Located in Diriyah, it’s the first of 40 hotels to open in the district.
Growing up as an expat in Saudi Arabia, there were very few chances to ever step into a traditional Saudi home. But those fort-like structures, with tall, sand-colored walls, intricate wooden doors, and tiny windows, always fascinated me from afar. Years later, when Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, opened its doors, it was finally time to explore it in all its glory.
Set in Diriyah, Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, stands where Saudi Arabia’s first state was founded in 1727. The hotel’s name, Bab Samhan, is borrowed from one of the area’s iconic gates, where the ruler, Imam Abdullah bin Saud, once drew up strategies to defend the city.
Even more impressive is its proximity to At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a reminder of the Kingdom’s roots. Walking around the district, you’ll sense history on all sides. Yet, Bab Samhan manages to strike that balance of honouring the past while still feeling like a modern luxury retreat. It’s the first of many hotels planned for the area, but it already sets a high bar for what heritage hospitality can look like.
From the outside, Bab Samhan blends seamlessly into its historic surroundings. If you weren’t told it’s a hotel, you might mistake it for one of the restored forts in Diriyah. Heavily influenced by Najdi architecture, it invites you to venture indoors, which feels like stepping back in time — but not in a bad way.
To the right is the check-in area, which is a celebration in itself. With traditional ghawa, dates, and much more, the staff ensures you’re taken care of from the moment you step in. It feels less like a formality and more like a cultural ritual.
To the left is the Wujar lobby lounge, styled like a cosy Arabian living room, immediately setting the tone for the hospitality ahead. Outside the lobby area, Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, comes alive. The earth-toned walls and the cooled courtyards, sheltered from the sun and sky, mimic the homes of old times. There’s a quietness here, even when the hotel is busy, as though the architecture itself has been designed to hush the outside world.
Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has 134 rooms and 23 suites. We checked into one of the suites, and it was instantly clear that this wasn’t a generic luxury hotel room — it was an ode to Saudi design.
Located on the ground floor, the suite opened with a full-length mirror framed in wood. The walls were beautifully coloured with a sandy hue and white artwork that’s quintessentially Saudi. One wall displayed framed Saudi architectural elements, including old wooden doors, historic motifs, and the ghutrah, a traditional Saudi hair accessory. The seating nook, featuring a coffee table and Najdi-patterned cushions in maroon, white, and black, sets the tone.
A spacious majlis-style area elevated the living area, seating up to six people on woven beige couches accented with Saudi patterns. A copper-gold coffee table sat atop a matching rug, tying it all together. Across from the sofa was a large TV, accompanied by a fully stocked minibar and a marble-top storage area featuring wooden doors and circular metal handles. Every corner whispers Saudi heritage without sacrificing modern comfort.
Two steps down, the suite transitioned into a bedroom. A console table and wardrobe continued the Najdi-inspired woodwork, and open wall areas showcased how traditional Saudi homes once displayed artefacts. The king-size bed, dressed in crisp white linens, was accented with cushions in regional patterns. Throughout the suite, the ceiling resembled palm fronds, adding a traditional desert-home touch to the space. Even the AC vents echoed traditional geometric shapes.
The ensuite bathroom followed the same theme with wooden doors leading to an enclosed rain shower, vanity area, and separate toilet – all seamlessly blending modern luxury with old-world charm.
Beyond accommodation and design, Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, immerses you in Saudi culture through food, too. The hotel is home to three dining concepts: Jareed, which celebrates Najdi cuisine, Madheef, an all-day dining concept, and Taleed by Chef Michael Mina.
And for those looking to unwind, The Spa is an absolute sanctuary. Inspired by the Sidr tree, treatments here combine ancient Arabian rituals with modern wellness techniques. From body wraps to guided meditation sessions, it’s the perfect place to escape. Bab Samhan also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a stunning indoor swimming pool, both of which are wrapped in the same architectural beauty that defines the rest of the property.
Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, serves as a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s soul. With its beautiful spaces, airy courtyards, delicious food, and massive space, it’s a destination on its own. And if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be welcomed into a Saudi home — albeit a very luxurious one — this is where it’s at.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.