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Many people choose to relocate to Riyadh for its flourishing career opportunities under Vision 2030 and tax-free earning scope, along with its impeccable public safety and high quality of life. At the same time, the living costs in Riyadh are approximately 37% and 30% lower than Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. That’s not all; Riyadh also witnesses a huge influx of leisure and corporate travellers annually.
That’s where fully furnished serviced apartments in Riyadh are fast becoming preferred accommodation choices across categories. Their additional space, privacy and amenities make them value propositions for both short and long-stay travellers. However, as a first-timer, it can often seem confusing to navigate the entire serviced apartment landscape smoothly. Here is a guide that may be helpful.
Booking Serviced Apartments in Riyadh: What to Expect
As a first-timer, there are several aspects related to booking serviced apartments in Riyadh that assume more importance. Here is a closer look at the same.
- Budget Tiers
On average, first-timers can budget SAR 160-400 per night or about SAR 4,000 to SAR 7,000 monthly for the best studio apartments in Riyadh and other compact apartments (one-bedroom). Multi-room and bigger properties may cost around SAR 500-1,200+ per night with premium fittings and fixtures.
- Inclusions & Exclusions
Most apartments have convenient monthly or weekly packages that bundle maintenance, high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities and designated parking into the final rate. Exclusions may include room service meals and breakfast, heavy dry-cleaning or specialised laundry, extra guest linen changes/deep cleaning on demand and airport transfer/chauffeur facilities. Excessive utility usage over the pre-set monthly cap will also lead to additional costs.
- Standard Amenities
Some of the standard amenities available at serviced apartments in Riyadh include:
- Fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes to cook meals.
- Cookware, microwave, stovetop, refrigerator and other appliances.
- Routine housekeeping (weekly or bi-weekly).
- Access to shared/private fitness centres, swimming pools and sometimes on-site meeting rooms, lounges and cafes.
- Separate living and sleeping areas with powerful central air-conditioning and flat-screen televisions.
- High-speed Wi-Fi and sometimes tailored amenities like work desks.
- 24-hour security, concierge services and in-unit laundry.
- Configurations
First-timers may book the best studio apartments in Riyadh (ideal for solo travellers and professionals/students) to one, two, three and even four-bedroom apartments.
- Leases & Terms
Agreements can range from 30 days to 12 months, often managed through direct corporate agreements or digital platforms. Monthly rolling extensions are common, requiring 30 days’ notice, depending on the property platform/brand. Documentation includes a passport/visa copy along with local IDs for extended stays.
- Where & How to Book
Reputed brands like TheSqua.re have fully furnished serviced apartments in Riyadh across multiple locations. First-timers can choose from and compare verified listings based on pricing, amenities, connectivity and terms before completing the booking online. There may be more competitive rates for longer/extended stays.
Where to Stay in Serviced Apartments in Riyadh
There are several neighbourhoods where serviced apartments in Riyadh may be booked. Some of the top recommendations include:
- Al Olaya
Al Olaya is the commercial hub of Riyadh and a popular choice for corporates and expats.
Connectivity: Central location that is intersected by Olaya Street and King Fahd Road. There is direct connectivity to the Riyadh Metro network.
Average Rates: SAR 450-750 per night.
Nearby Landmarks: Kingdom Centre (Sky Bridge), King Fahd National Library and Al Faisaliah Tower.
Business Zones: King Fahd Road corporate offices and Olaya Business District.
Amenities: High-speed internet, 24-hour concierge, rooftop pools and immediate access to Tahlia Street fine dining.
- King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
The KAFD is a contemporary and high-tech neighbourhood that is ideal for banking and finance professionals, along with leisure guests looking for good connectivity.
Connectivity: Great highway connectivity through the Northern Ring Branch Road and a dedicated metro station along with pedestrian walkways.
Average Rates: SAR 600-950 per night.
Nearby Landmarks: KAFD wave towers, premium local cafes and the metro station designed by Zaha Hadid.
Business Zones: Directly in Saudi Arabia’s main banking and financial hub.
Amenities: Smart room technologies at residences, wellness spas, underground parking and high-end fitness centres.
- Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)
The Diplomatic Quarter is one of the greenest and most tranquil neighbourhoods in Riyadh.
Connectivity: Situated on the city’s western side with quick access to the highway and Wadi Hanifa. The King Khalid International Airport is approximately 35 minutes away.
Average Rates: SAR 550-850 per night.
Nearby Landmarks: Tuwaiq Palace, Al Yamamah Park and diplomatic embassies.
Business Zones: Offices of several international organisations and local administrative authorities.
Amenities: Walking trails, heavy security presence, quiet residential enclaves, community plazas and organic grocery stores.
- Al Malqa
It is a trendy neighbourhood in Riyadh that helps first-timers stay in proximity to major recreational zones.
Connectivity: Situated in northern Riyadh near the Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road and the King Salman Road.
Average Rates: SAR 380-650 per night.
Nearby Landmarks: Boulevard World, Boulevard City and Kingdom Arena.
Business Zones: Emerging commercial business strips and IT clusters in the north.
Amenities: Self check-ins at most apartment buildings with private parking. Trendy neighbourhood coffee shops are also available.
- Al Sulaimaniyah
Al Sulaimaniyah is a more culturally rich and balanced neighbourhood that is often preferred by first-timers.
Connectivity: Centrally located to the east of Olaya with access to ride-shares and taxis.
Average Rates: SAR 350-580 per night.
Nearby Landmarks: King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, traditional markets and Murabba Palace.
Business Zones: Central commercial offices and Malaz.
Amenities: Spacious and multi-bedroom residential apartments with great security, on-site laundry services, vibrant mini markets and popular local eateries.
Conclusion
First-timers should choose fully furnished serviced apartments in Riyadh carefully after looking at the key aspects outlined above. Also, booking in advance always helps in terms of getting better rates and higher availability. The neighbourhood choice should depend on the purpose of the stay and desired access to key business hubs, tourist landmarks, local amenities, etc. TheSqua.re is a good option for verified and spacious apartments in Riyadh that seamlessly combine home-like comfort and space with hotel-style services.
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