Saudi Arabia has launched a trio of revitalized heritage hotels in Jeddah, as part of the Jeddah Historic District Program’s initiative to preserve local cultural heritage and restore historic buildings into hotels.
Jeddah Historic District has opened the first three hotels in the old town of Al Balad in Saudi Arabia’s western coastline, which were restored under the patronage of the country’s Ministry of Culture and Al Balad Development Co., which is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund.
The hotels — Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan — have been restored with the help of historians and the knowledge of locals. All the properties are more than a hundred years old, with Beit Jokhdar over 140 years.
Opened earlier this month, the three properties obtained a UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2014. Restoration work began in 2021, with the hotels taking varying amounts of time to complete the process.
In order to utilize local talent and resources, the restoration was done by local architects, carpenters and artists using locally sourced products. While on one hand the hotels have incorporate modern touches to ensure guest satisfaction, the properties have also retained their original design and layout and several features, such as the coral stone used in all three hotels and traditional building materials.
BEIT JOKHDAR
The hotel offers nine rooms and suites, including the royal suite, Dar Neem Suite and deluxe suite. Designed to offer a peaceful environment amid the busy lanes of Al Balad, the luxury hotel has a roof terrace with views of the historic city center.
BEIT AL RAYESS
Featuring grand high ceilings, the restored hotel has six rooms and suites. Aligning with its surroundings, the heritage property offers modern amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.
BEIT KEDWAN
Blending heritage and contemporary, Beit Kedwan comprises two rooms with multiple living areas featuring traditional Arabic design. Guests can access a rooftop terrace, which has an enclosed space with skyline views.
These hotels represent 17 keys of a wider restoration plan, with 165 more keys to open across 34 heritage properties by 2027. Four heritage properties are set to open later this year.
Managed by Al Balad Hospitality, the hotels offer a slice of Jeddah’s rich cultural legacy while providing a modern experience. Each hotel has separate menus for lunch and breakfast at one centralized restaurant for all three properties.