Al Musmak Fortress

The hotel stay was OK but I was disappointed because there is misleading information provided at the Expedia web site at the time the reservation is made. The fare announced includes the options of Wifi (no extra charge), Full breakfast, and Full breakfast + Wifi. I selected the third option assuming that an extra charge of $ 33 dollars per day would provide me high connectivity. To my surprise, when I arrived at the hotel, I was told that WiFi is complimentary (as it usually happens in today's world in hotels) and that there is no option of better quality of internet. In other words, for two nights I was charged extra $66 dollars for a service not provided. I tried to resolve the matter with both Expedia and the hotel management, In the case of Expedia a credit equivalent to $25 was awarded, but at the hotel, despite efforts in contacting the management, no response was provided. Staff from the front desk were helpful and professional, especially Mohammed and Mucqbe, but they were unable to resolve the problem. It is not a matter of the extra charge, but more importantly, about the misleading information at the Reservation sites, and about responsiveness of the management of the hotel.

The location is miles away from any other amenities, situated as it is in the middle of the desert outside of Riyadh. However, it would be excellent for a family with children as they have a huge kid-friendly pool and kids club. I really enjoyed the restaurant which allows a choice between buffet-style eating or a la carte. The latter offered some excellent quality food. My room was vast (I had a suite) and it came with a large balcony. The one facility located next door is the “Bestival” concert venue. So if you are going along, this is an excellent choice to stay close by.