Luxury Self-Check-In Oasis in Riyadh's Hidden Gem: Al-Malqa!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of a hotel review. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved fluff piece. This is the unvarnished, slightly-obsessive truth about . Let's get messy, shall we?
The Initial Impression (The Good, The Bad, and the "Wait, What?")
First off, I'm a sucker for a hotel that knows how to look appealing. And does, at least from the outside. Then, I had a nightmare of a time with the parking. Car park [on-site] – yeah, sure, but it was a labyrinth of tight turns and vaguely hostile signage. Valet parking? I would have gladly paid extra. But the free car park? Let's just say my parallel parking skills were severely tested, and even my trusty navigation app got confused.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Dude.
Okay, let's get real: accessibility is crucial. And while they list "Facilities for disabled guests," that's a vague statement. The Elevator was a godsend. I'd love if they could spell out exactly what that entails. This is a crucial area and one that needs more detail.
Internet: The Lifeline (Mostly, but…)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And thankfully, in the lobby, and around the outdoor pool. Because let's face it, in this day and age, digital connectivity is oxygen. Now, the speed. Let's just say I'm not sure the LAN was any quicker. I attempted some serious online gaming while I was there. The Wi-Fi held. Mostly. Did I miss a critical alert? Who knows. I felt guilty using the free Wi-Fi.
The Indulgent Stuff: Spa, Pool, and the Elusive "Relaxation."
Ah, the good life, right? I'm all about ways to relax. The pool with view was simply stunning. The sauna. Oh, the sauna! Steamroom! It was a haven. The Body scrub and Body wrap are a MUST. The spa experience at . I had a MASSAGE that deserves its own effusive paragraph. (Scroll down. I'm getting there). The gym/fitness center? Well, I saw it and made a mental note to "get around to it." A foot bath. YES. Okay, now I am ready to book again!
The Massage: An Experience That Transformed Me (Maybe Slightly)
Okay, so, the massage. I don't usually get massages. I'm awkward. I feel like I need to apologize for my existence. BUT THIS. This was different. The masseuse, a woman with the hands of an angel, worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I honestly think I levitated for a few moments. Afterwards, I stumbled out, a slightly bewildered, but undeniably more relaxed, version of myself. I wanted to hug everyone. (I restrained myself.) It was that good. It's worth the stay alone.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Perspective
Look, let's be honest, in these times, we're all a little germ-phobic. The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Room sanitization between stays" were HUGE pluses. It's a big deal to see all the hygiene certificates. The "Hand sanitizer" stations were everywhere, and I appreciated the "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items." The "Safe dining setup" was reassuring. I felt genuinely safe, which allowed me to, you know, actually enjoy myself. Also, the staff trained in safety protocol was on point. I love a place that takes these things seriously.
Food & Drink: The Culinary Adventure (With Some Hiccups)
The dining options are extensive. Now, the "Asian breakfast" was a revelation. The "A la carte in restaurant" was also excellent. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a feast, but not overly fussy. Yes, a "Coffee shop" was present. My biggest complaint? The poolside bar could use an extra smiling face or two. The coffee/tea was a welcomed break to the fun. I’d suggest an upgrade to the room service, though.
The Nitty Gritty: Services and Conveniences (The Good, The Overlooked, and the "Ugh, Really?")
Daily housekeeping was excellent, with no room for criticism. The concierge went the distance. Doormen. A nice touch. "Food delivery" (because who doesn't order in?) The "Cash withdrawal" machine was a godsend and a life saver. I wish more places provided facilities for disabled guests. Dry cleaning, laundry service, meeting/banquet facilities, safety deposit boxes, and a gift shop. All standard, all appreciated. The Xerox/fax in business center? A bit outdated, but hey, some people still need it. The "elevator" was greatly appreciated.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Or Maybe Just Tolerant?)
I don't have kids. But the "Babysitting service," "Kids facilities," and "Kids meal" options were, presumably, appreciated by those who do.
