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Jeddah

Where to Stay

1. Shangri-La Jeddah

Forbes Five-Star

Rising 80 stories above the Corniche in a Perkins + Will tower, this Red Sea address channels superyacht elegance through sand-and-blue interiors and wraparound balconies framing the Formula 1 circuit below—race-view rooms vanish months ahead. Four restaurants span Cantonese dim sum at Shang Palace to Pacific plates at rooftop Kaia, while a hammam-equipped spa offers respite from the desert sun.

2. Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq

1 Michelin Key· Forbes Five-Star

Conceived by the architects behind Dubai's Burj Al Arab, this Red Sea palace limits itself to 46 suites—some spanning over 1,000 square meters with private gyms and dedicated butlers. A three-story Swarovski chandelier dominates the marble lobby, while 24-karat gold leaf and arabesque motifs define the interiors. Saudi Arabia's first women-only spa features AquaMed hydrotherapy, and two restaurants—Mataam Al Sharq and Aromi—serve regional and Venetian cuisine on Versace porcelain.

3. Rixos Obhur Jeddah Resort & Villas

Jeddah's first luxury all-inclusive resort commands a prime stretch of the Obhur coast, its 250 rooms and villas facing the Red Sea with direct beach access. The property runs at full throttle: a spa with sauna and jacuzzi, multiple restaurants, nightly live entertainment, and one of the region's most energetic kids' clubs. Families seeking a self-contained escape where every generation stays occupied will find their formula here.

4. Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah

Forbes Five-Star

Over 2,000 works by Saudi artists line the corridors of this 304-room property on Al Tahlia Street, making it the Kingdom's sole hotel-cum-gallery. Rooms pair handwoven rugs with marble bathrooms and freestanding tubs, while the 20th-floor pool delivers sweeping city views. Separate spa and gym facilities cater to male and female guests; Pampas serves Argentine beef in a refined setting.

5. The Jeddah EDITION

Forbes Five-Star

Sleek as a superyacht moored along the Corniche, this 63-room hotel channels maritime glamour through Yabu Pushelberg's sand-toned interiors and a lobby crowned by Vincent Leroy's glowing orange sculpture beneath 40-foot ceilings. Red Sea panoramas extend from nearly every room—some overlooking the Grand Prix circuit. Chef Cédric Vongerichten's Maritime delivers French-Asian seafood, while the fourth-floor pool and intimate Natura Bissé spa complete a polished urban retreat.

6. The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah

Forbes Five-Star

A former royal guesthouse on the Corniche, this palatial address commands views of the Red Sea and King Fahd's Fountain through a theatrical interior of Moorish arches, Corinthian columns, and Murano chandeliers. Royal Suites feature marble floors and private terraces with majlis seating. The gentlemen-only spa incorporates indigenous Taif Rose, while Reyhana restaurant serves Saudi staples like ma'soub alongside Thursday street food nights.

7. Rosewood Jeddah

Forbes Five-Star

Rising along Jeddah's Corniche, this 127-room property delivers butler service around the clock to every guest. The two-floor Royal Suite crowns the 18th and 19th levels with a private cinema and Jacuzzi facing the Red Sea. Dinner at Al Malaki Lounge Terrace, perched on the 21st floor, pairs lobster bisque and sea bass with sweeping waterfront panoramas, while Soleil draws afternoon visitors for sunset tea service.

8. Jeddah Marriott Hotel Madinah Road

Positioned near Jeddah's airport and commercial corridors, this 274-room property serves business travelers and transit guests with equal efficiency. Spacious rooms follow a contemporary muted palette, while The Olive Tree restaurant extends onto a poolside terrace for grilled dishes under open sky. A spa and fitness center round out the amenities, delivering functional comfort without pretense for those prioritizing location and reliability.

9. SHIRVAN Hotel City Yard Jeddah

Within City Yard, Al Rawdah's polished mixed-use development, SHIRVAN delivers a residential sensibility across 114 rooms and suites—interiors feel genuinely lived-in, layered with textural warmth rather than sterile minimalism. An indoor pool and sauna provide retreat from Jeddah's heat, while multiple on-site restaurants and cafés eliminate the need to leave the compound. Ideal for extended stays or business travelers seeking domestic comfort over conventional hotel formality.

10. Park Hyatt Jeddah

A rare low-rise interpretation of the Park Hyatt brand, this South Corniche property stretches along the waterfront where private yachts bob at the piers. The architecture speaks fluent Jeddah—local design codes rendered in contemporary elegance. Two separate spas serve men and women, complete with hammam and sauna. Red Sea views fill most of the 142 rooms, while proximity to Mecca draws pilgrimage travelers seeking refined respite.

Where to Eat

1. Kuuru

Michelin Selected

Tucked into the curved flank of Leylati's domed pavilion, Kuuru brings Nikkei cuisine to Jeddah with theatrical flair. Guests claim seats at a sweeping wooden counter to watch sushi chefs execute precise Japanese techniques on Peruvian-inflected plates. The sharing-format menu runs from tempura-light crunchy shrimps to rich Wagyu sliders, while an inventive mocktail bar anchors the moody, atmosphere-rich room.

