"Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton does not do understatement. Resting on sprawling grounds just off the Diplomatic Quarter, it is a masterclass in grandeur: soaring arches, frescoed ceilings, and more marble than most museums. Inside, rooms are formal but plush, with Juliette balconies and views of manicured gardens. Azzurro, the Italian restaurant, overlooks the showpiece indoor pool. There’s even a bowling alley and a courtyard built around a 600-year-old olive tree. It feels sealed off from the city, but in the most deliberate, regal way." - Tablet Hotels