Jeddah's Hidden Gem: Admire Apart' Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Jeddah's Hidden Gem: Admire Apart' Hotel - Unforgettable Stay! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Admire Apart' Hotel in Jeddah. Forget pristine, perfectly curated reviews – you're getting the raw, unfiltered, slightly-chaotic truth. And let me tell you, this place… well, it surprised me. It really surprised me.
First off, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: Accessibility. Listen, as someone who, let's say, appreciates a good, easy-going stroll around a place, I'm ALWAYS scoping out accessible features. Admire Apart' Hotel? They've nailed it. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevator? You betcha. This isn't just a tick-box exercise; it feels genuinely thought-out. And believe me, in a city like Jeddah, that's a huge win.
Internet? Oh, honey, we NEED to talk about the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Praise the WiFi gods! And not just any Wi-Fi. During my stay, I was able to stream all I needed, I am not an expert, but I believe that it's Internet access – wireless for most rooms, and if you really need it, there's also Internet access – LAN. The Internet services were pretty good. (Side note: I'm mildly addicted to online shopping, so reliable internet is…well, essential. Don't judge.) Plus, the Wi-Fi in public areas was solid too. Because, you know, Instagram waits for no one.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, so, I'm a germaphobe in a stylish disguise. The pandemic has made me EXTRA cautious. Admire Apart' Hotel gets serious kudos here. Anti-viral cleaning products? Absolutely. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double yep. They've got Hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere, which, frankly, is the kind of love language I understand. They have implemented Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, with Staff trained in safety protocol. They even have Sterilizing equipment and Professional-grade sanitizing services. There's even the option to give you Room sanitization opt-out available. They also have Cashless payment service. That's all very reassuring, and when I was there, I felt safe. The only thing I was worried about was the food, but it got better from there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where things got…interesting. The Breakfast was a Breakfast [buffet] if you went there (remember, I was there, I am not very up to date, but this might change). Breakfast in room might be available, I honestly can't remember. The Restaurants were, by Jeddah standards, good. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant offerings, Western cuisine in restaurant, and even a Vegetarian restaurant, which is a lifesaver when, like me, you're trying to avoid the meat sweats. They also have a Coffee shop, and a Poolside bar, perfect for that post-swim cocktail. Anecdote Alert: One morning, I accidentally stumbled into the Buffet in restaurant before they were officially open. Oops. The staff were incredibly gracious, even though I'm pretty sure I looked like a bedraggled sea creature. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, with Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant menu wasn't bad for a quick bite. The Salad in restaurant was quite a pleasant thing to try too. All in all, it was quite a memorable experience.
Services and Conveniences: Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Air conditioning in public area? Absolutely. Necessary! Concierge? Yep, helpful and friendly. Daily housekeeping? Yesssss. Clean sheets and a tidied-up room are my happy place. There’s a Convenience store which came in handy for late-night snack attacks. Dry cleaning and Ironing service? Check and check. Seriously, these little things make a huge difference on a trip. Facilities for disabled guests is a plus. I also liked that they offered a Laundry service. The Luggage storage was a godsend. There’s also Currency exchange, which is always helpful. They offer both Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events, if you are looking for a place to host friends.
Things to do, Ways to Relax: Now, this is where Admire Apart' Hotel really shines. Are you ready for this? They. Have. A. Swimming pool [outdoor]! And not just any pool, a Pool with view. Gorgeous. Seriously, I spent a significant amount of time lounging poolside, pretending to be a glamorous movie star. Pure bliss. They also have a Fitness center, in case you feel the need to be actively relaxing, which I absolutely didn’t. They even have a Spa! Massages? Check. Sauna? Check. Steamroom? Check. Spa/sauna? Double check. Confession: I may have booked a body wrap and, well, let’s just say I’m not built for confinement. It was… messy. But the masseuse was a saint! (And the Body scrub and Foot bath were divine.)
For the Kids: For anyone traveling family-style, there's Babysitting service and they have Kids facilities. Meaning, it's pretty Family/child friendly. They even had a Kids meal. So, you can relax, knowing that everyone is sorted.
Getting Around: Airport transfer? Yep, convenient. Taxi service? Available. And Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Hallelujah! I'm not a fan of paying extra to park, so this was a huge win. They also provide Car park [on-site]. They even have Car power charging station. (I think.)