The Room Itself: My Personal Oasis?
The room? Ah, the room. It was spacious, clean, and well-appointed. Air conditioning? Check. Air conditioning in public area? Check. The blackout curtains were a LIFESAVER for sleeping in. The bathtub was deep and inviting. The "Complimentary tea" was a lovely touch, although I really would have preferred a "complimentary coffee." The "Mini bar" was well-stocked (and, yes, I indulged. I may not admit how much.) The "Laptop workspace" was convenient. The "Private bathroom" I didn't want to leave. The extra long bed was a godsend.
The Wrap-Up: Should You Stay?
Absolutely. Despite the slightly wonky parking and the occasional slow Wi-Fi, is a fantastic hotel. The staff is friendly, the amenities are plentiful, the spa will change your life (seriously), and the overall vibe is one of relaxed luxury. It's not perfect, but that's part of its charm.
My Persuasive Offer to You:
Escape to Paradise at ! Book your stay now and experience:
- The Massage of the Gods: Seriously. It's worth it alone.
- Unforgettable Dining: From Asian Breakfasts to international Cuisine, we've got your taste buds covered.
- Pamper Yourself: With our luxurious spa, stunning outdoor pool, and invigorating sauna/steamroom.
- Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, so you're always in touch (or not, if you prefer to disconnect!).
- Safe & Sound: We prioritize your well-being with rigorous cleaning and safety protocols.
- Unwind and Explore: A convenient location close to everything, plus a wide range of services to make your stay effortless.
Book your stay at today and discover your own personal paradise! Don't miss out on the escape you deserve. Consider your escape now!
Parisian Paradise: Hotel Brady's Unforgettable Charm
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn’t your average, perfectly-polished itinerary. This is my trip to Riyadh, starting with a self-entry hotel apartment in Al-Malqa. Let’s see if I survive this… and if I find the elusive perfect date palm smoothie everyone keeps raving about.
My Riyadh Rhapsody: A Messy, Magnificent Adventure (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in the Desert
14:00 (ish) - Arrival at King Khalid International Airport (RUH): Okay, first impression… damn, it's hot. Like, "melting mascara" hot. The immigration lines were surprisingly efficient, which is a win. Though, I did witness a guy trying to smuggle a whole box of dates through customs. Seriously? Dates are everywhere, buddy! Anyway, got my visa (thank god for the e-visa!) and am now staring down a potential hour long taxi ride to Al-Malqa. Breathe. Deep breaths.
15:00 (ish) – Taxi Trauma & Apartment Anxiety: Finally, in a slightly-too-small taxi. The driver, bless his heart, clearly doesn't believe in seatbelts. We're weaving through traffic like a caffeinated hummingbird. I’m pretty sure I saw a camel (or maybe I hallucinated it due to the heatstroke). Arrival at the self-entry apartment. Finding the entrance was fun. The key code did not work the first time. Or the second. Or the… you get the picture. Finally got it sorted, and now I’m staring at the apartment, which… well, it's clean. Let's hope the AC works, because the lobby downstairs is at least 35 degrees celsius.
16:00 - Apartment Inspection & Internet Panic: Okay, AC confirmed – glorious, icy air blasting! The apartment itself is… fine. Functional. Maybe a little too minimalist, bordering on sterile. I'm already missing my overly-cluttered apartment back home. The WiFi is a MUST, time to figure out how to connect.
18:00 - Dinner Search: A Culinary Quest (Probably Ending in Regret): Okay, I'm hungry and slightly disoriented. Google Maps says there are some restaurants nearby. Time to brave the streets and try to find some authentic Saudi food, or at least something edible. My hopes are sky-high for a delicious meal. Then again, i'm also prone to ordering the wrong thing. We'll see… wish me luck.
