, and Counting My Blessings
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. Surprisingly not sore. Or maybe I'm just running on pure adrenaline.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The buffet. Again.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Did some touristy thing.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Shopping!
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Packed. Seriously dreading the flight home.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: One last walk around the hotel, trying to soak it all in. This place… it’s grown on me. Even the stuff bits that felt a little jarring at first.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. One last amazing meal. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was sweaty. It was sometimes overwhelming. But it was real.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Headed for the airport.
- **8:0
Okay, Spill the Dates: Your Al Nabarees Palace Questions Answered (Probably)
1. So, Al Nabarees Palace... Is it actually *palatial* like the website says? My expectations are, shall we say, *ambitious*?
Okay, let's be real. "Palatial" is a loaded word, right? I pictured something out of Aladdin. Giant rooms, maybe a magic carpet parked in the foyer. Al Nabarees IS impressive. It's not *Aladdin* impressive, necessarily. Think more... refined, luxurious Bedouin chieftain's dwelling. There's definitely space! My wife wandered off for an hour once, got lost and ended up in the pool area. She's got a terrible sense of direction, granted, but still. Think high ceilings, beautiful tilework, and enough marble to make your grandma weep with joy. Is it a palace? Technically, yes. Is it the *palace* of your childhood fantasies? Maybe… just… maybe adjust those fantasies a *little*. But oh boy, the comfort is *there*.
2. What's the deal with the rooms? Are they all the same, or do you need a Ph.D. in room types to figure out which one to book?
Alright, let me break it down. They've got different categories, yeah, but it's not rocket science. I'd say the basics are: smaller rooms (fine if you don't plan on living in them), suites (good for couples), and… well, *really* big suites (for the Sultan in you). I splashed out on a big suite, thinking I was some kind of sheikh. Honestly? Worth it. Especially if you're planning a romantic getaway or just, you know, enjoy having room to *breathe*. The bigger ones will probably have a private balcony and an amazing view. Check the descriptions. Seriously. Read them. I didn't, and ended up with a view of the ventilation system, which, let me tell you, isn’t quite the Arabian Nights fantasy I'd envisioned.
3. The food! What's the grub like? Is it all just dates and sadness?
Dates *are* involved. And they're delicious! But no, it's not just a date-fest. The food is… wow. Seriously. I’m a bit of a picky eater, and even I was impressed. They have a buffet, which is my personal heaven because I can try everything. The Arabic food is incredible, obviously. The grilled meats are divine. Their pastries are… I’m drooling just thinking about them. Okay, I admit it, I ate *too* many. Let’s just say my belt had a few tense moments. They also offered international choices. My wife preferred the Mediterranean buffet. I spent all my meals at the Arabian one, don't worry, I'm not going to make you feel I'm that *boring*, but the Arabian food, I'd say, has something special.
4. Activities! What's there to *do* besides eat and ogle the architecture?
Okay, so this is where it gets interesting. They have a pool. A beautiful, gorgeous pool. I spent one gloriously lazy afternoon floating around, sipping something fruity, and thinking, "This is the life." They have a spa too. I, uh, skipped the spa. Because I'm a man. And because I got deeply lost in the pool area. But I heard whispers of massages. They may also organize desert activities, like camel rides and dune bashing. Again, I didn’t do those, BUT! My wife dragged me on a camel ride. Turns out, camels smell a little. A *lot*. But the view of the sunset from the desert was truly stunning. Just prepare for the saddle soreness. And the smell.
5. Alright, the staff. Are they helpful? Or do they just look at you like you're an inconvenience?
The staff? Now *that* is a highlight. Seriously, the service at Al Nabarees Palace is something else. They're super polite, they’re genuinely eager to help, and they’re always smiling. I remember once, I accidentally locked myself out of my room. (Don't judge, it happens.) The guy who came to let me in was so incredibly nice, didn't even raise an eyebrow. He just smiled, unlocked the door, and wished me a pleasant afternoon. And on a whole, this attitude really enhanced the stay. Nothing felt like a chore.
6. My biggest worry: is it *actually* close to anything interesting? or am I marooned in luxury?
Okay, location, location, location! It depends on what *you* find interesting. Al Nabarees felt a little secluded, which I loved. But if you're a die-hard city explorer, you might find it a bit of a trek to the main tourist spots. You'll need a taxi or a car, probably. But honestly? I think the peace and quiet *around* the place is a major selling point. My wife wanted to see the market. It was a ways. We'd arranged a trip with the hotel. It was alright. I felt like I was dragging my heels. But in the end, I preferred the pool. So, consider what you want in a vacation.
7. So, the price. Is it worth the expense? Be honest!
Alright. The big question. Worth it? Look, it's not cheap. Let's be clear. But! I'd say, absolutely. If you're looking for a truly special experience, a bit of pampering, and a taste of Arabian hospitality, Al Nabarees Palace delivers. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Even if it meant another camel ride. And another sore backside. Yes, the price is steep, but it's the experience. In my opinion, the memories have far exceeded the expenditure.
8. Anything you *didn't* like? (Gotta keep it real, right?)
Okay, okay, let's get real. The Wi-Fi was a *little* spotty in the furthest reaches of the suite. Not a deal-breaker, but annoying when I was trying to post my holiday photos. And, as I mentioned, that camel. That lingering camel smell. And, uh, maybe the lack of a 24-hour snack bar. Midnight cravings hit hard, you know? But honestly? Those are super small complaints. Overall, it's an amazing place.