Available in All Rooms: This is where Admire Apart' Hotel went from "pretty good" to "I'm never leaving." They offer Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock (for those early morning calls), Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. Essentially, everything you could possibly need to feel at home, in a really, really nice way.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms: The rooms are a dream! My room was, and I quote from my own panicked notes, “Clean, bright, and… wow, that bed…”. They offer the Additional toilet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Free bottled water, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Read light, Scale, and Visual alarm, and all of these make sense for anybody. Smoke alarms and Non-smoking rooms are available.
Safety/Security Feature: They got you covered. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour]. They also got Hotel chain, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour].
Things to Get Around They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (because let's be honest):
- The elevators were a little slow during peak hours. But hey, I'm not in a rush, and I could use the extra steps.
- My first coffee from the coffee shop was… not the best. But the second? Perfection. So, maybe practice makes perfect.
Overall Verdict:
Look, I'm not one for hyperbole. But Admire Apart' Hotel? It’s legit. It's a hidden gem for a reason. It's got the convenience, the comfort, the cleanliness, and the accessibility that make for a truly enjoyable stay. It's not perfect, nothing ever is, but its got character and heart. And the pool? Still dreaming about it.
My Unofficial, Totally Biased, And Possibly Overenthusiastic Recommendation:
If you're looking for a Jeddah hotel that's a bit of everything, that is safe, that
Novotel Pekanbaru: Your Luxurious Indonesian Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, overly-polished travel itinerary. This is more like… a digital postcard splattered with coffee rings and existential dread, all from the supposed "luxury" of the Admire Apart' Hotel in Jeddah. Prepare yourselves, because this is gonna be a ride.
Jeddah Jabberwocky: A Semi-Coherent Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Holy Grail of Air Conditioning (Or Not)
14:00 - Landing and the Existential Dread of Heat: Touchdown in Jeddah. Instantly, the humidity slaps you in the face like a wet dishcloth. My hair (which, by the way, seems to have a mind of its own) has already declared mutiny. Passport control was…an experience. Let's just say my attempts at conversational Arabic resulted in more confused stares than smiles.
15:00 - The Admire Apart' Hotel: A First Impresssion Check in was relatively smooth. The lobby looks fancy, all marble and gold. But the reception staff seemed… slightly underwhelmed by my presence. Maybe it was my sweat-soaked travel clothes? The room itself is… well, it's big. Too big, maybe. And do I smell…a faint whiff of… curry? (Later edit: it was definitely curry leftover from a previous tenant. My stomach is rumbling).
16:00 - The Air Conditioning Gauntlet: This is where things get real. After all the hype I read, the air conditioning is barely doing its job. I spent a solid hour wrestling with the thermostat. It's like trying to tame a wild, untamed beast. I eventually gave up and just opened the curtains as much as I could.
17:00 - Exploring the Immediate Vicinity: After a much needed shower, I cautiously ventured outside. The chaos is beautiful. Driving here is a contact sport. Horns are the national anthem. I passed a local shop- the smell was so rich and delicious… I made a beeline to the shop and walked in. I spent what felt like hours there, sampling various snacks and drinks, all the while trying to navigate the language barrier. Eventually, I made a purchase, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment.
19:00 - Dinner Debacle (and a Deep Sigh): I went to the hotel restaurant. I decided to try the local food… Big mistake. The food was just okay, which isn't what you want when you're paying premium prices. The service was friendly, but glacially slow. I swear, I aged three years waiting for my plate. I'm craving carbs and a nap simultaneously, but the light is harsh and the air conditioning still weak. I'm starting to question my life choices.
21:00 - Bedtime and the Hope for Tomorrow: Back in the room. Now, I'm just hoping I can sleep. The sheets feel… adequate. My ears are ringing from the heat and noise. Praying for a strong dose of air conditioned in the morning.
Day 2: Old Town, Broken Promises, and a Moment of Bliss
08:00 - Breakfast and Battlefield: After my terrible dinner last night, I was already looking forward to a big breakfast. So, I had scrambled eggs, flatbread, and dates. The coffee was surprisingly good, but the lack of sunlight made it harder to appreciate my meal.