20:00 – Dinner Debacle/ Triumph: Well, I'm back. I ended up at a small Saudi restaurant, I had a dish that involved chicken and rice (I didn't recognise the name) and it was incredible. I think the locals really liked me, too.
21:00 – Bedtime: Sleep, I think.
Day 2: History, Coffee, and a Very Long Drive
09:00 - Attempted Coffee & Morning Meltdown: Okay, wake up, let's conquer the day, right? I'm craving a strong coffee, but apparently, self-catering means… self-catering. No espresso machine, no coffee maker. Just instant coffee and the faint smell of yesterday’s dust. This is how the travel diary begins, isn't it? Time to find some decent caffeine.
10:00 - Diriyah: The UNESCO Site & the Grand Canyon of… Dirt?!: Okay, historical stuff! I booked a driver (thank god for drivers) to take me to Diriyah, the UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive was long. I swear I saw the same sand dune three times, but the scenery in Diriyah was amazing. It felt like stepped back centuries. Also, I spent way too long taking photos of the intricate mud-brick architecture. I think my camera is now full.
13:00 - The Quest for Dates (Again!) and Lunch: Lunch at a traditional Najdi restaurant. Found some dates, which were amazing, also a delicious lamb dish. Dates are a staple here, and I'm starting to get the appeal.
14:00 - Drive & Reccesery After lunch, I spent some time driving around, the city is huge! The sheer scale of the place is something else, and, I think I like it.
19:00 - Dinner: I'm planning on trying something new and local tonight, and praying I can find the best shawarma on the planet.
21:00 - Reflecting (and hoping the AC doesn't conk out). Day two was a good one.
Day 3: Shopping, Souks, and Sensory Overload
09:00 - Breakfast Blues & the Search for Yogurt: The instant coffee situation is still dire. And I can’t find yogurt anywhere, so I'm starting to crave my usual routine and comfort foods. Today is a day for shopping, so I'm going to buy some things and see what I find.
10:00 - The Souk Experience (Or: Bargaining 101 – Fail!): Time for the Souk. This is the big one! I’m hoping to find some souvenirs, maybe some local crafts, you know, the usual tourist stuff. The smells! Incense, spices, dates, perfumes. It’s intense, in the best way possible. I attempted to bargain, which I’m terrible at. Ended up totally overpaying for a somewhat-tarnished silver bracelet. (Note to self: Learn Arabic numbers pronto).
13:00 - Lunch and Cooling Down: Found a tiny, hidden cafe in the souk. Had the most amazing falafel sandwich. And a mint lemonade that tasted like pure heaven. Needed that. Seriously. Needed it.
15:00 – Mall Madness: Going to see the modern side of Riyadh.
18:00 - Dinner and… more shopping? I'm thinking I might try a mall restaurant. Again, the food is something I can't predict – I'm just happy to eat new things.
Day 4: The Last Day (Already?!) & Farewell Feels
09:00 - Apartment Clean-Up & Regrets: Okay, I'm packing. The apartment is a bit of a disaster zone. Clothes everywhere, coffee cups overflowing. Self-entry, self-cleaning, apparently. I already miss the ease of a hotel room service.
10:00 - Final Saudi Coffee Hunt: This has become a quest. I NEED a good coffee before I leave. I'll find it! Or I'll die trying. Maybe there will be a perfect smoothie.
13:00 - Last Glance & Departure: Head straight to the airport.
17:00 - Home: Here!
Overall Thoughts (Probably Rambling):
Riyadh is… something. It's a city of contrasts, of heat, of beauty, of chaos, of incredible food, and of course, traffic. I can’t say whether I loved it or not. But I experienced it. And that’s what matters, right? It's definitely a place that sticks with you. I'm still not entirely sure if I tasted the perfect smoothie, and I think the best food was the unexpected stuff. I didn't get to do everything on my list (because, life!), but I did manage to open myself up to the chaos, the beauty, and the very strong coffee. Riyadh, you've been… interesting. And I'm already plotting my return, you can believe it
Escape to Paradise: Peroulis Villa, Zakynthos Island
Ugh, the existential dread starts with Question 1. Fine. I'm... me. That's the most honest (and terrifying) answer I can give you right now. A tangled ball of anxieties, questionable life choices, and a deeply ingrained love for pizza. I'm still figuring it all out, basically. Just like everyone else, only more dramatically probably. You know, that feeling when you're standing on a precipice of… everything? That's my usual state of being.
