Alexander Blair, Al Faisaliah general manager.

The iconic luxury landmark of the Saudi capital city — Al Faisaliah Hotel — has announced the commencement of an unprecedented renovation that begins a new chapter in its 15-year heritage.

“Celebrating the 15th anniversary, we have embarked on a highly anticipated refurbishment, which will further strengthen our position as the Kingdom’s leading ultra-luxury hotel,” said Alexander Blair, hotel’s general manager.

Blair, who gave an overview of the operation and the facilities of Al Faisaliah Hotel in a special interview with Arab News, said that Global interior and architectural design firm HOK have created a world class design, which will transform the hotel’s 224 guest rooms and suites over the next 24 months following the refurbishment.

He also pointed out that Super Potato, internationally renowned interior designer of restaurants, will work their creative magic on the new all day dining restaurant, slated to open late 2016.

To this end, he applauded the support extended by Al-Khozama Management Company, led by its Chairman Prince Bander bin Saud bin Khalid.

Prince Bander has always been a source of inspiration and motivation because of his exceptional visionary leadership, his gesture of support and his untiring efforts to create a name and redefine luxury in the global hospitality industry, said Blair.

Referring to a range of programs lined up for hotel guests and the local community of Riyadh, Blair said that the hotel hosted the latest Globe Summit Series at the Globe Restaurant with a celebrated guest chef that ended on Saturday.

“Alex Thiel, a very talented Austrian Chef, and Chef Partner of Mercado Restaurant in Vienna; was the center of attraction for guests,” he added.

Replying to what makes Riyadh different from all the other locations he worked, the Al Faisaliah chief said it is fantastic to be back in such a dynamic environment and fast growing city.

“I first worked in Riyadh in 2005 and the growth in the last 10 years is incredible,” he observed.

He said Al Faisaliah is pioneering and innovative, and “our signature of providing Butler service to every guest is an unparalleled symbol of uncompromising, consistent luxury.”

He also pointed out that Al Faisaliah Suites which debuted in 2011 offers 106 bespoke suites in their own dedicated wing – the only all-suite hotel in Riyadh. To this end, he noted that there has never been a better time to experience and enjoy Al Faisaliah Suites — “our Suite Sensation promotion offers a further 20 percent off our best available rates.

Asked about the spa facility, Blair said that “last year we opened Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA, the first internationally branded luxury ladies spa in the Kingdom, which was recently crowned World’s Leading Female Spa at the World Spa Awards.”

A welcoming haven of exclusive facilities, extensive treatments and the latest fitness offerings, provided by consummate professionals ensures that AlFaisaliah Spa offers the ultimate spa experience to challenge international standards, he underlined.

The hotel is currently conducting a feasability study and working on plans for a comparable male spa.

In April this year, the hospitality division of Al-Khozama Management Company, which ranks as the leading Arabian hospitality company, assumed management of hotel.

“We are extremely proud and fortunate to be both owned and managed by a Saudi company,” said Blair — who earlier served in Al Faisaliah Hotel from 2005 to 2008.

“It is very much a homecoming and its like a dream come true to be given the opportunity to lead such an iconic hotel at such an existing time in its history,” he added.

He was also upbeat about the restaurants in the hotel offering a wide range of cuisine.

“We are recognized for the quality of our cuisine and service, our current restaurants include The Globe (Riyadh’s No 1 Restaurant in Trip Adviser), IL Terrazzo, La Cucina and Cristal, he underlined how important having restaurants and facilities that cater to the local community are to Al Faisaliah Hotel.

In addition to the new All Day Dining Restaurant, the hotel is currently busy in the planning stages of some exciting new concepts. On winning numerous hospitality awards in the past, he said: “We won seven national and regional awards at the World Travel Awards — Middle East recently.”

He added: “We were particularly honored that Prince Sultan bin Salman, SCTH president presented awards for ‘Best 5-Star Hotel’, ‘Best Hotel Spa’ and ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant — Hotel’ for the celebrated Globe Restaurant “at the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards he added.

Moreover, Al Faisaliah has been nominated as the “World’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel” at the upcoming World Travel Awards to be held in Morocco on Dec. 12.

He called on the local community and guests to vote for Al Faisaliah to enable it to win global honors in Morocco.

“This would not only be significant for Al Faisaliah Hotel but also for Saudi Arabian hospitality on the global stage,” said Blair.

Alexander Blair, Al Faisaliah general manager, speaks to Arab News in Riyadh.

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