Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip
This week, US President Donald Trump is embarking upon a Gulf visit, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. His first destination is the Saudi capital, where he is expected to stay at the The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh.
There are many reasons why the US president would favour The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh as his choice of stay during his official visit to Saudi Arabia. For starters, he would be a returning guest at the luxury resort, having stayed there during his first foreign trip as President in 2017.
Secondly – while it's not a must, as security and logistics often take precedence – US Presidents generally prefer to stay in American hotels on their trips. The Ritz-Carlton is owned by Marriott International, the largest hotel company in the world, with headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.
Its location, next to the Diplomatic Quarter, also makes it ideal for high-profile visitors.
History
Opened in 2011, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh was always intended to be a hotel for visiting dignitaries with the hotel saying it envisioned it "as a royal guest palace for visiting heads of state".
It's also the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Saudi Arabia.
Set on 21 hectares of land, the five-star property exudes old-world opulence. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens, including a courtyard with a 600-year-old olive tree flown in from Lebanon, a tree-lined driveway, parking space for more than 400 cars and a helipad.
Inside, the hotel boasts majestic suites and pastel-hued hallways awash with bronze statues and glittering chandeliers.
Location
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is in AlHada area next to the Diplomatic Quarter, an 800-hectare neighbourhood that houses many foreign embassies and several government departments. The hotel is also close to Al Yamamah Palace, the official residence of the King of Saudi Arabia.
And it is only a 35-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport.
Rooms
Guests can choose from 493 rooms, including one opulent Royal Suite, where President Trump is expected to stay.
The grand 418 sq m Royal Suite comprises separate living and seating areas. The huge dining area has a table that seats up to 14 people and an attached kitchen with all necessary features. There are also two bedrooms – one with a king bed and the second one with twin beds, each with their own ensuite bathrooms, as well as a fully furnished study.
Amenities
Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh can choose from three restaurants – the all-day dining buffet restaurant Al Orjouan, which serves an international menu; Chinese restaurant Hong; and Azzurro, which serves Italian food with a modern twist.
There's also the Chorisia Lounge – with an olive tree at the centre – which serves breakfast, as well as afternoon tea, and a cigar lounge called Turquoise.
A six-lane bowling alley is also available to book.
Other amenities include a fitness centre with a separate area for men and women, a heated indoor swimming pool and a spa offering a range of treatments, with separate facilities for men and women, including Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Rates
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh start at 1,568 Saudi riyals ($418) a night, with the Royal Suite starting at about 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,300) a night.
On May 5, The National tried to book a room for the week of Trump's visit, but the hotel was fully booked between May 10 and May 14.