And, like, what even is a "me"? It’s a mishmash of things I've seen, things I’ve read (mostly Reddit threads, let's be real), experiences good, bad, and gloriously awkward. I'm trying to be better, most days. Some days are a complete dumpster fire, others… well, let's just say I've made a mean cup of coffee and considered leaving the house. So… progress?
Oh, the biggie. Okay, deep breaths. My biggest fear is… failing. Absolutely failing. The kind of failure that's so epic it gets its own Wikipedia page. Not just screwing up a day, which I've become quite adept at, but a grand, soul-crushing, cinematic failure. The thought of fading into obscurity, a footnote in someone else's story... It’s the kind of fear that makes my palms sweat even thinking about it.
Then there's the cat. Don't even get me started on the cat. He judges me. All the time. The way he looks at me after I burn toast.. the silent, condescending way he accepts food... It's a double whammy of fear and guilt. He makes me feel like a complete idiot, who doesn't deserve to thrive. And the more I try to do good to redeem myself, the more he looks at me, and looks around for more food from the neighbour. It's a vicious cycle
Oh, the mundane delights! This is where it gets sad, I suspect. I enjoy losing myself in a good book. Fantasy is my jam. Dragons, magic, the whole shebang. Escapism is a necessity, people! And the more I read, the less I want to do actual things. That's an issue.
Marathon-binge-watching terrible reality TV is another favorite. It’s… research, okay? I need to understand the human condition, even if it means enduring the abject vapidity of some of these shows. Besides, sometimes, you just need to turn your brain off and laugh at others' misfortune. Or, you know, just turn on the TV and think you are there. Also, pretending to be a chef while ordering takeout. It's a skill! I once made toast so epic… no wait, that was a disaster. Moving on.
Oh, and arguing with strangers on the internet. Just kidding… mostly. It’s good to sharpen the mind though. I also enjoy playing games, and reading, and seeing friends. Those are the good days. The days I don't want to just curl up into a ball and die. I guess living is fun too.
This is the single most important question. Okay, deep breath. Pepperoni, every damn time. Thinly sliced, crispy pepperoni. And a healthy dose of parmesan. Don't judge. It's a classic for a reason, a warm hug of deliciousness. It's the one constant in my chaotic life. A beautiful symbol.
Though I once tried pineapple… and regretted everything. The utter, unadulterated *horror*! The sweetness. The… the texture. It was a pineapple pizza, and, I swear, the pizza looked back at me, and shaming me with its pineapple-ness. Never. Again. It was a betrayal of everything that is sacred in this world.
Well, "crazy" is a relative term, isn't it? Like, by whose standards? I once tried to bake a cake from scratch. From. Scratch. A recipe from one of those fancy cookbooks that make it all look so easy. This… this was a disaster. A culinary Chernobyl. Flour everywhere (and I mean *everywhere*), smoke billowing from the oven, the cat, bless his judgmental soul, hiding under the sofa, and me… well, me trying to hold it together. It was a visual symphony of chaos! Let's just say it's a story I still tell, mostly to embarrass myself.
I also once tried running a marathon. Yes, the full, unadulterated 26.2 miles of masochism. The most I could do was a sad few miles. And it wasn't pretty. I was red-faced, gasping for air, and questioning all my life choices. The only thing I managed to achieve was a truly epic sense of failure. Still, at least I tried. You know. It's the thought that counts, right? (Narrator: It wasn't.)