2. Maritime

Michelin Selected

Cédric Vongerichten, carrying forward his father Jean-Georges's culinary legacy, commands the kitchen at this sleek dining room within The Jeddah EDITION. The menu bridges French technique with Asian inflections—crispy spring rolls with pepper sauce, local seabass paired with tomato. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Jeddah Yacht Club, while the terrace offers front-row seats to the marina's gentle theatre.

3. Myazū

Michelin Selected

Counter seats face the sushi chefs at this spacious Japanese address on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Road, where freshly sliced nigiri arrives moments after preparation. The robata grill turns out Wagyu kushi skewers with proper char, while the tempura section delivers crowd-pleasing popcorn shrimp. Chicken gyozas have earned a devoted following. A patio extends the dining room for those preferring open air.

4. Rasoi By Vineet

Michelin Selected

Bright interiors and jewel-toned booths set the stage for Chef Vineet Bhatia's regional Indian cooking at this Mövenpick Hotel address. The kitchen earns a Michelin Plate for dishes like the signature Malai lobster—tender, gently spiced, rich with cream—while saffron rasmalai provides a fragrant finish. An attentive team guides diners through a menu that rewards exploration of lesser-known regional preparations.

5. Fish Market

Michelin Selected

Red Sea catch arrives daily at this InterContinental dining room, where guests select their fish or shellfish from an iced display before choosing between grilled or fried preparation. A generous salad bar and velvety fish soup precede the main course, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Jeddah Corniche and King Fahd's Fountain—the world's tallest water jet creating a dramatic backdrop for the meal's finale of caramelized crème brûlée.

6. Karamna

Michelin Selected

Superyachts bob outside the windows at this modern Lebanese table within the Jeddah Yacht Club, where guests can opt for terrace seating or dinner aboard a moored boat. The kitchen turns out generous platters of grilled meats and crisp salads, though the real discoveries lie in the mezze—particularly a striking beetroot moutabbal—and the flaky, honey-soaked baklava that closes the meal.

7. Niyyali

Michelin Selected

Red Sea panoramas unfold from the sprawling terrace of this Lebanese restaurant within the Shangri-La Jeddah. Inside, a traditional domed oven anchors the room, turning out kebabs with deeply satisfying char and spice. The extensive menu balances time-honored preparations with contemporary reworkings, while private cabins offer seclusion for longer feasts. Bespoke mocktails complete an evening of Middle Eastern hospitality at scale.

8. Toki

Michelin Selected

Art deco interiors channeling 1930s Shanghai set the stage at Toki, where soft lighting and a buzzing soundtrack create an unmistakably sultry atmosphere. The kitchen navigates both Peking and Cantonese traditions with confidence, presenting roast duck alongside refined dim sum. A dedicated mocktail bar adds flair to evenings, making this Michelin-recognized address particularly suited to romantic dinners in Jeddah.

9. Yaza

Michelin Selected

Fresh dates and gahwa greet arrivals at this contemporary Saudi table, where tradition meets modern technique through Josper-grilled shellfish and heritage recipes. The roasted prawns arrive with bright mint sauce, while lamb slow-cooked with Hijazi debyaza—a fruity, aromatic preparation—comes alongside warm bread. A reimagined Om Ali provides the signature finish, honoring Saudi culinary heritage through a distinctly current lens.

10. The Lucky Llama

Bib Gourmand

Chef-owner Nihal Felemban channels her globetrotting experiences into this Bib Gourmand-awarded Nikkei address in Al Mohammadiyyah. The dining room pairs golden Kintsugi ceramics with Peruvian woven basket pendants overhead, a fitting backdrop for plates that hopscotch between Lima and Tokyo. The TNT shrimp delivers heat and crunch, while silky salmon tiradito showcases the kitchen's deft hand with raw fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main neighborhoods for hotels in Jeddah?

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The northern Corniche hosts most international hotel brands, with waterfront properties offering Red Sea views. Tahlia Street serves as the commercial and retail center, with several business-oriented properties nearby. For heritage atmosphere, a handful of boutique hotels have opened in restored Al-Balad buildings, placing guests within walking distance of the old souks and historic mosques.

When is the best time to visit Jeddah?

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November through March brings milder temperatures averaging 25-30°C, making outdoor exploration of Al-Balad and the Corniche comfortable. Summer months see intense heat exceeding 40°C, though the sea moderates coastal areas somewhat. Ramadan transforms the city's rhythm — evening meals become social occasions, but daytime dining options are limited. The Jeddah Season festival, typically held in summer, brings concerts, events, and extended activity despite the heat.

What local dishes should visitors try in Jeddah?

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Saleeg — rice slow-cooked in milk and chicken broth until creamy — originated in the Hijaz region. Mandi features lamb or chicken roasted in underground clay ovens, served over spiced rice. Breakfast often means ful medames (stewed fava beans) with fresh flatbread. The Red Sea provides hammour, najil, and other reef fish, typically grilled simply with cumin and lime. For street food, seek out sambousek pastries and the syrup-soaked pastries of neighborhood bakeries.