Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Renovation Project Brings Saudi Heritage to Life

Today’s luxury experience is about more than just a beautiful hotel. It’s about the story behind each and every carefully selected design element. The upcoming new interiors at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre will offer the ultimate platform for talented artists and artisans from the local community and incorporate unique touches that capture the Kingdom’s rich heritage.

Tradition Meets Modernity in the Heart of the City

Recognised as one of the top luxury hospitality addresses in Saudi Arabia, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has initiated an extensive renovation project that is set to take the guest experience to new heights. Soaring above the capital in the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower, the Hotel’s stylish rooms, suites and public areas will be updated with a fresh look and feel that both celebrates Saudi heritage and gazes confidently towards a vibrant future.

The Kingdom Centre Tower is a modern, gleaming skyscraper that symbolises the scale of the country’s ambition as it moves into an exciting new era. The Hotel’s redesign seeks to bridge the gap between past and present by incorporating historical motifs, which are reinterpreted in a contemporary way to create a stunning environment where locals and international guests alike will feel immediately at home.

Bringing Heritage to Life

Four Seasons has partnered with renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) for the project, which began in May 2019 and is set to be completed by November 2020. The team responsible for redesigning the arrival lobby, lounge area and guest rooms was led by HBA partner David T’Kint, who took his cue from traditional design elements and enlisted the help of local charitable organisation Alwaleed Philanthropies. T’Kint commented: “It was very important for us to work with the foundation and give back to the community via the arts. Their skilled craftsmanship allowed us to work harmoniously and develop some contemporary pieces, while also maintaining a strong Saudi identity.”

In keeping with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts commitment to showcasing the work of local artisans, the design team worked closely with Alwaleed Philanthropies to bring authentic Saudi heritage and craftsmanship to life through a range of artwork and decorative objects. The locally produced artwork contributed greatly to the development of a holistic interior design aesthetic and a welcoming, cohesive guest experience.

Storytelling Through Design

Exceptional local craftsmanship will capture the imagination of guests from the moment they enter the building, with consistent motifs appearing throughout the Hotel’s public areas and within the intimacy of the lavishly appointed guest rooms. Each space has been conceived to tell a story through design, with the narrative further embellished by a carefully-curated collection of bespoke artwork.

The experience begins as guests are welcomed with a series of decorative art panels in the reception area, which are based around a modern interpretation of the traditional carvings found within the Kingdom’s historic adobe homes. These embody the simple elegance of past ways of life, and were created by locals in collaboration with Alwaleed Philanthropies. Fabrics, embossed leather and trims in the lobby space incorporate subtle hints of geometric patterns that can be traced back to ancient tribal motifs.

Naturally-Inspired Interiors

The symbolism of the moon is deeply embedded in Saudi culture and governs the rhythm of life in the Kingdom. The Hotel’s spectacular lobby reflects this significance with lighting fixtures inspired by the shape of the moon standing proudly at six metres (20 feet) tall, providing gentle illumination throughout the airy atrium space. Meanwhile, a group of sculptural trees meanders through the lobby to create a one-of-a-kind experience through light, glass and design. The trees are grounded around the lobby seating, emphasising the feeling of openness provided by the 23-metre (75 foot) high ceilings.

From the lobby to the prayer room and guest rooms, the plush carpets throughout the property take geometric inspiration from local architecture and traditional artwork. The crescent moon motif is echoed by the light fixtures in the Hotel’s corridors, where guests are guided to their accommodations by new signage that takes its cue from the same heritage narrative.

Freshly-Designed Accommodations

Inspired by the literal meaning of Riyadh, which translates as "garden," the sumptuous guest rooms showcase two distinctive colour palettes. Vivid shades of green and turquoise set the tone through the carpets, custom wall coverings and handmade accessories crafted by local artisans. The TV walls incorporate historic tribal patterns engraved in wood, a recurring motif that is also found in the bespoke closet wall coverings and the sliding window panels that connect the bathroom with the bedroom. Each of the wall panels are accented with stylish tufted and stitched leather upholstery, further adding to the air of luxurious refinement.

In the privacy of the sumptuously appointed bathrooms, custom-patterned lanterns crafted from metal and glass cast long shadows on the walls, with the flickering light evoking memories of the Saudi tradition of Bedouin-style living. Faceted surfaces are a motif found throughout the Hotel, from bespoke ironmongery to the bathroom fixtures and fittings, which are detailed with sparkling hexagonal crystal prisms.

Showcasing Heritage and Local Craftsmanship

Among the crowning glories of the stunning transformation will be the unique collection of locally-produced artwork that guests can enjoy throughout the property. Each piece has been sourced from within the Kingdom, creating an outstanding platform for emerging and established indigenous artists to showcase their work to a cultured audience of discerning international connoisseurs. As with all Four Seasons hotels and resorts across the world, the artwork on display forms an integral part of the overall design aesthetic.

Many of the pieces selected have been provided by Alwaleed Philanthropies, from large-scale sculptures to artworks hung on the walls, allowing the property to truly speak for the people who contributed so much not only to the design of the Hotel, but also to the heritage of the nation. It is this attention to detail that truly elevates the guest experience to the next level, offering unprecedented insights into local culture and creating the deep connection to place that seasoned travellers have come to associate with Four Seasons properties worldwide.

To make a booking, call +966 (11) 211-5000 or reserve online.