

Hotel Description
Welcome to Sands Inn Hostel, a unique boutique accommodation nestled in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Though it operates without a conventional star rating, this distinctive establishment offers an authentic hospitality experience that stands apart from standardized hotel chains. Located in the historic Um Al Siba’a area of Al Murabba district, the Sands Inn Hostel provides guests with an opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Riyadh’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. With an impressive guest rating of 8.2, this boutique hostel has established itself as a well-regarded accommodation option for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, cultural connection, and value in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic capital city.
The strategic location of Sands Inn Hostel at Um Al Siba’a, Al Murabba, places guests within convenient proximity to some of Riyadh’s most significant historic and cultural landmarks. The Al Murabba district is known for its connection to Saudi heritage, with the nearby Murabba Palace—King Abdulaziz’s former residence—offering insights into the kingdom’s rich history. The hostel’s position in central Riyadh (postal code 12612) means that visitors can easily access major attractions including the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower, the fascinating National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and the bustling Batha traditional market. For those interested in exploring Saudi culture, the nearby King Abdulaziz Historical Center provides an educational journey through the kingdom’s past, while contemporary entertainment and shopping options at Riyadh’s modern malls are just a short drive away. This exceptional location offers guests the perfect base from which to explore both the traditional and contemporary aspects of Riyadh’s evolving cityscape.
At Sands Inn Hostel, the focus is on providing an authentic, community-oriented experience that stands in contrast to more conventional hotel environments. The 8.2 rating awarded by previous guests speaks to the hostel’s success in delivering quality accommodations and service that exceeds expectations. While maintaining the approachable atmosphere of a hostel, the establishment’s boutique classification suggests attention to design elements and personalized touches that enhance the guest experience. Visitors can expect comfortable accommodations that reflect local design influences while offering modern conveniences essential for today’s travelers. The hostel likely serves as a meeting point for diverse international visitors, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and connection—a particularly valuable aspect for those seeking to understand Saudi Arabia beyond the typical tourist experience. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to connect with like-minded explorers, a budget-conscious visitor seeking quality accommodations without excessive luxury costs, or simply someone who appreciates the unique character of boutique establishments, Sands Inn Hostel offers a distinctive alternative to Riyadh’s conventional hotel scene. Its combination of favorable reviews, central location, and boutique charm makes it an appealing choice for travelers looking to experience the authentic pulse of Riyadh while enjoying comfortable, well-regarded accommodations.
Rooms
- Estimated price from: $24. Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
- Estimated price from: $25. Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
- Estimated price from: $28. Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
- Estimated price from: $31. Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
- Estimated price from: $31. Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
- Estimated price from: $36. Bed in Male Dormitory Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1


Reviews
Anwar from Iraq – 12 March 2025 (9/10)
The hostel has a good seating area, a small work area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining table. The rooms are comfortable, with a charging station on the bed, a small reading light, and a curtain to isolate yourself from others. There's a lockable closet for each person, a private bathroom, and a hairdryer. There's also a swimming pool, table tennis, and a small fitness area (a treadmill, a bodybuilding machine, and various weights). Overall, everything was excellent and good value for the money
What could be improved: No thingIbrahim from United Arab Emirates – 13 February 2025 (9/10)
Everything especially the perfect organizing of it
What could be improved: NothingSajjad_ali from Pakistan – 25 January 2025 (9/10)
Overall, its a good hostel. Rooms and bathrooms were in good condition. Perfect for solo travellers. Metro station is 5 minutes away. Super markets are also close by.
Rajeshri from United States – 22 January 2025 (8/10)
Social vibe was excellent, staff helpful, traditional decorations fabulous, large size of room and convenient location close to grocery store, metro and buses
What could be improved: NothingDamian from Poland – 20 January 2025 (9/10)
Very nice hostel in very good location in Riyadh. I’ve seen few comments regarding bad location which in my opinion is not true at all – now with opening of metro is very convenient to get there. Basically 10 minutes walking to metro station and also big supermarket. Hostel is very cozy and is maintain well. Beds are big and you have curtains also you have big locker where you can really pack a lot of your stuff. Of course plugs and lamp are in vicinity of your bed which is very convenient. You have also big common area with also big kitchen, additionally you have swimmingpool which I didn’t use but it’s cool idea to have it. I didn’t need any help but I’ve seen people working there are really nice and helpful with all your questions.
What could be improved: All was goodGhulam from Hungary – 20 January 2025 (9/10)
The host Osama was full of energy in both showing around the hostel which was clean, organized, and had facilties I did not expect (i.e., a pool and gym as well as a noise-isolated "party area" where you could, in Osama's words, "show your salsa moves"). The wifi was pretty good and they offered us tea as well as some sweets (which Osama said were Palestinian sweets).
The hostel also has some free sight-seeing trip. I would have loved to join them however I was in Riyadh for just a layover so I could not join them but surely the next time I visit Riyadh, I will be staying at this exact hostel again! Worth the price and more!!
What could be improved: Honestly, I do not really have anything that I did not like. It was lovely all the way through. No compaints!Mohammed from India – 28 December 2024 (9/10)
Osama hospitality
Ramon from United Kingdom – 5 November 2024 (7/10)
– Amazing staff
– Very clean
– there is a Privacy curtain for each bed
What could be improved: – The room door is always open and youre not given any keys or anything to lock the door, so anyone can have access to your room
– I didnt like the dining area, its just a very small table, and there are always people sat there with their feet out which puts you off your bed
– The location isnt good at all and also its far to main attractions
– If youre looking for a social hostel, this is not itHassan from United Arab Emirates – 18 September 2024 (9/10)
I stayed there for four days and nights; it was the best experience I had for a reasonable price. The rooms were clean with daily housekeeping, and there were separate areas for relaxing, working, and even some games for entertainment. It was also a great spot to meet people from different cultures. Overall, it’s a great place to stay
Balaji from India – 17 September 2024 (9/10)
Hygine and clean room and bathroom, common hall environment also nice to spend time in commonplace.
What could be improved: The location is not good, no good lighting facility near the hostel, scarry while you walk alone outside the room.
SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Riyadh Zoo: 5 km
- Salam Park: 5 km
- Masmak Fort: 4.8 km
- Al Wadi Park: 2.2 km
- Murabba Palace: 3.1 km
- Al Faisaliah Tower: 4.2 km
- King Abdullah Park: 3.9 km
- The National Museum: 2.5 km
- Saqr Aljazeera Aviation Museum: 15 km
- King Abdulaziz Historical Center: 2.2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar Caribou Cafe: 650 m
- Cafe/bar Cafe MrDainty: 400 m
- Cafe/bar Dunkin’ Donuts: 550 m
Public transport:
- Train M Almoraba: 1.2 km
- Train M Ministry of lnterior: 1.8 km
Closest airports:
- King Khalid International Airport: 34 km
Facilities
General:
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
Bathroom:
- Toilet
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
Services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Private check-in/check-out
- Tour desk
- Laundry
- Airport shuttle Additional charge
Activities:
- Cooking class Additional charge
- Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
- Themed dinner nights Additional charge
- Evening entertainment
- Entertainment staff
- Horse riding Additional charge Off-site
- Cycling Off-site
- Hiking
- Games room
Food & Drink:
- Coffee house on site
Languages spoken:
- Arabic
- English
- Spanish
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
Indoor swimming pool Free!:
- Opening times
- Open all year
- Adults only
Entertainment and family services:
- Board games/puzzles
Other for your stay:
- Shared kitchen


Rules
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 21:00
Check-out:
- Available 24 hours
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Guest reviews
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