10:00 - Exploring Al-Balad (The Old Town): This is where Jeddah really shines. The historical district of Al-Balad is absolutely incredible. The coral architecture is breathtaking. The narrow alleys, the carved balconies… pure Instagram gold. I got delightfully lost (at least, I think I got lost… I lost track of the maps a while ago). I have to give a shoutout to the shops; I found a genuine vintage thobe! Score!
13:00 - The Food-Related Meltdown: I was supposed to go for some local food, I came across a roadside vendor selling falafel. I ordered it, eager to experience the local flavors. However, the falafel was a disaster!! I don't think I've ever been so disappointed. Was it the spices? The texture? To this day, I'm not sure. But I have to say, I learned a valuable lesson that day: always research your food sources.
14:00 - The Promised Beach Day that Never Was: I had this grand plan to go to a beach. The brochures promised white sand and crystal-clear water. I thought It would be a great way to experience the sea. Turns out, access to public beaches is limited, and the ones that are accessible are a bit… crowded. My mood starts to crater.
16:00 - A Moment of Unexpected Beauty: Dejected, I walked back towards the hotel, feeling sorry for myself. And then, I passed through a park. It was a small oasis of calm, filled with vibrant flowers and families enjoying themselves. I saw a woman, sitting on a bench, feeding the pigeons. It made me feel a little bit better.
19:00 - Dinner at a Recommendation: I decided to trust the hotel staff recommendation for a restaurant down the street. It was amazing. I gorged myself on Shawarma, and the experience was incredible. The food was fresh, the service was fast, and the ambiance was perfect. I was able to shake off the bad energy of the day and enjoy myself.
22:00 - Back to the Room, and the Eternal Question: Is the air conditioning working yet? The night is hot, but I'm beginning to see the beauty of Jeddah.
Day 3: Souk Shenanigans, a Possible Desert Adventure, and Departure (Maybe With My Sanity Intact)
09:00 - Souk Shopping and Sensory Overload: The central Souk is a different kind of experience. It's all sensory. A kaleidoscope of colors, the smell of spices, the constant chatter. I got hopelessly lost (again), haggled for a beautiful scarf, and nearly tripped over a pile of… something. I did end up buying gifts for all my friends, though.
12:00 - Desert Adventure? Maybe, Maybe Not: I'm torn. I hear a desert trip is amazing. Sand, camels, Bedouin culture… sounds incredible. But, honestly, the thought of getting into a car, driving away from A/C, and then facing the midday sun… gives me the shivers. Maybe I'll just read about it instead.
15:00 - Poolside Relaxation (Maybe): The hotel pool is… okay. It's crowded, but at least there's air conditioning nearby. I'm going to attempt to relax. I deserve this.
18:00 - One Last Feast: My departure is tomorrow. I'm going to enjoy an early dinner at one of Jeddah's most acclaimed restaurants.
21:00 - Packing, Panicking, and the Future: I'm trying to pack. I'm also trying to decide if Jeddah was a disaster, a revelation, or a weird combination of both. Overall, despite the problems I faced, It was incredible.
22:00 - Night time, and a Final Prayer: Before I fall asleep, my last thought will be for the air conditioner.
Day 4: Farewell (or, "Thank God I'm Leaving")
07:00 - Last Breakfast and Departure: Grab breakfast and prepare for departure.
10:00 - Check-out and Head to the Airport: Check-out was smoother this time. My flight is… well, I'll believe it when I see it.
12:00 - Departure: Goodbye, Jeddah! It's been… an experience.
Final Thoughts:
This trip to Jeddah was a mess of highs and lows. I sweat, I got lost, I ate bad food, and I sometimes wanted to cry from the heat. But, I also saw things I'll never forget. I felt the magic of the old city, I interacted with incredibly kind people, and I learned a whole lot about myself and how to travel. I'll be back to Saudi Arabia again someday.
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Jeddah's 'Hidden Gem' - Admire Apart' Hotel: The (Un)Filtered Truth!
Okay, So... Is Admire Apart' Hotel Actually a 'Hidden Gem'? Or Just, You Know...Hidden?
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Luxurious or...Rustic? Be Honest.
The Rooms – Are They Clean? And Functional?
Breakfast – Is There One? And Is It Worth Getting Out of Bed For?
What's the Staff Like? Super Important, Right?
Location – Are You Stuck in the Middle of Nowhere?
Any Quirks or Things to Be Aware Of? The Little Annoyances, or the Unexpected Delights?
Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest!
