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Marriott's Luxury Collection is chock-full of properties that blend luxury with local culture. They're destinations in their own right, and Diriyah's Bab Samhan Hotel is a perfect example of what makes this collection so unique. This 134-key compound spans 19 buildings connected by a labyrinth of alleyways and is nothing short of a cultural marvel. And the property hits high marks for service, dining, and comfort.
Staying here was my first time at a Luxury Collection property, and it didn't disappoint. Here's a look inside the hotel and a few things worth knowing before you go.
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What to Know About the Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Bab Samhan Hotel is not only the first five-star luxury hotel in Diriyah, it’s the first hotel in Diriyah, period. This historical city sits about half an hour northwest of the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. And while it was only inaugurated in late 2024, this Marriott Luxury Collection property gives the impression of having been there for hundreds of years.
And that’s part of the main draw of the property to begin with. The Bab Samhan Hotel’s construction was inspired by historical Najdi architecture and designed as a modern, luxurious interpretation of the local Middle Eastern aesthetic that dates back to the mid-1700s.
Just walking around the property was a neat experience. And doing so was just one of many things I enjoyed about my four-night stay
Equally impressive was the hospitality. From the moment I arrived and checked in, I was addressed by name (and thanked multiple times for my loyalty as a Marriott Gold Elite member). And if one of the friendly staff members — whether at the front desk, in the spa and fitness center, or virtually anywhere else — didn’t happen to know my name, they asked and remembered.
A stay anywhere is far more memorable when you’re in a place where people demonstrate they care you’re there. And that was a consistent theme at the Bab Samhan. I appreciated this almost as much as being offered a date and a cup of qahwa each time I stepped into the lobby.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Guest Rooms at the Bab Samhan Hotel
The Bab Samhan gives the impression of an expansive compound. It’s hard not to, considering the property comprises 19 buildings. Spread across these buildings are 134 rooms, among which 28 are suites.
This is a Luxury Collection property after all. While it’s possible to find a good deal on a room using cash, Marriott Bonvoy points, or Free Night Awards, the bottom line is that you get what you pay for.
That said, I found the property’s base-level “Seffah” guest rooms more than adequate. They’re elegantly furnished, the beds are plush and comfortable (with a pillow menu to boot), and the secluded nature of each building makes the room corridors feel extremely private.
These Seffah rooms measure roughly 377 square feet, though no two are exactly the same. Each has its own nuances. This is true not just of the Seffah rooms but of the entire property. The buildings are replicas of traditional Najdi mud-brick homes.
As a result, layouts and the placement of features like the bed, sofa, pillars, and sitting area vary slightly from room to room. As the property’s general manager, Fabrice Ducry, explained to me during a tour, this gives each room its own special personality.
On that same tour, Ducry showed me the most impressive accommodation on-site. It's a multi-story suite featuring a water feature, outdoor terrace, multiple bedrooms, and a seating area that (alone) was at least twice the size of my Seffah room. I don’t recall the exact average nightly rate. However, Ducry mentioned that Sir Richard Branson stayed there, and that should tell you everything you need to know.
That said, a room like this isn’t something you can upgrade to, even as a Marriott Bonvoy elite status holder. I did ask if it was possible, though, and Ducry seemed amused by the question.
Related: The Top Hotels for Using Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Free Nights
Exploring the Bab Samhan Hotel
One of my favorite aspects of the Bab Samhan was the layout. I’ve stayed at a handful of unique hotels, but few were as enjoyable to poke around as this one. A maze of alleyways connects the central lobby with the guest room buildings, the property’s restaurants, and other amenities like the Nafel Alwadi Spa and fitness center.
Suffice it to say you’ll do a lot of walking if you stay at the Bab Samhan. But it gives you additional chances to appreciate the ornate architecture, the intricate design elements, and the property's greenery.
During my stay, the property was consistently bustling. Even so, I was almost always able to find a quiet spot to myself where I could grab some fresh air and seek refuge from the sun while tapping away on articles for AwardWallet.
Spa, pool, and fitness center
When not working or exploring Diriyah, I had plenty of chances to check out the other guest amenities. At the Bab Samhan, many of these — including the pool, spa, and fitness center — are in the Nafel Alwadi Spa, which occupies its own building.
While massages or facial treatments aren't my thing, I did visit the gym each day of my stay. The Bab Samhan has two gyms: the one on the ground floor is co-ed, while the one on the first floor is just for women. Aside from doing the mental math of converting kilograms to pounds, I found the gym perfectly sufficient as far as equipment goes. That said, I enjoyed it most when I had the space to myself. It felt a little too cozy when I had company.
The Bab Samhan also has a single indoor pool. I regrettably forgot my board shorts since I packed for the trip within minutes of leaving home. But I’d definitely bring them next time. The pool is complete with a fountain feature and in-pool “lounge” of sorts.
Exiting the pool area, you’ll pass a series of rooms that complete the spa experience, including a sauna, steam room, showers, and a “chill zone” where you can cool off before heading back out into the elements. This chill zone is sort of like a giant snow cone. I'd have taken a picture of I wasn't so enamored with it.
Dining at the Bab Samhan Hotel
The Bab Samhan Hotel has three restaurants spread throughout the property and a café inside its lobby. During my stay, I had the chance to dine at two of the three restaurants and down a couple of unleaded drinks at the café.
The café area was a convenient place to work, and the menu is surprisingly comprehensive for such a small counter. It features everything from half a dozen mojitos (all non-alcoholic) to smoothies, Arabic coffee, light bites, and more. The baristas were friendly and attentive, and I appreciated their willingness to prepare to-go drinks or take an order when I returned from exploring.
My most frequented restaurant was Medheef, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The food was consistently excellent. For breakfast, I particularly enjoyed the eggs Benedict and shakshuka. And, I won't turn down a bottomless cup of coffee.
Dinner was also routinely very good. One of my go-to dishes when visiting the Middle East is chicken biryani, and Medheef’s version was excellent. The portion, however, could've fed a small village.
The highlight of the dining experience, though, was at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Taleed by Michael Mina. The cuisine blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, and every dish I tried — from chicken dolmas to crispy falafel topped with tuna to salt-baked sea bream — was to die for. Mina is no stranger to Michelin Stars, and the flavors here make it easy to see why.
When I travel, I usually try to venture off the beaten path for meals. While I did that on this trip, I had no regrets dining at the hotel multiple times. However, I didn’t get a chance to try Jareed, the hotel’s third restaurant. But it’s on my list for next time.
What's Around the Bab Samhan Hotel
The Bab Samhan Hotel is located in Diriyah. This is where the first Saudi state was founded several centuries ago. Riyadh is located about half an hour away (depending on traffic) and is the country’s most recognizable city. However, Diriyah is now the subject of tens of billions of dollars in new investment.
In essence, the Saudi government is building a new city from the ground up. When complete, Diriyah is expected to be a cultural hub where people can live, work, and serve as a magnet for tourism. While there’s already plenty around the Bab Samhan, including Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Square, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, there’s still more development on the way.
During my stay, I explored much of the area, and a lot of what’s currently developed was within walking distance. Given the scale of the Diriyah project, that might not be as easy to say in a few years, but I appreciated being able to walk to local restaurants and attractions without needing to be 100% reliant on a car. But during the day, though, you might opt for one. It gets toasty.
Bottom Line
The Bab Samhan Hotel is a relatively new addition to Marriott’s Luxury Collection. It’s a unique property, and the combination of its scenic setting, friendly service, and top-notch dining made this stay one to remember. If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods and have some Marriott Bonvoy points (or a Free Night Award) to spare, it’s well worth checking out. I’d gladly go back.
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