InterContinental Riyadh, an IHG Hotel

You know, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first walked into the InterContinental Riyadh, an IHG Hotel – honestly, the name alone doesn't give you much of a hint about its personality. But the moment you step through those doors, it hits you that this is one of those places that takes itself seriously in the best possible way. The lobby has this grand, almost regal feel without being stuffy about it, and I mean that in a good way. There's marble everywhere, but it's warm marble, not the cold corporate kind you see in some five-star places.

What really struck me was how they've managed to blend traditional Arabian hospitality with modern luxury – and I know that sounds like marketing speak, but bear with me here. The staff actually remembers your name after day one (which, let's be honest, doesn't happen everywhere), and the rooms are spacious in a way that makes you wonder why other hotels think cramming everything into 200 square feet is acceptable. The beds are ridiculously comfortable – I'm talking sink-in-and-disappear comfortable – and the bathrooms have those rain showers that actually work properly. You'll find yourself taking longer showers just because you can. The view from the upper floors is pretty spectacular too, especially if you get lucky with a room facing the city center where you can see Riyadh stretching out in all directions.

Here's the thing though – and this is something you only really notice after staying a few nights – the hotel sits in this interesting spot where you're close enough to the business district that you can walk to meetings, but far enough from the main traffic arteries that you actually get decent sleep. The restaurant situation is solid without being revolutionary; their Arabic coffee service in the afternoon is genuinely excellent, and the breakfast spread is one of those affairs where you'll probably eat too much every single day. Parking is straightforward, which might sound boring but trust me, in a city like this, easy parking is worth its weight in gold. The pool area gets busy around sunset – locals seem to know this is a good spot – so if you're looking for a quiet swim, early morning is your best bet. With a 7.7 rating, it's clearly not perfect for everyone, but honestly? Sometimes a hotel just clicks with you, and this one has that reliable, comfortable luxury thing down to a science.