Hilton hits Saudi capital

  Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Granada Investment Centre for the first Hilton-branded property in Riyadh.

Scheduled to open in Q4 2013, the new-build Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will feature two towers: a 20-storey 480-room hotel tower and a 14-storey tower with 350 hotel apartments.

Hilton Worldwide president — global operations Ian Carter commented: “Our goal has always been to have a Hilton branded property in every capital city around the world, so we are delighted to have signed this management agreement with GOSI marking our Hilton entry into Riyadh.

“There is growing demand for hotel accommodation in the capital from the business and corporate travel segments, making Riyadh the perfect choice for us,” he added.

His Excellency Soliman Bin Saad Al-Humayyd, Governor of the General Organisation for Social Insurance, said the Kingdom wanted to work with “an internationally recognised hotel brand that matches our ambition to provide world-class hotel facilities and services to a growing city”.

“:Hilton was a natural first choice,” he continued. “We are delighted to be working together, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

The new property promises several food and beverage outlets, featuring all-day dining, specialty and destination restaurants, as well as two outdoor lounges.

The hotel will also feature comprehensive meetings facilities, including separate male and female ballrooms, a junior ballroom, eight meeting rooms, two boardrooms and a business centre.

Leisure and recreational facilities will include a spa and health club, with separate male and female areas and a swimming pool.